FOLKSTON, GEORGIA – The US Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the modification of operations at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s Main Entrance, effective Tuesday March 24, 2020. The modifications to operations is supported by the onsite concession, Okefenokee Adventures. Hours of operation of the Main Entrance (Suwannee Canal Recreation Area) will be reduced to Tuesday – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on Monday). On days when the refuge is open, Okefenokee Adventures will offer a “take out” lunch service from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Visitors can order lunch by calling 912-496-7156 or at the counter inside Okefenokee Adventures. No other services will be provided by Okefenokee Adventures during this time. The Swamp Island Drive, hiking trails, Chesser Island Homestead, Chesser Island Boardwalk, and water trails (day use only) are open for visitors to provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Please visit refuge information kiosks or brochure boxes for visitor information and refuge maps. All overnight camping permits are being cancelled and refunded and new permit reservations are not being made at this time. The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is closed until further notice.
Contact Okefenokee Swamp Park at 912-283-0583 and Stephen C. Foster State Park at 912-637-5274 for information on their hours and services provided.
The health and safety of our visitors and employees at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is our number one priority. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time. We will notify the public when we resume operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.
We urge our visitors to do their part when visiting Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and to follow
CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
