20 Attractions to Explore Near Okefenokee Swamp Park

Okefenokee Swamp Park is a natural and cultural treasure worth discovering. Popular activities include bird watching, camping, boating, hiking, and guided tours of the swamp on electric pontoon boats. Uninhabited islands dot the area and are home to a great variety of animal life such as alligators and leatherback turtles. The park also offers an amazing array of boat rentals such as canoes, kayaks, jon boats and hydrobikes for those wanting to explore both land and water.

Obediah's Okefenok is a unique and interesting location filled with stories of the Civil War. It is home to the Obediah’s Okefenok Confederate Cemetery, where many Georgia soldiers are buried, as well as the James H. Shuman House, which was built around 1900. Visitors can take walking tours of the area and stop by the few buildings still standing, including an old commissary from the pre-Civil War era.

Laura S. Walker State Park, is a nature lover’s paradise. From fishing and kayaking to hiking, biking, and camping – you can find plenty of activities to recreate. For birdwatchers, the park hosts nearly 350 different species that stop to play on their way between nesting seasons. There's also an impressive water playground for children featuring slides and a large stone fountain! Beautiful trails make for perfect forest walks, with the abundant wildlife.

Floyds Island, is an undisturbed, secluded barrier island that has remained unchanged for decades. The island is home to a variety of wildlife including raccoons, sea turtles, and egrets. There are also various species of birds such as pelicans, ibises, and herons. Floyds Island offers several activities for visitors; fishing in the marshland or off the beach is popular, while nature enthusiasts can explore the rich marshlands or take a leisurely hike along its sandy shoreline.

The Okefenokee Wilderness, is known as one of the largest and most pristine wetlands in North America. Spanning over 400,000 acres of prairies and forests, it harbors a variety of wildlife species within its borders. It's also home to hundreds of species of trees, plants and wildflowers which make the serene landscape come alive during spring and summer months. Additionally It is composed of 900 lakes and vistas of peaceful salt marshes that stretch for miles along the shorelines.

Stephen C Foster State Park is a beautiful outdoor spot that offers a range of recreational activities, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and canoeing. Visitors can see some amazing native wildlife as they explore the Okefenokee Swamp, which is made up of amazing blackwater lake basins and cypress swamps. Campers can take advantage of shops, services and amenities such as picnic shelters and pavilions, playgrounds, restroom facilities, game courts and much more.

This park features nearly 1,000 acres of natural beauty with many activities to take part in. There are miles of hiking trails which lead to wonderful overlooks, and kayaking opportunities on 28 miles of scenic waterways. The Lake Laura facility offers swimming opportunities for guests with docks for small boats and a fishing pier where visitors can fish for bass and other types of fish native to the area. Additionally, there are picnic shelters, playgrounds and even a pet beach.

Folkston, is a charming hilltop city, which is home to nearly 3,200 people and affords them the perfect balance between rural and suburban life. Downtown Folkston offers its citizens traditional small-town amenities like old-fashioned mom-and-pop stores and cozy eateries along with all the necessary services of a larger town. Neighboring areas provide many outdoor recreation options like biking and hiking through the nearby state park or beach activities at Kingsland on the St. Mary's River.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a magical paradise where nature thrives and visitors can spot wild animals ranging from alligators to turtles to 218 species of birds. Here, visitors can explore the swamp on canoes, kayaks and boats as they take in the breathtaking views offered. The refuge offers six maintained trails for biking or hiking that allow guests to get up close and personal with nature's wonders.

Okefenokee Adventures is the perfect way to explore this stunning region of the United States. Nestled between swamps, rivers and forests, it provides visitors with a diverse range of activities to enjoy. From canoeing on its serene waterways, getting close up views of wildlife in the surrounding wetlands or learning about local history at the ‘Swamp Park’, this destination offers something for all tastes.

Chesser Island, is an untouched paradise in the heart of southeastern coastal life. Boasting crystal-clear waters and sugar-white beaches brimming with wildlife, it's become one of the state's most sought-after vacation destinations. After arriving in Chesser Island visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, boating and kayaking or simply relax on its exquisite beaches. The island also offers nature trails for keen hikers and bird watchers to explore.

Okefenokee Swamp is something to behold. Encompassing over 400,000 acres of land, the swamp has earned a reputation as one of the most pristine and remarkable ecosystems in the United States. Featuring cypress trees, native wildlife and a wide variety of plants, it has been designated by Congress as a National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing and boating are popular activities that many visitors partake in. It is also home to an array of migrating birds each year.

Satilla River Waterfront Park offers breathtaking views with over 730 acres of land surrounded by the Satilla River. It is the perfect spot to enjoy nature and relax; visitors can soak up the sun at one of the many picnic spots, take a leisurely stroll along the trails, or reach out to the wildlife. With 13 boat ramps located throughout, anglers or boaters can navigate through the river or creek for their desired catch. For those who love camping and hiking, there are 2 campgrounds.

St. Marys Railroad Express, is an incredible organization that has been around for over 165 years. It began as a school-sponsored program in 1854 and has since lent itself to be a key feature of the local economy in the town of St. Marys. Initially, the express ran along 19 miles of rail lines to supply goods such as lumber and naval stores between St. Marys and Darien, Georgia as well as hauling passengers until 1959 when passenger service was discontinued.

General Coffee State Park offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle life. The park features more than 1,200 acres of incredible diversity including lovely sandhills, stunning pines, dense hardwoods, and impressive wetlands. Visitors can marvel at the beauty of the park during the day while participating in exciting recreational activities such as swimming in the lake, fishing, or even bird watching. At night, guests can enjoy camping or simply relax and take in star-filled skies.

Blythe Island is known for its spectacular beaches and impressive marshlands, with maritime forests that spread across it and attract a plethora of different species of birds. In addition, visitors can explore an array of nature trails and boardwalks, which are great for admiring the scenery and taking in the beauty of local wildlife. Blythe Island also offers plenty of recreational activities like fishing, golfing, kayaking and jet-skiing at its breathtaking state parks.

Blythe Island Regional Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination. From a challenging ropes course to a picturesque nature trail with local wildlife, there is something for everyone at this sprawling park. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy water activities at the boat ramp or soak up some sun on one of the beaches. Fishing and kayaking can also be done here, so come prepared with all the necessary gear if you plan to take full advantage of this serene landscape.

McIntosh Sugarmill Park, is a beautiful outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by lush foliage, the park offers peaceful nature trails weaving through the surrounding maritime forest and freshwater streams connected to the nearby Satilla River. As one of Georgia's 3-Star Parks, McIntosh Sugarmill Park’s amenities include picnicking facilities, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, sporting fields and courts, a dog park, playgrounds, an amphitheater and more.

John Houstoun McIntosh Sugarhouse was built in 1855 by General John Houstoun MacIntosh and his family, a successful family of planters. The two-story building is substantial in size and has a beautiful white portico that welcomes visitors as they arrive. Inside the main house is filled with authentic furnishings that give it that old plantation feel and it houses artifacts from the era. Outback lies acres of cotton fields, where the genus grew one of the most profitable crops of its day.

Crooked River State Park is a great place for visitors to explore. Nature lovers can find plenty of activities ranging from hiking trails through lush forests to kayaking along the impressive marshlands. There are also several picnic spots located throughout the park and a fishing dock so visitors can take in some breathtaking sunset views over the river. The campgrounds are a great option for those looking to spend extended time here but there are also convenient cabins available.