An official website of the State of Georgia.
Recent rain and high humidity in the Okefenokee Swamp will allow officials to re-open Stephen C. Foster State Park near Fargo tomorrow.
While the West Mims wildfire is still active, it is contained in areas around visitors. The Suwannee River Sill and The Pocket portions of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge will also open.
Extremely low water levels mean that boating is not available at this time, and boardwalks and trails remain closed due to fire suppression equipment across the trails. Guests can enjoy watching for wildlife, such as alligators, black bear, deer, turkey and woodpeckers. The park’s exceptionally dark skies make it a popular destination for astronomy as well. Picnickers are welcome, but all campfires and charcoal grills are temporarily banned throughout the refuge. Limited fishing is allowed in the park’s boat basin.
Stephen C. Foster State Park is the western entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the largest intact freshwater wetland in North America and the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the East. The state park has been closed since April 21 as a safety precaution and to house firefighters. No park structures have been damaged during the West Mims Fire.
To learn more, visit GaStateParks.org/StephenCFoster or call 912-637-5274. Cabin and camping reservations may be made online or by calling 1-800-864-7275.
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