State: Georgia
Address 1: 17515 Hwy. 177
City: Fargo
Zip: 31631
Phone: 912-637-5274
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 66
About: Named after songwriter Stephen Foster, this remote park is a primary entrance to the famed Okefenokee Swamp and is one of the most intriguing areas in Georgia. Moss-laced cypress trees reflect off the black swamp waters, providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors can look for alligators, turtles, raccoon, black bear, deer, birds and numerous other creatures while on the parks elevated boardwalk trail or on a guided pontoon boat trip. More adventurous visitors may wish to rent motorized boats, canoes or kayaks for further exploration of the swamp, including a trip to historic Billys Island. Because the park is located within a National Wildlife Refuge, gate lock at closing and a $5 refuge fee is charged.
At the Suwannee River Visitor Center in Fargo, visitors learn not only about alligators and cypress trees, but also how buildings can be made from recycled car parts and plastics. Located off Hwy. 441 at the Suwannee River bridge, the center mixes environmental education with engineering showmanship. Inside, visitors learn that tannic acid produced by decaying vegetation is what gives the river its tea color, and that unlike other reptiles, mother alligators actively care for their babies. A third of the building materials was made from recycled content, including decking made from plastics, insulation made from newspaper, and a retaining wall made from old dashboards and electrical cables.
Amenities:
80 Acres
64 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites cable TV hookups, some areas closed for the season
9 Cottages — #5 is dog friendly
3 Picnic Shelters
Pioneer Campground
Interpretive Center/Museum
1.5-Mile Trembling Earth Nature Trail
1.5-Mile Pine Upland Nature Trail
25 Miles of Day-Use Waterways
Suwannee River Visitor Center
GeoCaching
Canoe, Kayak and Fishing Boat Rental
Guided Pontoon Boat Tours
Boating ramp, 10 horsepower limit
Fishing
Birding
Directions: Located 18 miles northeast of Fargo at the end of Ga. Hwy. 177. Note that GPS directions are often not accurate; consult a highway map.