Okefenokee Swamp Park

Founded in 1946, Okefenokee Swamp Park Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit

Originally formed more than 6,500 years ago, the Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater wetland in North America and one of the most well-conserved and intact freshwater ecosystems in the world —a wild, awe-inspiring place where blackwater flows and biodiversity thrives.

As the nonprofit partner of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the State of Georgia, Okefenokee Swamp Park (OSP) is on the front lines of conservation and education—welcoming thousands of visitors to Waycross and Folkston each year for immersive, hands-on experiences in the swamp’s unmatched natural setting.

Okefenokee Swamp Park (OSP) first opened its doors in 1946 at the northern entrance of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and has since welcomed millions of visitors from around the world. Lily-decked water trails shimmer with reflections of cypress trees and Spanish moss, guiding guests through a wilderness rich in history, biodiversity, and scenic beauty. This nearly half-million-acre blackwater swamp, recognized as a Wetland of International Importance and nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is more than a destination. It is an immersion into the ancient past, a living classroom, and a sanctuary for rare wildlife.

MISSION

The Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc. is dedicated to fostering a deep connection with nature and conserving its ecological health through stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation in and around the Okefenokee.  

VISION

To provide Okefenokee Swamp access and interpretive education that advances conservation and rural prosperity for the region.