What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 10pm Tuesday 7am - 10pm Wednesday 7am - 10pm Thursday 7am - 10pm Friday 7am - 10pm Saturday 7am - 10pm Sunday 7am - 10pm

Stephen C. Foster State Park

Home
United States
Fargo, GA
Stephen C. Foster State Park

Stephen C. Foster State Park is the west entrance into the Okefenokee Swamp. The park offers visitors several ways to explore the swamp's unique ecosystem.

We offer camping, boating, biking, hiking trails, fishing, and a great opportunity for wildlife viewing. Foster State Park is an 80-acre (32 ha) state park located inside the Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife Refuge. Activities at the state park include canoe and fishing boat rentals, guided boat tours, boating (ramp, 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) limit), fishing, and birdwatching. Located in Fargo, the park's

Suwannee River Visitor Center features exhibits about the animals, plants and ecosystem of the Okefenokee Swamp and other environmental topics. TERMS OF USE: We appreciate hearing from our community. Comments and photos of Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites are welcome. Moderation of comments is governed by Board of Natural Resources Rule 391-1-10. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources may remove comments not related to the topic of the social media post. Additionally, the Department may delete comments that contain profanity. A comment will not be edited or modified to remove unacceptable content. If a portion of the comment violates Rule 391-1-10, then the entire comment will be deleted.

05/30/2026

May 29th is National Alligator Day!

A day to celebrate the amazing alligator. From its prehistoric origins, to its conservation success story, and its current flourishing in the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge with a population estimated between 14,000 to 16,000.

So please forgive the late post and enjoy these photos of alligators on a log :)

05/27/2026

On May 27th 1937 CCC Unit 1433 arrived at Camp Cornelia to begin their work in the Okefenokee Swamp. For the next 4 years they cleared debris from the canal and water trails, constructed buildings and shelters, roads and fire breaks, ran power lines and dug wells, and laid the foundations for public access to and enjoyment of the swamp that we benefit from to this day.

The Civilian Conservation Corp. was one of the most popular programs of the New Deal. From 1933 to 1942 it provided 3 million young men, aged 17 to 28, with work, wages to send home, housing, and three meals a day and in return they did much of the essential work that went into establishing our National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, and more. Their work was often backbreaking, building roads by hand and replanting up to 3.5 billion trees across the country.

The men of Company 1433 who worked in the Okefenokee were an all African-American Unit. Company1433 is working to uncover more of the history and stories of these patriotic men who helped build the Refuge.

05/25/2026

UPDATE:
The fire has been contained to 95 acres thanks to the hard work of fire crews. Mop up work continues and Billy's Island is still off limits to visitors at this time.

However water access to Billy's Lake and day-use water trails is now restored. Canoes and Kayaks are again able to launch and available to rent.

NOTICE:
There is currently a small fire on Billy's Island. During this time there will be no canoe or kayak rentals and no private boats permitted on the water, so that firefighting crews have unimpeded access. We greatly appreciate their efforts on our behalf and your understanding.

The park is currently open and we have seen minimal smoke. However, if you have a current or upcoming reservation and would like to transfer, reschedule, or cancel please call us at the trading post and we will be happy to assist you.

05/16/2026

The Okefenokee Swamp has many sides. It is vast wetland prairies as well as dense cypress forests. It is wide open waters and sandy islands of pine and oak. No one habitat can capture the variety of life and experiences to be found here.

But perhaps nowhere captures the idea of the swamp, it's peaceful dark waters and towering trees, winding waterways with alligators, birds, and flowers around every corner, so well as a paddle up Minnie's Run. Even in the heat of summer there is often cool to be found underneath the canopy. It's slow current flows into Billy's Lake and becomes the start of the Suwannee river. If you want to see the heart of the Okefenokee, Minnie's Run is a great place to start.

05/11/2026

It's always a great time to birdwatch in the Okefenokee. With 234 species to be found depending on migration, you never know what wonderful sight is just around the corner.

May is especially charming with the sweet song and bright colors of Prothonotary Warblers along the waterways. Sometimes called 'Swamp Canaries' these little fellows are sunshine in feathers.

Also pictured are a Green Heron, a Great Egret, juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Little Blue Heron, and 2 juvenile White Ibis.

05/01/2026

The State of Georgia is currently under a Level 1 Drought Response, as issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).

To help conserve water and protect our natural resources, the following measures are now in effect throughout the park:

Water Use Guidelines:
•Avoid unnecessary water use whenever possible.
•Limit shower times and turn off water while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
•Do not leave faucets running unattended.
•Report any leaks or dripping fixtures to park staff immediately.

Outdoor Water Use:
•Washing of vehicles, campers, or equipment by guests is prohibited.
•Use of hoses should be minimized and only used for essential purposes.

These small steps make a big difference in preserving water resources during dry conditions. We appreciate your cooperation in helping protect the environment and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all visitors.

For more information on campfire bans and drought guidance, please visit gastateparks.org/Alerts

04/29/2026

Alligators are some of our most famous, and frequently seen, residents of the swamp. These impressive "swamp puppies" spend much of their time basking in the sun, chilling in the shade, or hunting fish and turtles in our dark waters. The Okefenokee is home to 14,000-16,000 alligators, so you're almost certain to see a few anytime you visit.

04/26/2026

The ongoing exceptional drought has lowered water levels throughout the Okefenokee, stranding waterlilies out of water and revealing rarely seen land and stumps.

Canoers and kayakers can still explore Billy’s Lake, visit Billy’s Island, or paddle up Minnie’s Run to enjoy a beautiful spring with nesting birds and plenty of alligators and turtles to see. A closer look, however, shows water levels 2–3 feet lower than last fall.

While we wait for rain, it's an interesting time to explore and appreciate the swamps ability to survive dry times, even as we look forward to the higher waters to come.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from the Land of the Trembling Earth. 🌎🐊🌿

Take a moment today to celebrate the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Whether in the dark waters at the heart of a National Wildlife Refuge or right in your own backyard, the wonders of our planet are a joy to behold.

Address

Fargo, GA

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 10pm
Tuesday	7am - 10pm
Wednesday	7am - 10pm
Thursday	7am - 10pm
Friday	7am - 10pm
Saturday	7am - 10pm
Sunday	7am - 10pm

Telephone

+19126375274

Website

http://www.gastateparks.org/stephencfoster

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Stephen C. Foster State Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Fargo?