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     Stephen C. Foster State Park

Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park (912) 637-5274

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 park's 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 Billy's 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.


NOTICE:
  • Boating activities may be restricted during low water levels.
  • The park is located 18 miles from Fargo and 50 miles from a major grocery store. Visitors should bring all supplies with them and have plenty of gasoline in their vehicle. The park office sells drinks, snacks, ice, books, gifts and t-shirts.
  • Cell phone service may be unreliable.



  Make a reservation . . .
 


Park Hours 7AM--10PM (gate locks at closing; no late entry)
Office Hours: Fall/Winter, 8AM-5PM; Spring/Summer, 7AM-6 PM


FACILITIES:
  • 80 Acres
  • 64 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($23-$25) - cable TV hookups
  • 9 Cottages ($120) -- #5 is dog friendly ($40 per dog, max 2)
  • 3 Picnic Shelters ($35-$45)
  • Pioneer Campground ($40)
  • Nature Center
  • 1.5-Mile Trembling Earth Nature Trail
  • 25 Miles of Day-Use Waterways
  • Suwannee River Visitor Center


ACTIVITIES:
  • Canoe, Kayak and Fishing Boat Rental
  • Guided Pontoon Boat Tours ($8-$12)
  • Boating - ramp, 10 horsepower limit
  • Fishing
  • Birding


NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:


OTHER:



  Address/Directions
Stephen C. Foster State Park
17515 Hwy. 177
Fargo , GA 31631

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.

 
 
Make reservations using the options above or call 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
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