Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo, Georgia
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NOTICE: The refuge has restricted all water craft to Billy's Lake and about one mile of Minnie's Run. This is due to fallen trees. Access to Billy's Island is permitted. However Minnie's Lake and Big Water are not open to any water craft. It is no longer necessary to paddle the motorboats in the canal. Park guided boat tours are available.
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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 boat trip. More adventurous visitors may wish to rent motorized boats or canoes for further exploration of the swamp, including a trip to historic Billy’s Island. The park office sells drinks, snacks, ice, books and t-shirts. Because the park is located within a National Wildlife Refuge, gates are locked at closing time and an entrance fee is charged.
At the Suwannee River Visitor Center, 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.
Located 18 miles northeast of Fargo via Ga. Hwy. 177.
Facilities
80 Acres
66 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($24) – cable TV hookups
9 Cottages ($100)
Cottage #5 is a dog friendly cottage
3 Picnic Shelters ($30-$40)
Pioneer Campground ($40)
Interpretive Center
1.5-Mile Trembling Earth Nature Trail
25 Miles of Day-Use Waterways
Suwannee River Visitor Center
Activities
Canoe and Fishing Boat Rental
Guided Boat Tours
Boating – ramp, 10 horsepower limit
Fishing
Birding
Address and contact details
17515 Hwy. 177
Fargo
Georgia
31631
USA
- (912) 637-5274 ( Telephone )
- (800) 864-7275 ( Tollfree )
- Website