One of North America’s most extraordinary wilderness areas 400,000 acres of ancient freshwater wetland right across the road from camp. Paddle 120 miles of blackwater boat trails, hike the Chesser Island Boardwalk to Owl’s Roost Tower, fish for largemouth bass, and encounter alligators, sandhill cranes, wood storks, and carnivorous plants in a pristine ecosystem unchanged for millennia. This is the reason guests travel from across the country to stay at Okefenokee Pastimes.

The refuge’s official concessionaire offers guided 90-minute boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, multi-day backcountry paddles, and bike rentals for Swamp Island Drive. Wake up at Pastimes and be gliding through mirror-black water under a cypress canopy before most travelers have finished breakfast.

One of North America’s most extraordinary wilderness areas, the Okefenokee Swamp is a UNESCO World Heritage-nominated blackwater swamp teeming with alligators, birds, and ancient cypress forests. Take a guided boat tour, paddle through mirror-still waterways, or hike elevated boardwalks above the bog. There’s simply no better place to base yourself for swamp exploration than our campground you’re already in the heart of it.

Folkston sits at the junction of two major CSX rail lines, creating one of the busiest train-watching spots in the Southeast. The covered platform on Main Street is a beloved local tradition free, open all hours, and surprisingly thrilling when a massive freight train rolls through after dark.

Located within the Okefenokee Refuge near Fargo, this is a designated International Dark Sky Park one of the darkest places in the eastern United States. By day, explore the western cypress swamp by guided boat tour or rent a canoe. After dark, tilt your head back and trace the full arm of the Milky Way with the naked eye. Pair a daytime visit here with an evening back at the Pastimes Starfield for an unforgettable celestial double feature.

One of the Southeast’s premier zoos, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is a full day of wonder for families and animal lovers alike. With over 2,000 rare and exotic animals, lush botanical gardens, and immersive themed habitats, it’s a world-class adventure just a short drive from your cabin or glamping tent. Stay with us and skip the expensive hotel, come home to the peace and quiet of the wild after a day in the zoo.

Step into living history at the Cherokee of Georgia Tribal Grounds, a truly one-of-a-kind cultural experience right in your backyard. Explore traditional Cherokee heritage, arts, and storytelling in an authentic setting that few travelers ever discover. Staying at Okefenokee Pastimes puts you closer to this hidden gem than any hotel in the region making it effortlessly part of your itinerary.

Charming, unhurried, and steeped in history, St. Marys is one of Georgia’s oldest towns and a delightful coastal escape. Stroll oak-lined streets, browse local shops, and visit the fascinating St. Marys Submarine Museum a rare tribute to the brave crews of America’s submarine fleet, located near Kings Bay Naval Base. It’s history, heritage, and harbor views all in one afternoon trip.

Board the ferry from St. Marys and step onto one of America’s most pristine and secluded national seashores. Cumberland Island is a place out of time wild horses roam freely on empty beaches, ruins of Gilded Age mansions peek through ancient live oaks, and miles of untouched shoreline await. There are no resorts here, no crowds just raw natural beauty. Return to the comfort of your cabin or RV site after a day of true adventure.

Florida’s northernmost barrier island is a sophisticated yet laid-back retreat. Fernandina Beach’s Victorian-era downtown is packed with galleries, seafood restaurants, and boutique shops, while Amelia Island’s pristine beaches and salt marshes rival any coastal destination in the South. It makes for a perfect day-trip splurge and the best part? You come home to our peaceful campground instead of paying resort prices+.