Discover Georgia's Charlton County Parks -Enjoy the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Okefenoke Adventures, Traders Hill and more. Stay and Play in GA!
Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985. Banks Lake has over 4,000 acres of freshwater wetland made up of open water, marsh, hardwood swamp and uplands. Visitors may enjoy sport fishing for largemouth bass, wildlife observation and nature photography. Annual Youth Fishing Derby and Casting Kids Contest held the first Saturday in June. Facilities and amenities include restrooms, bait and food store, boat ramp, short walking trail, and accessible fishing dock. Free entrance admission. Phone: 912-496-7836, 229-482-3453 - Location: GA Highway 122, Lakeland Georgia 31635. Directions: Take GA Highway 122 (West Main Street) from intersection with US 129 at the center of Lakeland GA, west for one mile. Entrance sign is on your left.
Okefenokee Adventures - Inside Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Guided boat, canoe, kayak tours (1 & 2 hours, sunset, moonlight, multi day-overnight excursions). Boat, canoe, kayak, bike rentals. Gift shop and & cafe'. Walking trails, authentic swamper homestead, boardwalk to 50' observation tower, interpretive center on refuge. Phone: 912-496-7156, 866-843-7926 - Location: Rt. 2 Box 3325, Folkston Georgia 31537. Directions: I-95, Exit 3 onto Hwy 40 east to Folkston.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine 680 square mile wilderness that is an ecological wonder. These wetlands provide a critical habitat for abundant wildlife and migratory birds. Take a walk on the 4,000 foot boardwalk and view the prairie from the observation tower. Visitor center offers displays and film. Take a guided boat tour or rent a canoe or motorboat for self guided tour. Activities include fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and photo opportunities and auto tour. Phone: 912-496-7836 - Location: Georgia Hwy 121/23 seven miles south of Folkston Georgia 31537. Directions: Hwy 121/23 South from Folkston Georgia for 7 miles to refuge entrance sign.
Traders Hill Recreation Area - 912-496-3412 - Located on the St. Marys River Park Amenities: 32 wooded acres. Primitive camping, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic tables, barbecue pits, pavilion, water and power hookups and restrooms. Fishing and hiking are available and is very convenient to the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge.
