Experience all the St. Marys River watershed has to offer from Oke to Ocean with overnight excursions in the Okefenokee Swamp, St. Marys River, and Cumberland Island. We will be joined by guest experts to ensure a memorable and impactful experience. Space is limited for each excursion and registration is al a carte.
Save the Dates
Paddle Okefenokee Swamp | February 8-9 Registration Closed
Bout Tour St. Marys River | March 14-15
Hike Cumberland Island | April 17-19
Explore one of our nation’s wonders, a wetland that National Geographic lists as one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world, and the headwaters of our beautiful St. Marys River… the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Join St. Marys Riverkeeper for an overnight paddle trip to celebrate our headwaters under the stars on Okefenokee Swamp Day!
Dates: February 8-9, 2024
Destination: Monkey Lake, closest platform to St. Marys River headwaters
Registration fees: Registration fee is $250 and includes camping permit, swamp guide on day 1, educational programming, Riverkeeper Swag, tent accommodations, dinner and breakfast. Guests are responsible for bringing their own camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc), boat gear (kayak/canoe, canoe seat, PFD, paddle, dry bags, folding camping chair), lunch (for two days) and snacks, water (1 gallon per day is recommended) and evening beverages. Fees do not include boat rentals (if needed) or $5 entrance fee to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. If you are needing to rent camping gear or a boat, please contact Okefenokee Adventures. Be sure to mention that you are with the St. Marys Riverkeeper paddle trip to Monkey Lake.
Registration Closed
Trip Details
Platforms are partially covered, are equipped with a picnic table, and have an enclosed porta-potty. This site is nestled in a wooded island that contains raccoons. All food must fit in a container (a dry bag is fine) that will be hung up out of reach of animals. No food will be allowed to be kept in tents.
Day 1 Suwannee Canal to Monkey Lake (7.5 miles)
We’ll start by paddling 2 miles along the historic Suwannee Canal. Guided by an experienced naturalist, we will learn about the history and ecology of the Okefenokee Swamp. After a lunch stop and bathroom break at Cedar Hammock platform, we’ll continue on toward Chesser Prairie and paddle the remaining 5.5 miles across wet prairies dotted with cypress, bay, and shrub islands. Once we reach Monkey Lake platform, we will set up camp, have dinner, and go watch the sunset (6:09p) in our boats on the lake.
Day 2 Monkey Lake to Suwanee Canal (7.5 miles)
Wake up after a cozy night to enjoy the early morning sights and sounds while drinking a hot cup of coffee (or tea). After breakfast, we will have a morning educational program to learn about the issues facing the St. Marys River and its headwaters today and what you can do today to get involved. Once we break down camp and load up the boats, we will begin our journey back to Suwannee Canal. Must be back to the boat basin by 4:00p at the latest!
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Availability for this paddle is limited due to space on the Monkey Lake Platform in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for tents. St. Marys Riverkeeper is providing tent accommodations, but attendees will need to share tents.
This is a wilderness experience, and we appreciate everyone not using their cell phones (unless for pictures) within earshot of others. This is a great opportunity to disconnect and get off the grid! Service is spotty in the swamp.
Information and Registration coming soon!
Information and Registration coming soon!
