OKEFENOKEE PHOTOGRAPHER'S GUIDE, PART 2: When To Go

Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

The Okefenokee Swamp is a gorgeous National Wildlife Refuge in the southeastern United States. The majority of its 438,000 acres lies within the state of Georgia. This refuge is a nature photographer’s delight. I'm not an Okefenokee expert, but I have visited the swamp four times and have developed a good system that worked for me. I want to share these experiences to help others maximize a delightful photo adventure. ​

Large American Alligator basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 13, 2019.

PART 2: WHEN TO OKEFENOKEE

I suppose you can do the Okefenokee anytime of the year, but our trips have always been in March during my daughter’s spring break. I haven’t been there at other times (other than one day trip in January), but I know about South Georgia summers and think spring might offer a more comfortable atmosphere. The cooler late winter/early spring temperatures mean several things.

One of the best things about a March visit is fewer insects! There is nothing that can put a damper on things like flies that can bite through clothes, seemingly repellent-resistant mosquitoes, and relentless gnats that always congregate near your nostrils and eyes. On our last visit in March, I only had to put on repellent in the evenings at the campground. There was little need during the day while out on the swamp.

A juvenile American Alligator on Billy`s Lake in the Okefenokee swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. Basking on a log in the sun near lily pads.

Late winter/early spring also means cool water and cool nights. Why is that good for photography? Well, as the sun climbs, the daytime temperatures begin to hit the 80’s. Those cold-blooded alligators are more than anxious to climb out of the cool water and bask in the golden rays. If you hit the lighting right, there are ample opportunities to shoot all sizes of gators laying about on the peat mats, lily pads and fallen Cypress stumps. And spring temperatures are much nicer that baking in an open canoe in August in Georgia!
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I don’t know when Stephen C Foster State Park’s peak season may be, but we’ve always enjoyed fewer folks and plenty of open campground spots during our March visits; especially if your stay is mid-week. Again, I haven’t stayed at Stephen C Foster in any other month, but March really has worked well for us. Perhaps others can chime in about their favorite times to Okefenokee by leaving a comment below. ​

Large American Alligator basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park. March 13, 2019.

Large American Alligator basking on a log in the Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; Stephen C Foster Georgia State Park.

Giant American Alligator basking on peat matt floating in the swamp bog. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Billy`s Lake in Stephen C Foster State Park, Georgia.