Stephen C. Foster [1975]

Stephen C. Foster State Park, situated on Jones Island well within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, offers a large cypress and black gum forest as a majestic background for one of the most lush growths of vegetation in the southeastern United States. This lush vegetation and the mirror-like bl~ck water of the swamp provide at least a part-time home for more than 225 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, 54 species of reptiles, 32 species of amphibians and 37 species of fish.
The dark water of the Okefenokee offers excellent fishing, especially in the spring. Typical catches include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, and the famed warmouth perch.

WILDLIFE : Both wildlife and plantlife are protected in all state parks. Please leave them unmolested so that ti{e next visitor may enjoy them too.
NOT ALLOWED: Alcoholic beverages of all kinds and the possession or use of drugs are strictly prohibited on park premises. Fireworks, firearms, bows and arrows, explosives, slingshots, and fishing spears, or any device capable of injuring or killing a person, or damaging personal or public property are forbidden.

While the cypress and black gum trees may be the dominant form of plant life within the swamp, a stroll along the nature trail provides an ever changing view which includes such varieties as slash and loblolly pine, sweetgum, magnolia, live oak, bay , water oak, water lily , duckweed and jasmine, holly and palmetto, to name a few . .
A few of the more common species of animals are whitetail deer, raccoons, pileated woodpeckers, American alligators, egrets, herons, ibis, anhingas, wood ducks, fox squirrels, and otters. The otters, incidentally, are not usually seen until the colder winter months after the alligators have become dormant.
Stephen C. Foster State Park beckons visitors to enjoy a piece of primitive Americana unequalled anywhere in the United States.

Regulati()I)S ....

HOURS: Stephen C. Foster State Park operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 15 through September 15 and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. September 16 through March 14. This is an exception to other state parks which operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

REGISTRATION: Registration with the Pa rk Superintendent is required before setting up camp. No reservations for campsites are accepted before check-in, and only occupancy reserves a site.
CHECK-IN TIM ES: Camping permits should be obtained before 8 p.m. , and the checkout deadline is 5 p.m. No campsite may be occupied for more than 14 days .

CAMPING RATES : All tent and trailer sites are $3 .00 per night per site.

FACILITI ES: All parks have at least one comfort station with flush toilets, hot showers, and wash basins located in each family camping area. ear each campsite is a water faucet , grill, and table. Most parks have electrical hook-ups and dump stations. Dishwashing isn't permitted at the drinking fountains or in the comfort stations. Garbage should be placed in the designated receptacles.

PETS : Dogs are the only pets allowed in any state park, and the dogs must always be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Cottages, all park buildings, and swimming areas are closed to them, and they may not roam indiscriminately through the park. Horses are allowed only on trails specifically designated for their use.
MOTOR BIKES : Motorized bikes are restricted to park roads, or to lots or trails specifically designated for their use. They must comply with aU state regulations governing registration and safety equipment, and must be operated in accordance with state law . The driver must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver's license; if he is not J 6, he must be transported to and from the trail designated for bike use by a licensed operator. Riders must always wear safety helmets.

COTTAGES : Stephen Foster State Park has nine cottages which are available for rent on a yearround basis. Rates are: $10.00 per night (one bedroom); $14.00 per night (two bedrooms), and $22.00 per night (three bedrooms). Rates quoted are for two persons. Each additional person, $2.00. Children under 12 years old, $1.00. Children under two, free.

Stept,el) C. f()ster State Pari$

Shower

Sanitary ~-.!--"\

Facilities/..-

\ Shelter

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\ PIONEER / CAMPING
AREA

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JONES ISLAND

NOTE : Electronic Gates at Refuge Entrance are seven ( 7) miles from Park Entrance
Trembling Earth

About the park ...... .

Address: Fargo, Georgia 31631

Office telephone ... (912) 496-7 509 Size: 80 acres

Elevation: 119 feet

Location: 18 miles northeast of Fargo via Ga. 177

Distance From:

Atlanta - 320

Savannah - 18 5

Columbus - 226

Valdosta - 65

Facilities:

9 cottages, 50 campsites (SOW/SOE), comfort stations, boat rentals, boat ramp, museum/concession , fishing, picnicking, nature trail, guided tours.

Playground

Rest Station

PICni.C
Shelter