When planning an outdoor adventure, grand mountain peaks, thrilling waterfalls, inviting oceans or vast desert landscapes may first come to mind. While there are no bad ideas in nature, there is a different ecosystem that tends to fly under the radar but deserves more attention: wetlands.
Wetlands, and specifically swamps, are a sort-of time capsule where not much has changed since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Today, swamp regions across America are home to a range of reptiles, birds and insects, surrounded by canopies of picturesque cypress trees and beds of water lilies. Beyond their visual appeal, swamps are known to protect surrounding communities from storms and wind, they act as a pollution filter, and many species use wetlands as a nursery for their young.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated in February, and there’s no better time to learn about the rich wetlands ecosystems across the United States. From swamp canoe tours in Georgia, to swamp fishing in Louisiana, swamp hiking in Florida and bird and alligator viewing across the southern states, we rounded up our favorite swamp adventures in America, plus where to camp nearby.
Embrace the wetlands and prepare to get dirty on a swamp adventure in America.
1. Take a multi-day canoe trip.
Okefenokee Swamp: Georgia-Florida line
When you imagine a stereotypical swamp, Okefenokee likely fits the bill. Located on the Georgia-Florida line, the Okefenokee Swamp covers over 700 square miles and is the perfect wetland destination for a mellow, multi-day canoe trip. You’ll paddle amongst groves of bald cypress trees, plenty of blooming water lilies and an alligator or two (if you’re lucky!). Okefenokee Adventures offers guided multi-day/overnight wilderness excursions, with no previous paddling experience necessary.
Where to Camp Nearby: Stephen C. Foster State Park
2. Go sportfishing for largemouth bass.
Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge: Lottie, Louisiana
Fishermen and women seeking to mix up the sport setting should look no further than the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge — a smaller subset of the 900,000-acre Atchafalaya Swamp in Louisiana. Open year-round for sportfishing, anglers can be spotted catching anything from largemouth bass and white crappie, to warmouth and catfish, surrounded by the area’s signature cypress trees. Be careful where you fish though, certain areas are known for high mercury levels due to human impact.
Where to Camp Nearby: Frenchman’s Wilderness Campground
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3. Backpack through ancient swamplands.
The Green Swamp: Central Florida
The vast Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve covers over 110,000 acres and is home to the Florida National Scenic Trail — a unique 35-mile hiking-only trail through this swampy, central Florida region. While a day hike is a great option for beginners, we suggest an immersive multiple-day backpacking trip to experience the full extent of native flora and fauna. This section connects to more than 1,400 miles of Florida’s trail network, with endless twists and turns for a custom swamp experience.
Where to Camp Nearby: Colt Creek State Park
4. Earn a junior ranger badge.
Caddo Lake State Park: Western Louisiana/Eastern Texas
No dads, we aren’t looking at you — this one is for the kiddos in the family. Caddo Lake State Park is, as expected, home to an almost 27,000-acre lake, complete with flooded cypress groves and over 70 species of fish. After kayaking a paddling trail or picnicking on the shore, take the kids to the ranger station to become junior rangers. They’ll get to borrow an explorer pack and receive a free junior ranger activity journal to complete tasks and earn a badge of honor.
Where to Camp Nearby: Caddo Lake State Park
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5. View wildlife on a small-boat guided tour
Honey Island Swamp: Mandeville, Louisiana
Sprawling across 70,000 acres, Honey Island Swamp is one of the last remaining pristine swamps in the United States that hasn’t been damaged by human development. While hiking and kayaking are popular activities, we recommend exploring the area by boat — specifically a narrated eco tour with Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours. While cruising in a flat-bottomed watercraft, guests can expect to spot migratory wildlife, alligators, otters and other swamp reptilians.
Where to Camp Nearby: Fontainebleau State Park
6. Get schooled in swamp ecology on the boardwalk.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Naples, Florida
Think swamps are only filled with moss, mosquitos and humidity? Think again. The Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the perfect place for nature lovers to learn more about the delicate balance of the Western Everglades ecosystem, while staying dry and clean. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walk on the 2.5-mile boardwalk, or take part in a guided tour to spot and learn about native plant and animal life thriving in the rich wetlands below.
Where to Camp Nearby: Picayune Strand State Forest
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7. Watch migratory birds and whales.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge: Kenai, Alaska
Did you know Alaska is home to both glaciers and swamps? One of America’s most remote hidden treasures, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge boasts a mix of small lakes, wetlands and an estuary, where migratory shorebirds, waterfowl and whales make a stop each year on their long journey. Visitors will enjoy hiking, bird watching and whale watching, many times without too many other humans in sight.
Where to Camp Nearby: Klondike RV Park
8. Embark on a not-so-dismal bike ride
Great Dismal Swamp: Suffolk, Virginia
Accessible from both southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, the Great Dismal Swamp is a can’t-miss region for wetland aficionados. Despite this area’s long history of habitat destruction, special designations were put in place to protect and preserve a large portion of the forested wetland. In addition to popular swamp activities of boating, fishing and hunting, be sure to take advantage of the 80 miles of bike trails that are open year-round. There are five entrances to the trails around the swamp for a convenient and encouraging bike ride experience.
Where to Camp Nearby: Merchants Millpond State Park
9. Paddle through the still blackwater
Four Holes Swamp: Harleyville, South Carolina
South Carolina’s star swamp region, Francis Beidler Forest spreads across 17,000 acres and boasts virgin bald cypress trees over 1,000 years old. While the 1.5-mile boardwalk stretch is a must-do for easy viewing, we also suggest a private guided canoe or kayak tour experience. Ranging from two to four hours long, tour guests will navigate through cypress trees, calm dark waters and narrow creek channels while learning about the natural history of the Carolina swamps.
Where to Camp Nearby: The Oaks at Point South RV
