Paddling and Camping at Griffis Fish Camp, Georgia

Griffis Fish Camp, located just off GA-177 near Fargo, Georgia, offers a rugged gateway to the Suwannee River and the Okefenokee Swamp — a wild stretch of southeastern wetlands steeped in natural beauty and outdoor tradition. This unassuming fish camp is a magnet for paddlers, campers, and anyone drawn to quiet riverfront living away from crowds and cell signals. It stands out as one of the rare spots where you can launch onto the Suwannee River from the campground itself, making it an ideal start or endpoint for multi-day paddling routes through the Okefenokee’s blackwater maze.

Camping here is a straightforward experience for those who appreciate hands-on outdoor living. Visitors praise the clean bathrooms and the pavilion shelters at various sites, which add welcome comfort without overdeveloping the area. The camp’s quiet ambiance invites guests to fully disconnect—one guest noted the pleasure of having an entire camp to themselves, recharging with a hot shower after weeks on the trail. Wildlife sightings, like armadillos and other native species, often come close, underscoring the camp’s position within a thriving ecosystem.

The area embodies a timeless Wild South vibe, where mosquitoes may remind you of the rawness of the environment, especially when the river is high. Griffis Fish Camp is family-run by the Griffis couple, whose hospitality and small private museum of local wildlife artifacts add a personal touch rare in modern outdoor destinations. With only one road leading in and out and the small town of Fargo about 10 miles away, it offers a sense of remoteness that appeals to adventurers eager to experience both river and swamp landscapes.

Whether you’re putting in for a day paddle or setting up for a weekend under the stars, Griffis Fish Camp offers an authentic chance to connect with one of Georgia’s most storied waterways—a quietly special destination for those who favor the outdoors in its straightforward, genuine form.