Explore the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston Georgia
Banks Lake NWR contains a variety of habitat types including 1,500 acres of marsh, 1,549 acres of cypress swamp, and 1,000 acres of open water.
General Info
The Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1985, hosts approximately 20,000 visitors annually. It provides hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities on more than 4,000 acres of water.
Banks Lake consists of marsh, and swamp. The Robert Simpson III Nature Trail, dedicated in August 2001, is located within the Lakeland city limits on 75 acres of pine and hardwood forests. Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in Lanier County, near Lakeland, GA, as part of a much larger blackwater system. The refuge was established in 1985 for the protection and conservation of this unique environment as well as migratory and resident wildlife. Banks Lake is natural pocosin or sink of ancient geologic origin.
Facilities at Banks Lake NWR include restrooms, boat ramp, short walking trail, boardwalk and platform, and accessible fishing dock.
Management of the lake focuses on working cooperatively with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote and maintain a healthy fishery and providing opportunities for appropriate recreational uses by maintaining a boat ramp, dock, boardwalk and other facilities.
Amenities: Parking and Accessibility for mobility-impaired.
Fishing
Banks Lake in Lanier County Size: 4000 acres, 1000 acres open waters - Fish: Bass, bream, crappie, gar and pickerel Lake Facilities: A boat ramp and a handicap accessible dock are located at the lake. Fee: No special feesOpen: All year; sunrise to sunset. Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day from March 1 to September 31, and during daylight hours only the rest of the year. Restrictions: No trot lines or other set tackle allowed, special permit required for night fishing
Hours & Amenities
Banks Lake NWR -- Open 24 hours daily - Banks Lake Outpost -- call 229-482-3453 for current times. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired.
Contact - Address - Directions & Website
Phone: 921-496-7366 - Address: 2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537 - Lattitude and 31.01969910 Longitude is -83.12750244. - Directions: Banks Lake NWR is located in Lanier County, one mile west of Lakeland, GA, along GA Hwy 122 . - Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge Website -
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