Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects 4,049 acres of blackwater lake, cypress swamp and marsh near Lakeland in south Georgia. Moss-draped cypress, water lilies, ospreys and alligators make it a favorite for quiet paddling, photography and bass and bream fishing.
- Size4,049 acres, about 1,000 acres of open water
- HoursSunrise to sunset; fishing allowed 24 hours
- AdmissionFree
- Address307 Hwy. 122 W., Lakeland, GA 31635
- Phone912-206-6311
Trail closure: the refuge walking trail is temporarily closed because of damage from Hurricane Helene. The lake, boat ramp and fishing dock are open. Call the refuge before you go for current conditions.
About the Refuge
Banks Lake is a natural pocosin, or sink, of ancient geologic origin and part of a much larger blackwater system. The refuge was established in 1985 to protect it and its migratory and resident wildlife, and it is managed as part of the Okefenokee refuge complex. Its marsh, cypress-gum swamp and upland pine and hardwoods surround the open water. The refuge works with Georgia DNR to keep a healthy fishery.
Cypress and Open WaterFishing and Boating
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Fish | Bass, bream, crappie, gar and pickerel |
| Facilities | Boat ramp, accessible fishing dock, boardwalk and platform, parking and restrooms |
| Gear | Pole and line or rod and reel only, attended at all times; no trotlines, seines, throw nets or minnow dipping |
| Night fishing | Allowed; boats must show anchor and navigation lights |
| Boats | Motorized and non-motorized boats allowed; no jet skis, water skiing or airboats; obey no-wake zones |
| Tournaments | Special use permit required, requested at least 30 days ahead (fee) |
Wildlife
Watch for ospreys over the lake, songbirds in the cypress, dragonflies over the lily pads and alligators along the edges. Early morning and evening are the best times for photos.
Refuge Rules
- No camping, sleeping in vehicles, swimming, wading or open fires.
- No ATVs or UTVs, and no geocaching.
- Don’t mark fishing spots or boat trails, and don’t collect turtles, frogs or other animals.
- No baiting or feeding wildlife; pack out your trash.
Banks Lake MarshGetting There
The refuge entrance is on Georgia 122 about 1.5 miles southwest of Lakeland (GPS 31.019699, -83.127502). Nearby: Reed Bingham State Park near Adel, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and more places in our birding guide.
Visiting Valdosta
Common Questions
Is Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge free?
Yes. There is no entry fee. Fishing tournaments need a special use permit, which has a fee.
Where is Banks Lake?
In Lanier County, about 1.5 miles southwest of Lakeland off Georgia 122.
Can you fish at Banks Lake at night?
Yes. Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day in designated areas, but boats fishing at night must show anchor and navigation lights. All other activities end at sunset.
Is the Banks Lake walking trail open?
No. The refuge walking trail is temporarily closed because of Hurricane Helene damage. The lake, boat ramp and fishing dock remain open.
Sources we checked
Facts in this page were checked against the agencies and operators that run these places:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Banks Lake NWR
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Banks Lake NWR visit us and rules
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