Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Sport fishing is allowed year-round in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations except where posted as closed. Refuge waters include 1,000 acres of flooded cypress swamp. Visit our Rules and Policies page and 50 CFR 32.29(a)(4...

A very pleasant way to experience Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge is from a canoe or kayak. Paddle amid water lilies and wind through the cypress trees rising out of the water for a swamp-like experience. While quietly paddling you can hear cricket and...

The moss-draped cypress ringing the lake’s waters are perhaps the most photogenic aspect of the refuge, with white water lilies an intriguing foreground.  Sunsets are quite spectacular from the boardwalk, and the bank is a great place to see the full moon rise.  There are always...

Alligators, herons, ibis and egrets patrol the lake year-round, but other wildlife may change with the seasons.  Ospreys nest on tall cypress in the middle of the lake, and warblers and flycatchers nest in the hardwood uplands around the water’s edge.  Hundreds of sandhill cranes stop...

We prohibit jet skiing, water skiing, and the use of airboats. Read boating regulations on our Rules and Policies page

The boat ramp is located off GA-122 W/W Main St about 1.2 miles west of Lakeland, GA

Latitude/Longitude: 31....