Ochlockonee River State Park was established on March 11, 1966, through the leadership of Congressman Don Fuqua, State Senator George G. Tapper, and Representative Ernest Roddenberry. On March 11, 1968, the United States Department of the Interior issued a Special Permit for the use of this property in the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge to the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. Organizations that contributed greatly toward the park's establishment included the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund, Board of Commissioners of State Institutions, Florida Outdoor Recreational Development Council, St. Joe Paper Company, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Florida Forest Service, Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners, and Wakulla County Development and Parks Commission.