As lake, waterway and surrounding countryside, Okeechobee shows the many faces
of Florida. A canopy of moss-draped live oaks hides clusters of sabal palms. A
tangle of water plants marks the boundary where wetland meets lakeshore. A
lone alligator suns on a riverbank in a deceptively calm moment. Wild birds
take flight in a sudden explosion of motion. Between the muted pastels of dawn
and the brilliant display of sunset, Okeechobee is for all who love the
outdoors.

As lake, waterway and surrounding countryside, Okeechobee shows the many faces of Florida.  A canopy of moss-draped live oaks hides clusters of sabal palms.  A tangle of water plants marks the boundary where wetland meets lakeshore.  A lone alligator suns on a riverbank in a deceptively calm moment.  Wild birds take flight in a sudden explosion of motion.  Between the muted pastels of dawn and the brilliant display of sunset, Okeechobee is for all who love the outdoors.

## Overview

Ortona South is a perfect campground for a quiet, sunny escape to South
Florida. The campground is set along the Caloosahatchie River.

## Recreation

Activities here are focused on simple, relaxing pleasures like fishing and
strolling the grounds. If you walk across the dam in between 7AM and 4 PM, the
road on the north side of the river provides a great place for walking and
bicycling. Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Tilapia are the most
commonly caught fish at the large wooden pier at the campground. Snook are
commonly caught at the small north end pier which is also accessible by
walking across the dam from 7AM to 4PM. Several large bird species frequent
the area if you are a Bird Watcher.  

## Facilities

All campsites have concrete pads, electric, 30 amp and 50 amp, water hookups,
a fire ring and grill, and a covererd picnic table. Other amenities include a
sanitary dump station, restrooms with showers, dumpsters, Wifi (near west end
restroom only), and a picnic pavilion for campers only. Day use visitors are
allowed on site for fishing. The Ortona North Day Use Area has a boat launch
and is a 25 minute drive by way of the Town of LaBelle. LaBelle is the nearest
town and has stores, restaurants, etc. Laundry Facilities are not currently
available on site.

## Natural Features

The campground's terrain is flat and lined with tropical greenery , including
the Sabal Palm, the state tree of Florida. The Caloosahatchee River to your
north and picturesque pastures to your south. The South Florida Water
Management District is constructing a Water Quality Treatment and Testing
Facility, adjacent to the South East end of the campground. Construction at
that site may affect the serenity of your experience.  
  

## Nearby Attractions

Head west to LaBelle, Florida, where an annual Swamp Cabbage Festival is held
the last weekend of each February. Or travel east to hike or bike along the
Herbert Hoover Dike, part of Lake Okeechobee, and part of the 1,400-mile long
Florida National Scenic Trail.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Ortona South is a perfect campground for a quiet, sunny escape to South Florida.  The campground is set along the Caloosahatchie River.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Activities here are focused on simple, relaxing pleasures like fishing and strolling the grounds.  If you walk across the dam in between 7AM and 4 PM, the road on the north side of the river provides a great place for walking and bicycling. Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Tilapia are the most commonly caught fish at the large wooden pier at the campground.  Snook are commonly caught at the small north end pier which is also accessible by walking across the dam from 7AM to 4PM.  Several large bird species frequent the area if you are a Bird Watcher.<br></p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>All campsites have concrete pads, electric, 30 amp and 50 amp, water hookups, a fire ring and grill, and a covererd picnic table. Other amenities include a sanitary dump station, restrooms with showers, dumpsters, Wifi (near west end restroom only), and a picnic pavilion for campers only.  Day use visitors are allowed on site for fishing.  The Ortona North Day Use Area has a boat launch and is a 25 minute drive by way of the Town of LaBelle.  LaBelle is the nearest town and has stores, restaurants, etc.  Laundry Facilities are not currently available on site. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground's terrain is flat and lined with tropical greenery , including the Sabal Palm, the state tree of Florida.  The Caloosahatchee River to your north and picturesque pastures to your south.  The South Florida Water Management District is constructing a Water Quality Treatment and Testing Facility, adjacent to the South East end of the campground.  Construction at that site may affect the serenity of your experience.<br> <br></p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Head west to LaBelle, Florida, where an annual Swamp Cabbage Festival is held the last weekend of each February. Or travel east to hike or bike along the Herbert Hoover Dike, part of Lake Okeechobee, and part of the 1,400-mile long Florida National Scenic Trail.</p>

Sunrise at Ortona South

East Loop Shower House

Pier Fishing at Ortona South

West Loop Shower House

Group Picnic Shelter

Fishing Pier at Ortona South

Ortona South

The Wooden fishing pier and the wooden bridge are closed because of safety
issues.

<p>The Wooden fishing pier and the wooden bridge are closed because of safety issues. </p>

## Overview

St. Lucie Campground provides a relaxing camping experience on the St. Lucie
Canal, part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from
the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Campers can enjoy watching boats and
the occasional manatee pass through the St Lucie Lock while sitting under the
warm Florida sun.

## Recreation

Hike the St. Lucie Nature Trail on the north side of the canal, or spend the
day fishing and boating on the St Lucie Canal and the south fork of the St.
Lucie River.

## Facilities

The St. Lucie South Campground offers waterfront RV and tent sites, plus
cruiser sites for boat campers. All RV and cruiser sites have 50 amp electric
and water hookups. Our tent sites also have electric. A trailer dump station
is on site for your convenience A family-friendly visitor center, group picnic
shelter, horseshoe pit and are onsite to entertain the group.

## Natural Features

Tropical vegetation surrounds the campground, which is about 25 miles east of
Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. The
lake is 451,000 acres and on average only 9 feet deep.

## Nearby Attractions

The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is recommended for visitors who are
interested in the many species of birds in the area. The city of Stuart is
just down the road with restaurants and shopping. Sandy beaches located on
nearby Hutchison Island make for a fun days trip to the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby
Fort Pierce is home to the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.

<h2>Overview</h2>
St. Lucie Campground provides a relaxing camping experience on the St. Lucie Canal, part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.   Campers can enjoy watching boats and the occasional manatee pass through the St Lucie Lock while sitting under the warm Florida sun.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Hike the St. Lucie Nature Trail on the north side of the canal, or spend the day fishing and boating on the St Lucie Canal and the south fork of the St. Lucie River.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The St. Lucie South Campground offers waterfront RV and tent sites, plus cruiser sites for boat campers. All RV and cruiser sites have 50 amp electric and water hookups. Our tent sites also have electric. A trailer dump station is on site for your convenience A family-friendly visitor center, group picnic shelter, horseshoe pit and  are onsite to entertain the group.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Tropical vegetation surrounds the campground, which is about 25 miles east of Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the United States.   
The lake is 451,000 acres and on average only 9 feet deep.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is recommended for visitors who are interested in the many species of birds in the area.   
The city of Stuart is just down the road with restaurants and shopping. Sandy beaches located on nearby Hutchison Island make for a fun days trip to the Atlantic Ocean.
Nearby Fort Pierce is home to the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.

Scenic View of campground viewed from the water

Scenic View of St Lucie South Campground

Tugboat entering St Lucie Lock

View of boat camping sites from courtesy dock

Boat approaching St Lucie Lock for passage

Black Vulture

Cruiser Sites at St Lucie South Campground

Snowy Egret on shoreline

Alligator in the St Lucie Canal

Scenic view of St Lucie Canal from back deck of Visitor Center

St Lucie Visitor Center

Visitor Center Exhibits

Boat Ramp and Courtesy Dock

Looking from Courtesy dock towards Saint Lucie Lock and Dam

Always Be Safe on the Water

Morning at Saint Lucie South Campground

For your Safety, when fishing, fish in designated areas and please keep your pet(s) on a leash.

Bobber reminding everyone

When you come through the lock chambers, for your safety and safety of the lock operators, always follow the direction of the lock operators.

Bobber at the Saint Lucie Lock Chamber

Boat Slips 1, 2, and 3 (Consider the size of your boat)

Saint Lucie Boat Slips 1, 2, and 3

Bobber the Water Safety Dog reminding everyone "Life Jackets Worn, Nobody Mourns and if using our overnight slips consider the width of your vessel when choosing a slip. If wider vessel, Slips 1 and 8 are your best options.

View of Boat Slips

Boat Slips at Saint Lucie

Best Boat sites for wider boats slip# 8 and boat slip#1

Looking From Boat Slip #8

St Lucie South

* **Saint Lucie Lock and Dam** area is**currently under construction** , so the walkway across to the Northside trail is closed at this time. Saint Lucie South campground water supply may be interrupted from time to time. **So please be prepared for potential outages.**

  * **NOTICE: For the Protection and Security of Staff and Visitors -**_No Packages of Any kind_**will be accepted at Saint Lucie Recreation Area. Please make arrangements with your delivery service for pick-up from a Secured Delivery Service pick-up location.**

<ul><li><p><strong>Saint Lucie Lock and Dam</strong> area is<strong> currently under construction</strong>, so the walkway across to the Northside trail is closed at this time. Saint Lucie South campground water supply may be interrupted from time to time. <strong>So please be prepared for potential outages.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>NOTICE: For the Protection and Security of Staff and Visitors - </strong><em>No Packages of Any kind</em><strong> will be accepted at Saint Lucie Recreation Area. Please make arrangements with your delivery service for pick-up from a Secured Delivery Service pick-up location.</strong></p><p></p></li></ul>

## Overview

Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and
location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it
easy in sunny southwest Florida. The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort
Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life.
Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's
backcountry swamps and view wildlife.

## Recreation

Fishing for both salt and fresh water game fish is popular, as is boating. A
unique feature of the campground is its cruiser sites, where campers sleep on
their boat while enjoying the perks of the campsite facilities.

## Facilities

The 29 RV sites and 8 boat sites are equipped with 50 amp electric and water
hookups. A boat ramp, fishing pier and trailer dump station are conveniently
onsite.

## Natural Features

The campground is almost completely surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River
with just a narrow stretch of land connecting it to the shore. The
Caloosahatchee River is part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans
South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

## Nearby Attractions

Visit the U.S Army Corps of Engineers visitor center across the river in the
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area. Visit downtown Fort Myers for flea
markets, grocery stores, shopping and the historic Thomas Edison and Henry
Ford Winter Estates, or spend a day exploring the sandy Gulf of Mexico
beaches, about 45 minutes from the campground.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida. 
The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life.   
Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's backcountry swamps and view wildlife.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Fishing for both salt and fresh water game fish is popular, as is boating. A unique feature of the campground is its cruiser sites, where campers sleep on their boat while enjoying the perks of the campsite facilities.<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The 29 RV sites and 8 boat sites are equipped with 50 amp electric and water hookups. A boat ramp, fishing pier and trailer dump station are conveniently onsite.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is almost completely surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River with just a narrow stretch of land connecting it to the shore.   
The Caloosahatchee River is part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Visit the U.S Army Corps of Engineers visitor center across the river in the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area.  
Visit downtown Fort Myers for flea markets, grocery stores, shopping and the historic Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates,  
or spend a day exploring the sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches, about 45 minutes from the campground.

Winter Foliage at W.P. Franklin N. Campground under the crisp blue sky

Winter Foliage at W.P. Franklin N. Campground

West Loop of W.P. Franklin North Campground

Campsite View of W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam

Fishing Pier

W.P. Franklin N

## Overview

WP Franklin South Recreation Area is a day use area located on the
Caloosahatchee River adjacent to the WP Franklin Lock and Dam. Visitors can
watch boats traversing the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South
Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy the exhibits at
the visitor center or just relax with a picnic lunch.

## Recreation

Boating, canoeing and kayaking on the Caloosahatchee River are popular
activities. Anglers can try their luck with catching both freshwater and
saltwater fish.

## Facilities

This day use area has a visitor center, boat ramp, volleyball and horseshoe
courts, a playground and several covered picnic sites. Flush toilets and
drinking water are also available. There are two group picnic shelters
available for reservation. Each shelter has water and electricity, six picnic
tables, a large charcoal BBQ grill and can accommodate up to 50 people.

## Nearby Attractions

Lee County Manatee Park is six miles west on Palm Beach Blvd. Hickeys Creek
Mitigation Park is two miles east on Palm Beach Boulevard, Gulf of Mexico
beaches and the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are 30 miles to the
west.

<h2>Overview</h2>
WP Franklin South Recreation Area is a day use area located on the Caloosahatchee River adjacent to the WP Franklin Lock and Dam. Visitors can watch boats traversing the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy the exhibits at the visitor center or just relax with a picnic lunch.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Boating, canoeing and kayaking on the Caloosahatchee River are popular activities. Anglers can try their luck with catching both freshwater and saltwater fish.<h2>Facilities</h2>
This day use area has a visitor center, boat ramp, volleyball and horseshoe courts, a playground and several covered picnic sites. Flush toilets and drinking water are also available. There are two group picnic shelters available for reservation. Each shelter has water and electricity, six picnic tables, a large charcoal BBQ grill and can accommodate up to 50 people.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Lee County Manatee Park is six miles west on Palm Beach Blvd. Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park is two miles east on Palm Beach Boulevard, Gulf of Mexico beaches and the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are 30 miles to the west.

Lake Okeechobee

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Ortona South

St Lucie South

W.P. Franklin N

W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area