South Florida Operations Office
Recreation
Each year, more than six million people travel to South Florida to visit Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway. Whether you like to camp, fish, bike, or relax and enjoy nature's beauty, the lake and waterway have something for everyone. Recreation facilities are easily accessible from Interstate 95 or Interstate 75. Here's your opportunity to learn more about the "Heartland of South Florida".
- "Okeechobee" is derived from the Seminole Indian words meaning "big water".
- Lake Okeechobee, covering 730 square miles, is the largest Florida lake and the 2nd largest freshwater lake within United States borders.
- 110 miles of the Herbert Hoover Dike are the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), and it is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
- The Corps manages 8 recreation areas: W. P. Franklin Lock & Dam North and South Recreation Areas, Ortona Lock & Dam North and South Recreation Areas, Port Mayaca Lock & Dam Recreation Areas North and South, and St. Lucie Lock & Dam North and South Recreation Areas.
- There are 3 Corps managed campgrounds with 109 campsites (including 16 boat-in sites) at W. P. Franklin North, Ortona South, and St. Lucie South.
- Project-wide, there are 22 recreation areas managed by other agencies located at: Pahokee City Park, Jaycee Park in Okeechobee, Okeetantie near Buckhead Ridge, Clewiston City Park, Torry Island in Belle Glade, Nubbin Slough, Harney Pond Canal, Henry Creek, Bare Beach (Dyess Ditch Canal) near Lakeport, Fisheating Creek, Rardin Park near Belle Glade, South Bay, LaBelle, Phipps County Park near St. Lucie Lock & Dam, Barron Park in LaBelle, Alva, Liberty Point (Uncle Joe's Fish Camp), Indiantown Marina, Buckhead Ridge, Clewiston Marina, Chancy Bay, and Moore Haven.
- There are 5 Corps managed boat ramps at W. P. Franklin North and South recreation areas, Port Mayaca, Ortona North recreation area and St. Lucie South recreation area.
- The Corps has 3 visitor centers at: W. P. Franklin Lock & Dam Recreation Area, St. Lucie Lock & Dam Recreation Area, and the South Florida Operations Office.
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