JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT

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Day Use

Day use areas along Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway provide visitors with the opportunity to fish, picnic, swim, or bike. Facilities such as boat ramps, playgrounds, and picnic shelters provide an excellent setting for a family get together or a day of rest and relaxation. In some areas, day use fees are charged for use of the boat ramps, fishing and swimming beach. Annual passes are available for $30 at the South Florida Operations Office, the W.P. Franklin visitor center and the W.P. Franklin North, and Ortona South and St. Lucie South campgrounds or you can download and submit an application to purchase an annual pass via mail. For family reunions, company picnics, or a casual get-together, picnic shelters are available for advance reservation. Picnic shelters have electric and water facilities, BBQ grills and are located close to restroom facilities. To make a reservation, call the numbers listed below.

Day Use Areas

W.P. Franklin South facilities: swimming beach ($1- $4), picnic tables, two picnic shelters ($35; call 239-694-2582), boat ramp ($3), restrooms, Visitor Center, playground, horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court.

Directions:

From I-75, take Exit 141 (Highway 80-Ft. Myers/LaBelle). Travel east 2.4 miles past Highway 31 to Old Olga Road. Turn left on Old Olga Road and travel 2.2 miles to the W.P. Franklin Lock Recreation Area entrance road, turn left and follow to recreation area.
From LaBelle, travel west on Highway 80, 5.5 miles past the intersection with Highway 884. Turn right onto Old Olga Road, travel 0.3 miles to the WP Franklin Lock Recreation Area entrance road, turn right and follow to recreation area.

Ortona North facilities: picnic tables, two picnic shelters ($35; call 863-675-8400) , boat ramp ($3), restroom.

Directions:

From LaBelle, travel north on Highway 29 four miles from the 29/80 intersection, then east on Highway 78 (turn right) for approximately 5.9 miles, go south on Highway 78A (turn right) and follow for 1.9 miles to the day use area.
From Clewiston, travel north on Highway 27, go to Moore Haven and continue 5.5 miles north (from the county courthouse), go west on Highway 78 (turn left) 8.8 miles to Highway 78A, then go south on Highway 78A (turn left) and follow for 1.9 miles to the day use area.

St. Lucie South facilities: boat ramp ($3), fishing area, picnic tables, picnic shelter ($35; call 772-287-1382), restrooms, Visitor center, horseshoe pit, playground.

Directions:

From I-95, take Exit 101 (Stuart/Indiantown), following SR 76 W for 0.5 miles to Locks Road. Turn right onto Locks Road and follow signs at the Canal Street intersection into the campground.

St. Lucie North facilities: fishing pier, group area, picnic tables, picnic shelter ($35; call 772-287-1382), nature trail, restroom.

Directions: