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Hickey Creek Paddle (Launch at Franklin Locks) February 23, 2008
John and Joan Van Valkenburg will host a paddle this Saturday , Feb 23rd from 10am till 2pm approx. at Hickey Creek. All are welcome to launch from Franklin Locks at 10 am. To get there go to Rt. 41N, turn right on Bayshore Dr. past the Lee Civic center to the end of the road. Turn left on Rt. 31 and then the first right on Rt. 78. Franklin Locks Park( Corps of Engineer park) is about 5 miles down on your right. We launch from the boat ramp on the left as you enter the park and pass the gate house. There is a $3 for parking fee or $1.50 charge if you are over 62. Bring a lunch, drink, sun screen and your PFD. The paddle is about 7 miles long. We go down the Caloosahatchee for a mile, cross over to the other side and paddle 2 + miles down Hickey Creek. We stop for lunch at the Mitigation park. This is an easy paddle and we have seen all sorts of wildlife every time we have paddled there. Hope you all can come. Joan and John
Located on the Caloosahatchee River section of the Okeechobee Waterway, W.P. Franklin Lock Recreation Area has a tropical atmosphere that provides an excellent setting for visitors to camp, swim, fish, picnic, boat, or enjoy hours of quiet contemplation. Visitors can view manatees, abundant bird life, and watch boats locking through the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam as they travel the Okeechobee Waterway. Downtown Fort Myers flea markets, grocery stores, malls, the historic Thomas Edison/Henry Ford Home, and the beautiful Gulf beaches are all within 15 minutes of driving time. WP
Franklin Lock Recreation Area Take Pride in Okeechobee Waterway Day
Additional Information 1. Park Hours - The W.P. Franklin North Campground is open 6am to 10pm. The campground entrance gate is closed at 10pm. All visitors are required to leave at 10pm. Quiet hours are observed 10pm to 6am. The W.P. Franklin South Day Use Area is open from 8am to sunset. 2. Camping - Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Check out time is 12 noon. Campsite fees are $20.00 per day for RV and Boat sites. Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30 day period. 3. Pets - Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets must be penned or kept on a 6’ leash at all times. 4. Campfires - Fires are permitted in grills & fire rings only. Please extinguish all unattended fires. 5. Litter - Campers are expected to keep their site free of litter at all times. Trash cans are located throughout the north and south recreation areas for your convenience. 6. Parking - Vehicles must be parked on camp pads or in designated areas. 7. Trailer Dump Station - A dump station is provided for the disposal of waste water or similar material. Dumping "gray water" onto the ground is prohibited. 8. Group Picnic Shelters - The two Group Picnic Shelters at the W.P. Franklin South Day Use Area can be reserved for $35.00, otherwise they are available on a "first come, first serve" basis. 9. Reservation - Campsites and Group Picnic Shelters can be reserved up to 240 days in advance but no earlier than 3 days in advance. For reservations call toll free at 1-877-444-6777 or visit the internet site at http://www.ReserveUSA.com/nrrs/fl/wfrn/. 10. Boat Launch Ramps - There is a $3.00 daily fee to use a boat launch ramp, or you may purchase an Annual Pass for $30.00 at the W.P. Franklin North Campground Office. Annual Passes are valid for day use fees at all US Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas nationwide. 11. Swimming Beach - There is a $1.00 per person fee for using the swim beach. Maximum charge per vehicle filled with persons is $4.00, and there is no charge for children under 12 years old. Annual Passes are valid for swimming beach fees (see item #9 above for Annual Pass information). 12. Golden Age/Golden Access - The lifetime pass entitles cardholder to a 50% discount of user fees at a federal project. Visitors who possess proper identification that they are a U.S. Citizen, either 62 years or older or receiving handicap disability assistance are eligible for the program. The cards may be obtained at the W.P. Franklin North Campground Office.
Map and Directions to W.P. Franklin Lock Recreation Area
To WP Franklin North Campground From LaBelle, travel north on Highway 29, turn left on Highway 78 and travel west for 19.2 miles, then turn left on North Franklin Lock Road and follow into campground. Last Page Update: 9/28/2005
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