Jacksonville, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla. (March 26, 2025) – Nestled along the St. Lucie Canal, a portion of the Okeechobee Waterway, the St. Lucie Lock Recreation Area offers a peaceful, tropical escape for visitors. Just a short 10-minute drive from Stuart, Florida, this scenic location invites people to enjoy nature through activities such as camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, and simply relaxing in its lush surroundings. For retired volunteers Marybeth and Joe Bennett, along with Kim and Clem Carrion, this place is more than just a haven for recreation—it is an opportunity to give back to the community, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities
Visitors to the St. Lucie Lock Recreational Area can experience a variety of activities while surrounded by nature’s beauty. The area’s picturesque landscape is home to wildlife, including manatees and boats traveling through the lock as they move along the Okeechobee Waterway. It’s an ideal setting for those looking to relax or explore the outdoors.
The St. Lucie South Campground offers a mix of amenities for campers, including nine RV/tent sites, eight boat campsites with electric and water hookups, and three additional tent sites with electricity. Water is centrally located by the parking lot area. A large picnic pavilion is also available for reservation in the day-use area, providing a space for groups to gather. The St. Lucie North Campground offers special activity reservable space for Scouts, etc. and is a work in leu of-off setting fees. The campground remains open year-round, and campground attendants are on duty to assist visitors, with a contact number of 772-287-1382 for inquiries.
Nearby Attractions
While the St. Lucie Lock Recreation Area offers plenty of activities, the nearby city of Stuart also has much to offer. Located just a short drive away, Stuart is home to a wide range of grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. For medical needs, Martin Memorial South Hospital is located nearby on Cove Road.
Regulations and Stay Limits
As part of the larger water resource project that includes Ortona South and St. Lucie South Campgrounds, there are specific regulations for campers. Campers are not permitted to stay at the same campground for more than 14 days within any 30-day consecutive period. If campers stay at Ortona South for 14 days, they must spend 16 days elsewhere before returning to the St. Lucie South Campground. This policy helps ensure that visitors can enjoy the space while promoting fair usage of the facilities.
Volunteering Opportunities at St. Lucie Lock and Other Corps Locations
In addition to enjoying nature, volunteers at the St. Lucie Lock Recreation Area, such as Marybeth and Joe Bennett, and Kim and Clem Carrion, play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the experience for visitors. Volunteers have the opportunity to serve in various roles, including as Park or Campground Hosts, Visitor Center staff, and environmental stewards.
Volunteer duties can include greeting the public, providing information, answering questions, registering campers, assisting with special events, conducting tours of the lock, dam, or power plant, and maintaining park trails and facilities. Some positions may also involve fee collection, computer work, or maintenance tasks.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers a wide array of volunteer opportunities across nearly 12 million acres of land and water. Volunteers contribute to restoring fish and wildlife habitats, cleaning shorelines, presenting educational programs, and leading recreational activities. For those interested in volunteering at the Corps’ lakes and recreation areas, more information is available on the official volunteer website: www.volunteer.gov.
Meet Our Volunteers at the St Lucie Lock Recreation Area
Mary Beth and Joe Bennett are originally from Brattleboro, Vermont, near the Massachusetts border. They moved to Florida about ten years ago to be closer to their children, who had relocated there. As they were getting older, their kids encouraged them to move so that they could be nearby if anything happened to them.
At the time of their move, neither Mary Beth nor Joe had plans to volunteer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Joe had retired but returned to work, while Mary Beth was focused on taking care of her grandchildren. Initially, they were busy with family activities, including raising their granddaughter, who was involved in equestrian events in Wellington.
Two years ago, they decided to downsize and purchased a trailer, despite having no experience with camping. After figuring out where to park the trailer, Joe discovered the opportunity to volunteer with the Army Corps of Engineers while talking to a camp host at a nearby location. They decided to give it a try, and Mary Beth has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She feels that it has kept her active and engaged, while also offering a great way to meet interesting people.
Through their volunteering, Mary Beth says, “I have learned a great deal about the Army Corps, water safety, and the local environment, which is very different from Vermont, especially in terms of plants, wildlife, and birds.” She expresses satisfaction with their decision and finds the experience enriching, enjoying both the work and the learning aspects of their new life in Florida.
Kim and Clem Carrion are volunteers at the Army Corps of Engineers campground at the St. Lucie Rec Area. They initially came to Port Saint Lucie, staying with friends, and then rented an RV. After using the campground's dump station weekly, they learned about the volunteer program, which allowed them to stay longer. This led them to buy their own RV and volunteer full-time, and they've been doing it for over two years.
Kim has a medical background, having worked in the medical field and as a teacher, and enjoys interacting with people. Clem has always been outdoorsy, with experience in canoeing, camping, and even running a pest control business. He relocates snakes for conservation purposes. Both Kim and Clem are passionate about their work at the campground, especially interacting with visitors and educating them about local wildlife. They also engage in community outreach, hoping to organize school field trips to the visitor center.
In addition to their current volunteer work, Kim and Clem are experienced in disaster relief volunteering, with certifications in safety training and equipment operation. They're also completing a boating course with the Corps, continuing to expand their volunteer work and skills. They love the experience and the opportunity to make a positive impact on visitors.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or if you'd like to apply for a volunteer position, visit www.volunteer.gov. You can also reach the Corps’ national volunteer program via phone at 1-800-VOL-TEER (1-800-865-8337) or by emailing volunteer.gov@usace.army.mil.
Volunteering at places like the St. Lucie Lock Recreation Area provides an enriching experience for individuals who love nature, enjoy interacting with people, and wish to give back to their communities. Whether you’re looking to spend time in a serene environment or contribute to preserving these natural spaces, the opportunities are abundant and rewarding.
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