Camp Frances is a small rustic cabin located at 1501 S. Cochran Avenue at the south end of Bennett Park in Charlotte. This facility was established in the mid-1950s when the City leased a portion of the park to a nonprofit organization known as the Charlotte Girls Recreation Camp. This lease permitted the construction of a building to be used for overnight stays. 
As the name of the original organization implies, the primary purpose of Camp Frances was to provide an outdoor camping experience for girls. Facilities providing such an experience existed for boys but girls did not have similar options. Over time the purposes of Camp Frances were changed to include boys and girls and the name of the nonprofit organization changed as well to the Charlotte Recreation Camp. The facility is now used by youth groups, families, nonprofit organizations and civic groups (see bottom of page for application to use Camp Frances).
Camp Frances is named for Mrs. Frances Gates, the original benefactor of the camp. Her generosity permitted the construction of the first camp building. Although it was subsequently destroyed by a fire, a more modern facility was built on the same site. The cabin features a full kitchen, meeting area, fireplace and indoor restroom.
Although the City leased the land upon which the Camp Frances cabin is built, a City ordinance prevented expending any public funds on the site. The board of directors of the Charlotte Recreation Camp, as with many small nonprofit groups, faced the ongoing challenge of raising funds for the upkeep of the facility.
In 2008, a new municipal nonprofit corporation was created as a successor to the Charlotte Recreation Camp. This nonprofit, the Camp Frances Educational and Recreational Center, was established by the Charlotte City Council and the former nonprofit was dissolved, turning its assets over the new organization. The Camp Frances Educational and Recreational Center provides a high quality, safe and secure facility for environmental education and recreation programs and activities. The facility serves to enrich the quality of life for all residents and visitors to Bennett Park.
The board of directors of Camp Frances Educational and Recreational Center has established a future vision for the facility that includes environmental and outdoor education.
The building itself features a kitchen with stove and oven, refrigerator, microwave, and sink and counter space. The building is handicap accessible with an entrance ramp and large bathroom, along with a handicap picnic table outdoors. Whether you are planning a graduation, a wedding, a memorial service, a shower, a family reunion, a meeting, or an overnight adventure for the kids, Camp Frances will help you make those lasting memories.
Our basement area offers even more space for your event or storage during your stay. Available for use within the building are (12) 6′ tables and 45 lightweight folding chairs.
Located on the south side of Bennett Park, this renovated and fully functional cabin gives you a little bit of that “up north” feeling right here in the middle of the City of Charlotte. Our “little cabin in the woods” that sits on its own “green space island,” is surrounded by the natural beauty of the hardwood forest that has never been logged. The paths through the woods can be used for hiking, cross-country skiing or biking. Maybe a walk around the park via the closed off roads is more to your liking. Or just sit outside by the large fire pit and enjoy the beauty and quietness of the location.
To request a reservation of Camp Frances, please complete the following form:
Camp Frances Recreational and Educational Center Facebook Page
Camp Frances Rental/Use Guidelines
CAMP FRANCES PHOTOS
