W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

Campground · Florida · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Franklin Locks South Boat Ramp (PUB) · Open Access

2
Bookable sites
18 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
2
Accessible sites
11 ft
Elevation
Picnic Sites at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

Overview

WP Franklin South Recreation Area is a day use area located on the Caloosahatchee River adjacent to the WP Franklin Lock and Dam. Visitors can watch boats traversing the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy the exhibits at the visitor center or just relax with a picnic lunch.

Recreation

Boating, canoeing and kayaking on the Caloosahatchee River are popular activities. Anglers can try their luck with catching both freshwater and saltwater fish.

Facilities

This day use area has a visitor center, boat ramp, volleyball and horseshoe courts, a playground and several covered picnic sites. Flush toilets and drinking water are also available. There are two group picnic shelters available for reservation. Each shelter has water and electricity, six picnic tables, a large charcoal BBQ grill and can accommodate up to 50 people.

Nearby Attractions

Lee County Manatee Park is six miles west on Palm Beach Blvd. Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park is two miles east on Palm Beach Boulevard, Gulf of Mexico beaches and the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are 30 miles to the west.

The facts

  • 2 bookable sites
  • 2 sites for day use only
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 18 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: W.P. FRANKLIN SOUTH RECREATION AREA

Site types

  • 2 Group Shelter Electric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Campfires allowed
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
GS01W.P. FRANKLIN SOUTH RECREATION AREAGroup Shelter Electric——18 ft25♿
GS02W.P. FRANKLIN SOUTH RECREATION AREAGroup Shelter Electric——18 ft25♿

Getting there

From Interstate 75, take Exit 141 (Palm Beach Blvd.) east for 7 miles to Old Olga Road. Make a left on Old Olga Road and proceed 0.3 miles to Franklin Lock Road. Make a right on Franklin Lock Road into the WP Franklin South Recreation Area.

26.72027, -81.69390 · 26°43'13.0"N 81°41'38.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.02.51.91.93.611.39.010.111.13.32.42.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Playground at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Manatee Statue in front of Visitor Center

Member photos

Common questions about W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

Can you reserve a site at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area?
Yes, W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area have?
2 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area?
18 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area?
No, pets are not allowed at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area.
Does W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area have hookups?
Electric.
Are campfires allowed at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area?
Campfires are not allowed at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area.

Camping near W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.