W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
National forest / federal in Alva, Lee County, Florida
USDA NAIP via USGS National forest / federal
On the water
Not yet confirmed by phone. Details can change, so check with the park before you go.
Day-use area; opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Group shelters reservable 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (GS01) or 8:00 PM (GS02).
Source: Official website
Through Recreation.gov
US Army Corps of Engineers day-use area on the Caloosahatchee River beside the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam near Alva, with a boat ramp, visitor center and two reservable picnic shelters. There is no camping here: Recreation.gov says the group shelters are day use only and the area closes at sunset.
What stands out
- Day-use only; no camping allowed
- Beside the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam on the Okeechobee Waterway
- Boat ramp on the Caloosahatchee River
- Two reservable picnic shelters with electric, $35/day
- Lock and dam tours by arrangement
Sites
Site details not listed yet.
What this place offers
- Boat ramp
- Fishing
- River or creek
- Playground
- Volleyball
- Horseshoes
Things to know
Rig rules
- No RV age limit listed
Pets
- Not listed
- Recreation.gov shelter details say 'Pets Allowed: No' for the group shelters.
Arrival
- Day-use area; opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Group shelters reservable 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (GS01) or 8:00 PM (GS02).
Other fees: Not a campground. Group picnic shelters $35 per day on Recreation.gov (rates listed through 2028).
Good to know
From the park's own website and other official pages. Policies change, so confirm with the park.
Location and directions
- From I-75 Exit 141 (Palm Beach Blvd.) go east 7 miles to Old Olga Road, left 0.3 mile to Franklin Lock Road, then right into the recreation area.
Rules
- Group shelters are for day use only; no camping allowed.
- Recreation area opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.
- Alcohol is not allowed in the recreation area.
- Bounce houses, water slides and similar items are not allowed.
- Golf carts, ATVs, mini bikes and similar vehicles must be licensed and registered to be driven in the park.
- Vehicles must park in designated spaces; when full, contact a Park Ranger for the overflow lot.
Amenities and services
- Courtesy dock at the boat ramp is closed for repair; the boat ramp remains open.
Activities and nearby
- W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam tours available; contact park staff before arrival to schedule.
- Watch boats lock through on the 152-mile Okeechobee Waterway; freshwater and saltwater fishing on the Caloosahatchee River.
- Lee County Manatee Park is 6 miles west; Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park 2 miles east; Gulf beaches and J.N. Ding Darling NWR about 30 miles west.
Ownership
- Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Lake Okeechobee recreation area).
On Google
Rating, reviews and photos from the park's Google listing.
Where you'll be
1660 S FRANKLIN LOCK ROAD, Alva, FL, 33920
DirectionsWhere this info comes from
- recreation.gov Overview, facilities, notices, directions, phone, shelter details and rates (facility and campsite API data)
- Florida Department of Health mobile home and RV park license list
- OpenStreetMap
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