Solange P
April 12, 2026
We love this park! Beautiful and quiet location, clean, well kept, and the staff is wonderful!! Thank you!! You never disappoint, W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area! Until next time!
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About W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area
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 mi 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.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
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Reviews
54 reviews
Summary
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is highly praised for its beautiful, clean, and well-maintained environment, making it a perfect location for events and family outings. Reviewers appreciate the easy access and ample amenities, including picnic tables and empty trash cans. The only noted concern is the absence of a dock, which has yet to be replaced, though there is hope for improvements in the future.
Based on guest feedback
4.9
Overall rating
Based on 54 reviews
5 stars
88.9% (48)
4 stars
11.1% (6)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 54 reviews
Sort by: Newest First
Solange P
April 12, 2026
We love this park! Beautiful and quiet location, clean, well kept, and the staff is wonderful!! Thank you!! You never disappoint, W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area! Until next time!
Helpful
Daniel G
March 21, 2026
Everything was perfect
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Daniel G
March 21, 2026
Everything was perfect
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Christina J
November 22, 2025
This Park is Wounderful and absolutely beautiful.. I love the water view.. And easy Acess.. I would recommend highly..
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Christina J
November 22, 2025
This Park is Wounderful and absolutely beautiful.. I love the water view.. And easy Acess.. I would recommend highly..
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Shari H
November 1, 2025
Was a great place
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Shari H
November 1, 2025
Was a great place
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Roy C
April 19, 2025
This was the perfect spot, we were blessed with great weather. It was clean and appeared to be well-maintained. I didn't think to bring anything to clean the grill but that's on me. Trash cans were empty and overall a great spot that we will reserve again in the future.
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Roy C
April 19, 2025
This was the perfect spot, we were blessed with great weather. It was clean and appeared to be well-maintained. I didn't think to bring anything to clean the grill but that's on me. Trash cans were empty and overall a great spot that we will reserve again in the future.
Helpful
Location & Directions for W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area
1660 S Franklin Lock Road, Alva, FL 33920 United States
Elevation: 3 ft
Getting There
From Interstate 75, take Exit 141 (Palm Beach Blvd.) east for 7 mi to Old Olga Road. Make a left on Old Olga Road and proceed 0.3 mi to Franklin Lock Road. Make a right on Franklin Lock Road into the WP Franklin South Recreation Area.
Highway access
The W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area is accessible via Interstate 75, which is approximately 7 miles away from the campground, accessed by taking Exit 141 (Palm Beach Blvd.) east.
Policies & Rules
General
- At this time the courtesy dock at the boat ramp is closed for repair. The boat ramp remains open.
- Group Shelters are for day use only, no camping allowed
- At this time the group shelters are limited to a maximum of 25 people and are ideal for birthday parties, club meetings, small weddings, etc.
- Vehicles must be parked in designated spaces. Once these are filled, contact a Park Ranger for directions to the overflow parking area.
- W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam Tours are available. Please contact the park staff prior to arrival to schedule a tour.
- Alcohol is not allowed in the recreation area.
- Bounce houses, water slides and other similar items are not allowed in the recreation area.
- The Recreation Area opens at Sunrise and closes at Sunset.
- Vehicles to include golf carts, ATV's, mini bikes or any other such equipment must be properly licensed and registered to be driven in the park.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Alva, FL
Population: 3,389
Nearby city: Lehigh Acres, FL
Approx. 8 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 13 ft
Alva, FL
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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers