OutReserve

W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area

Picnic Sites at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Bald Cypress Trees on the shoreline
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Boat Ramp and Courtesy Dock at the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Playground at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

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 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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Missing information?

Reviews (54)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.9
54 reviews
5
88.9%
48
4
11.1%
6
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Joann W

February 16, 2025

5

As always we had a great day. The park was clean and the kids enjoyed it. There were more than enough picnic tables and the trash cans were empty.

Joann W

February 16, 2025

5

As always we had a great day. The park was clean and the kids enjoyed it. There were more than enough picnic tables and the trash cans were empty.

Danielle S

January 18, 2025

5

Perfect for our party!

Danielle S

January 18, 2025

5

Perfect for our party!

Shana L

November 16, 2024

5

It was the perfect site for our wedding.

Shana L

November 16, 2024

5

It was the perfect site for our wedding.

Michael D

April 20, 2024

4

Our Cruise Club held its annual Picnic at the Franklin Lock Group Shelter on Saturday April 13th. It was a beautiful day and our group enjoyed the facility. We have been coming to this place for many years and hopefully will in future years. The only negative we have is that the dock has not been replaced. It broke down several years ago and still has not been replaced. This year I see that the broken remnants have been removed so I am hopeful that a new dock will be forthcoming. We have many seniors in our group who still enjoy boating and have difficulty de-boarding directly onto the grass area. A dock would be much appreciated.

Michael D

April 20, 2024

4

Our Cruise Club held its annual Picnic at the Franklin Lock Group Shelter on Saturday April 13th. It was a beautiful day and our group enjoyed the facility. We have been coming to this place for many years and hopefully will in future years. The only negative we have is that the dock has not been replaced. It broke down several years ago and still has not been replaced. This year I see that the broken remnants have been removed so I am hopeful that a new dock will be forthcoming. We have many seniors in our group who still enjoy boating and have difficulty de-boarding directly onto the grass area. A dock would be much appreciated.

Alice F

April 13, 2024

5

We are a boating club & have our annual picnic here each year. There is a doctor to unload passengers, a pavilion right there to reserve and plenty of shade for lawn games.

Alice F

April 13, 2024

5

We are a boating club & have our annual picnic here each year. There is a doctor to unload passengers, a pavilion right there to reserve and plenty of shade for lawn games.

Location W.p. Franklin South Recreation Area

Address:
1660 S Franklin Lock Road
Alva, FL, 33920
United States

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 26.7203 / -81.6939

Elevation: 3 feet

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. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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