W. P. Franklin Lock and Dam South

**Location & Access**
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is a free day-use facility located in Alva on the south bank of the Caloosahatchee River, immediately adjacent to the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam. The boat ramp is situated on the downstream (west) side of the dam, providing convenient launch access to the river and nearby waterways. From I-75, take Exit 141 and follow SR 80 East toward the facility, which sits directly off SR 80 on the south side of the Caloosahatchee.

**Facilities & Recreation**
This well-maintained day-use area offers a boat ramp, picnic tables, restrooms, and a visitor center with interactive exhibits about the lock and dam system. Two reservable group picnic shelters are available for larger gatherings. The site provides excellent opportunities to explore the Caloosahatchee River and watch commercial and recreational vessels navigate the 152-mile Okeechobee Waterway. Paddlers often use this launch to access nearby Telegraph Creek for backcountry canoe adventures.

**Boating Considerations**
The W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam controls water levels on the Caloosahatchee, with a typical lift of 2-3 feet. Boaters navigating through the lock chamber (56 feet wide, 400 feet long, 14 feet high) should follow posted procedures. The area is ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and day boaters seeking calm river paddling in southwest Florida. For current details or lock operations, contact the facility at 239-694-8770.

Overview
Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida.
The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life.
Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's...

Overview
Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida.
The campground, about 10 miles east of Fort Myers, provides visitors with a taste of tranquil, tropical country life.
Nearby Telegraph Creek, offers exciting opportunities to canoe Florida's backcountry swamps and view wildlife.Recreation
Fishing for both salt and fresh water game fish is popular, as is boating. A unique feature of the campground is its cruiser sites, where campers sleep on their boat while enjoying the perks of the campsite facilities.Facilities
The 29 RV sites and 8 boat sites are equipped with 50 amp electric and water hookups. A boat ramp, fishing pier and trailer dump station are conveniently onsite.
Natural Features
The campground is almost completely surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River with just a narrow stretch of land connecting it to the shore.
The Caloosahatchee River is part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the U.S Army Corps of Engineers visitor center across the river in the W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area.
Visit downtown Fort Myers for flea markets, grocery stores, shopping and the historic Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates,
or spend a day exploring the sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches, about 45 minutes from the campground.

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