Recreation.gov has posted a notice for W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
At this time the courtesy dock at the boat ramp is closed for repair.
We read this on September 28, 2026. Read the full notice for W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area

W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
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As of October 2026, W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is a campground in Florida with 2 campsites. W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is located at 26.7203ยฐ N, 81.6939ยฐ W.
- people allowed on each site
- 25
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Maximum consecutive stay: 1 consecutive days
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
- Military discount available
Published by Recreation.gov for W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area, read on September 28, 2026.
Campsites at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
- Group 2
- Accessible 2
- Hookups 2
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: River.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife, horse riding.
All sites at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the W.P. FRANKLIN SOUTH RECREATION AREA loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Hookups | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS01 | Group | 25 | Electric | Accessible |
| GS02 | Group | 25 | Electric | Accessible |
About 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.
Rules and notices at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
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.
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area FAQ
Is W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area open?
Recreation.gov publishes this notice for W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area: "At this time the courtesy dock at the boat ramp is closed for repair." Recreation.gov does not date its notices; we last read this one on September 28, 2026. Check Recreation.gov before you travel.
How hard is it to get a campsite at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area?
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area?
Cancellations happen frequently at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area have?
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area has 2 campsites.
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