How much does camping cost at W.P. Franklin N?

Camping fees at W.P. Franklin N range from $30-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is W.P. Franklin N first-come first-served or reservation?

W.P. Franklin N accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at W.P. Franklin N before I book?

Yes! W.P. Franklin N has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit W.P. Franklin N?

W.P. Franklin N is open January 1 to December 31, with no shoulder or off-peak seasons specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at W.P. Franklin N?

Yes, W.P. Franklin N has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at W.P. Franklin N?

Fire policies at W.P. Franklin N: Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood must be locally sourced.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at W.P. Franklin N?

Cell phone service at W.P. Franklin N is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does W.P. Franklin N have?

W.P. Franklin N has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at W.P. Franklin N?

Yes, pets are allowed at W.P. Franklin N. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at W.P. Franklin N?

W.P. Franklin N offers: Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

W.P. Franklin N

4.79

1.0K reviews

17850 NORTH FRANKLIN LOCK ROAD

Scenic ViewsFishing

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Fishing Florida

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open January 1 to De...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open January 1 to De...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

W.P. Franklin N

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates vary by site type: RV sites with hookups are $30 per night, and group shelters are available for $35 per night. Mooring boat sites...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

239-694-8770

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What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 1.0K reviews

442 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Reviews for W.P. Franklin N are overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the clean facilities, waterfront sites, and friendly hosts. However, some complaints about maintenance issues, bright lights, and lack of privacy in certain areas were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

17850 NORTH FRANKLIN LOCK ROAD

W.P. Franklin N

17850 NORTH FRANKLIN LOCK ROAD

Nearby places

Fort Myers (10 miles), Cape Coral (approx. 25 miles), Babcock Ranch (approx. 15 miles), Gulf of Mexico Beaches (approx. 45 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in downtown Fort Myers, including flea markets and shopping options like Publix (approx. 10 miles). Fuel stations are also in the area.

Driving directionsFrom I-75, take Exit 141, following SR 80 E to SR 31. Turn N on SR 31 and travel 4 mi to SR 78. Turn E on SR 78 for 3 mi and turn S on North Franklin Lock Rd into the campground. From I-75, take Exit 143, following Bayshore Boulevard E to SR 31. Turn N on SR 31 and travel 1.5 mi to SR 78. Turn E on SR 78 for 3 mi and turn S on North Franklin Lock Rd into the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved major highways and roads including SR 80, SR 31, and SR 78. No seasonal closures or terrain challenges were noted.

Best Time to Camp at W.P. Franklin N

Winter delivers the best camping conditions. Daytime highs settle in the mid-60s to mid-70s, nights cool to the upper 40s and low 60s. Humidity and bugs drop off. Migratory birds arrive in numbers, making it prime time for wildlife viewing, fishing, and long bike rides. Weekdays stay quiet, but snowbird season brings crowds on weekends and holidays. Summer turns humid with afternoon thunderstorms and active insects, including mayflies that swarm in the evenings.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in FL

Winter praised for cool, dry days—reviewers call it a winter favorite.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 to December 31, with no shoulder or off-peak seasons specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1 to December 31 annually.
Current Alerts: Toxic algae advisories have been mentioned in user reviews.

About W.P. Franklin N

W.P. Franklin N sits on a peninsula along the Caloosahatchee River near Alva, offering 37 sites split between waterfront and interior areas. Most of the 37 sites have river views, electric and water hookups, and access to a boat ramp and fishing pier. Fees run $30-35 per night. The campground draws high marks for cleanliness and friendly hosts, though some central sites lack privacy.

W.P. Franklin N accommodates RV camping, tent camping, and boat camping. The campground features cruiser sites for boaters and a mix of waterfront and inland sites.

Historical Significance

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates sit a short drive away in Fort Myers, where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent winters developing ideas and prototypes in the early 20th century. The Gulf Coast beaches nearby carry centuries of maritime history, from indigenous Calusa settlements to Spanish exploration routes.

Weather and SeasonsWinter delivers the best camping conditions. Daytime highs settle in the mid-60s to mid-70s, nights cool to the upper 40s and low 60s. Humidity and bugs drop off. Migratory birds arrive in numbers, making it prime time for wildlife viewing, fishing, and long bike rides. Weekdays stay quiet, but snowbird season brings crowds on weekends and holidays. Summer turns humid with afternoon thunderstorms and active insects, including mayflies that swarm in the evenings.

ElevationSet at the gentle elevations characteristic of South Florida's river systems, the campground rests comfortably above the waterline, providing both security and spectacular vantage points for river watching.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a bend in the Caloosahatchee River, part of the 152-mile Okeechobee Waterway connecting Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf Coast. Spanish moss hangs from oaks along the water. Reviews mention regular wildlife sightings: dolphins at sunrise, bald eagles overhead, manatees in the shallows, alligators on distant banks, and tarpon rolling in the current. The river here marks a transition zone where Florida's freshwater wetlands begin their shift toward coastal ecosystems.

Geological RegionPositioned along the legendary Caloosahatchee River—a vital link in the 152-mile Okeechobee Waterway—the campground sits at the crossroads of Florida's most fascinating ecosystems. This aquatic highway winds through ancient swamplands and modern waterways, showcasing the unique geology of southwest Florida where freshwater systems merge with coastal influences. The surrounding landscape tells the story of millennia, from prehistoric sea beds to modern wetlands, creating a diverse habitat that supports an extraordinary array of plant and animal life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 8 people per campsite.

Groups

Group site details are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites ring the perimeter of a peninsula, with most facing the water. The central area holds interior sites that reviewers describe as cramped with little screening. Gravel pads vary in condition, with some showing weeds. No sewer hookups. Pole lights near certain sites run bright through the night.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the app.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground does not have walk-up availability; all sites must be reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyStandard $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations forfeit the first night’s fee. Day-use activities lose fees if canceled within 14 days. Changes cost $10 if dates differ completely; no fees for extending or shortening.

AccessibilityAccessible options include assistive mobility devices like powered wheelchairs and electric scooters, permitted with proper documentation. Bathrooms are ADA-friendly and received positive feedback from users needing mobility assistance.

Site SizeSites range from small to spacious, with users noting that some sites are ideal for larger RVs. For example, site #12 easily accommodates a 37-foot fifth-wheel trailer.

PrivacyThe privacy varies by site, with some offering excellent waterfront views and seclusion, while others in the central area provide less privacy. One review stated, "This site is in the center island and crowded with zero privacy. It works for a stopover spot.

Total Campsites37 campsites

Recommended SitesRV campers may prefer shaded sites like 22 and 10. Tent campers are recommended the cove side for reduced wind exposure.

Need help booking W.P. Franklin N?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The W.P. Franklin N campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors also enjoy unique cruiser sites where campers can sleep on their boats. Proximity to Telegraph Creek provides opportunities to canoe in swamps and observe wildlife.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include toxic algae warnings in the river water, alligators in the proximity, and excessive summer heat.

Active AlertsToxic algae advisories have been mentioned in user reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood must be locally sourced.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services available include hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations in nearby Fort Myers, approximately 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are centrally located, and recycling bins are provided, though some reviewers suggested clearer labeling and additional garbage cans throughout the campground. One user commented, "Recycling bins were not clearly labeled, which was still not an excuse for selfish campers and day users who dumped their trash into the recycling bins instead of the trash dumpster that was 10 steps away."

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the Caloosahatchee River with easy access to water activities including fishing and kayaking.

Camp HostHosts are available but reviews note varying levels of helpfulness. Some comments include, 'Carlos was very helpful,' and 'Hosts were friendly but not always visible.'

Weather at W.P. Franklin N

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.8

1.0K reviews

Top-Rated

W.P. Franklin N is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for W.P. Franklin N are overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the clean facilities, waterfront sites, and friendly hosts. However, some complaints about maintenance issues, bright lights, and lack of privacy in certain areas were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 1032 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlighted the cleanliness, waterfront views, friendly hosts, and peaceful environment as major positives. One user stated, "One of the nicest, well-kept campgrounds (Army Corps or...

Based on 1032 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues mentioned include excessively bright lights, occasional maintenance problems like weeds and broken grills, and a lack of privacy in some sites. One reviewer commented, "The incredibly...

Based on 1032 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommended specific sites for better views and experiences, such as site #7 for privacy and site #11 for excellent views of the river. "We had spots 9 & 10 for the weekend in late March....

Based on 1032 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are favored for their cooler weather, while summer reviews noted high humidity and heat. One user remarked, "A winter months favorite, but mid-May was a scorcher."

Based on 1032 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely beautiful campground! Every site is right on the water." "Hosts were extremely friendly and helpful." "We stayed 4 nights in site #07. Nature at its best in every direction you look."

Based on 1032 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 was praised as "probably the pick of the sites," while site #7 was described as "very private and a great view of the water."

Based on 1032 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features received positive feedback, particularly the ADA-friendly bathrooms. One user commented, "The restrooms and showers were nearby and absolutely perfect for me to get in and use."

Based on 1032 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and users noted the campground's accommodation of pets, though some cited occasional barking as a minor issue. One review stated, "Most campers had pets, including us. Which means...

Based on 1032 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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