Camping at W P Franklin North Campground
Overview of W P Franklin North Campground
W P Franklin North Campground is part of the Franklin Lock and Dam complex on the Caloosahatchee River, not Lake Okeechobee State Park. It's important to clarify that Lake Okeechobee State Park doesn't exist per se; rather, you may be referring to areas around Lake Okeechobee which is managed by different entities including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District, and various State and local parks. The W P Franklin North Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Location
W P Franklin North Campground is located in Alva, just outside of Fort Myers, Florida. The campsite is situated along the Okeechobee Waterway and it is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and watching the lock operations.
Camping Information
- Reservations: Campsites can be reserved in advance through the Recreation.gov website, which is recommended especially during the high season or on weekends when it can become quite busy.
- Campsites: The campground offers both RV and tent sites, many of which are waterfront. Sites typically include amenities such as electricity, water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Facilities: Facilities at the W P Franklin North Campground include restrooms, showers, boat ramps, and a dumping station for RVs.
- Activities: Activities at the campground include boating, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and swimming in the designated swimming area.
- Pets: Pets are allowed at the campground, but they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
- Fees: There is a fee to camp at W P Franklin North Campground, which varies depending on the type of site you reserve.
Nearby Attractions
- Manatee Park: A non-captive warm water refuge for Florida Manatees, with opportunities to view these gentle giants, especially during the cooler months.
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Historic homes and gardens of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are located in nearby Fort Myers.
- Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve: Great for hiking and wildlife viewing, this preserve protects one of the largest remaining stands of hydric hammock in Lee County.
Things to Consider
- Weather: Be prepared for Florida's varied weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and the potential for hurricanes during hurricane season (June through November).
- Safety: Always follow instructions about wildlife, fire safety, and water safety to ensure a safe trip.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles — take all trash with you, leave what you find, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Before heading to W P Franklin North Campground, it's recommended to check the latest information and any alerts or closures that might affect your visit.
