W.P. Franklin US Army Corps of Engineers Campground

Located on the Caloosahatchee River section of the Okeechobee Waterway, W.P. Franklin North Campground has a tropical atmosphere that provides an excellent setting for visitors to camp, fish, boat, or enjoy hours of quiet contemplation.

Downtown Fort Myers flea markets, grocery stores, malls, the historic Thomas Edison/Henry Ford Home, and the beautiful Gulf beaches are all within 15 minutes of driving time.

On the north side of the river, the W.P. Franklin North Campground offers 30 Class A Tent/RV sites and 8 Cruiser (boat) sites, all with electric and water hookups.

Campground Amenities

• RV/Boat sites with electric & water hookups
• Boat ramp and courtesy dock
• Showers & restrooms
• Fishing areas 

• Trailer dump station

Additional Information

• Park Hours — The W. P. Franklin North Campground entrance gate is open sunrise to sunset. All visitors are required to leave at 10pm. Quiet hours are observed 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Camping — Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Check-out time is 11 a.m. and check-in begins at 12 noon. Campsite fees are $30 per day for RV and Boat sites. Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period.
• Pets — Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets must be penned or kept on a 6’ leash at all times.
• Campfires — Fires are permitted in grills & fire rings only. Please extinguish all unattended fires.
• Litter — Campers are expected to keep their site free of litter at all times. Trash cans are located throughout the north and south recreation areas for your convenience.
• Parking — Vehicles must be parked on camp pads or in designated areas.
• Trailer Dump Station — A dump station is provided for the disposal of waste water or similar material. Dumping "gray water" onto the ground is prohibited. Dump fees are $20 for waste generated prior to camping, and campers are allowed one free dump per week or per stay.
• Reservation — Campsites and Group Picnic Shelters can be reserved up to 180 days in advance but no earlier than 3 days in advance. For reservations call toll free at 1-877-444-6777 or visit the reservation website at www.reservations.gov. 

• W.P. Franklin North Boat Launch Ramp — There is no fee to use a boat launch ramp. Information about locking through the WP Franklin Lock and the Okeechobee Waterway can be found at  

•  Fishing — Day-use fishing is restricted to the fishing pier.

America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass/Golden Age/Golden Access - The lifetime pass entitles cardholder to a 50% discount of user fees at a federal project. Visitors who possess proper identification that they are a U.S. Citizen, either 62 years or older or receiving handicap disability are eligible for the discount.

Directions 

The US Army Corps of Engineers also has a Day Use facility at  W. P. Franklin South Recreation Area on the south bank of the Caloosahatchee River accessible from Hwy 80. There are picnic tables, two reservable picnic shelters (35 person max), boat ramp, restrooms, Visitor Center, playground, observation platform for vessel watching, horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court, Dam tours when available, and water safety activities.