About W.P. FRANKLIN N
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.
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to W.P. FRANKLIN N
Heading to W.P. FRANKLIN N? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for W.P. FRANKLIN N?
No central reservation system listed for W.P. FRANKLIN N. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233661) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to W.P. FRANKLIN N?
From 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.
How do I contact W.P. FRANKLIN N?
You can reach the park at phone: 239-694-8770.
References & Official Resources
