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Franklin Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — EAGLE RIVER · Wisconsin · Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Chequamegon-Nicolet NF |
| Location | EAGLE RIVER · Wisconsin · Chequamegon-Nicolet NF · 45.92472, -89.00806 · Map |
| Sites | 76 public sites counted from the federal listing — 52 standard nonelectric; 22 standard electric; 1 tent only electric; 1 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 24 of 76 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 76 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 76 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 76 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 77 sites · 30 ft: 73 sites · 35 ft: 69 sites · 40 ft: 54 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 77 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 715-479-2827 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall pines and hemlocks, perched on the edge of the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to a variety of hiking trails. Recreation The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized.
Numerous trails exist in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours the forest of trees, with some over 400 years old. It leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops south, around Butternut Lake, passing several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees, then back to the campground.
A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch. Facilities The campground offers 77 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites (34) as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (43). Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. Accessible flush and vault toilets as well as drinking water, are provided throughout the campground. Natural Features The campground is situated in a lush stand of mature pine and hemlock trees, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Historic stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered throughout the campground. The adjacent Franklin Lake is 892 acres and boasts a beautiful sandy beach. Nearby Attractions The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
Directions, from the listing
Drive approximately 8 miles east from Eagle River on Highway 70. Turn south onto Military Road/Forest Road 2178 and continue about 2 miles, to Butternut Lake Road/Forest Road 2181, and continue approximately 4 miles to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · EAGLE RIVER WisconsinFSU.S. Forest ServiceLuna White Deer Campground
3 mi straight-line · Eagle River WisconsinFSU.S. Forest ServiceKentuck Lake Campground
5 mi straight-line · Eagle River WisconsinFSU.S. Forest ServiceSpectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
6 mi straight-line · Eagle River WisconsinFSU.S. Forest ServiceLaurel Lake Campground
9 mi straight-line · Eagle River Wisconsin
Trip Card — Franklin Lake
EAGLE RIVER · Wisconsin · Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | EAGLE RIVER · Wisconsin · Chequamegon-Nicolet NF |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 24 |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 76 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233774 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.