By:
Submission
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.
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.
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.
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.
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
n Eagle River, WI, at the intersection of State Rts. 70 and Rt. 32 and US Rt. 45, take State Rt. 70 east 7.5 miles to a campground sign. Turn right after sign onto Forest Rt. 2178 (Military Rd.) and go 2.4 miles to another campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Butternut Rd and go 4.2 miles into campground. NOTE: The fee board is 0.5 from campground entrance.
The west side of the lake is shallow and sandy - great for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding . The east end is perfect for fishing and have had great luck with trolling for pike and northern. There’s a neat sandy spot that is between the shallow side and deep side.
This lake is pristine and has an active lake association that works hard to keep clean water - please remove aquatic plants from boat and wash it off before bringing in.
The greatest lake in the world.
There's no fish in here... But I keep going back every year
Lovely family campground. The Franklin nature trail was really nice. Having flush toilets and electric lights in the restroom helped with the 1am bathroom trips with my 4yo. First loop is pretty developed, but the far end of the second loop is rustic and fairly secluded as far as Nat'l Parks Campgrounds go. The beach was clean but there were some algae blooms in the lake.
