Franklin Lake
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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: electric hookups in Wisconsin · first-come in Wisconsin · reservable in Wisconsin · big rigs in Wisconsin · pets allowed in Wisconsin
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 52 |
| Standard with electric | 22 |
| tent only electric | 1 |
| Tent-only | 1 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
76 sites in 2 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Power | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 041 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 042 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 043 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 044 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 045 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 046 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 047 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 048 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 049 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 050 | North | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Partial | No | 8 / 4 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric |
| Max vehicle length | 40 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May 2 to October 15 |
| Forest | Chequamegon-Nicolet NF |
| Booking | Reservation - Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of visit. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of visit. |
| Fees | Camping Lakeside Single Site: $18/night. Non-Lakeside Single Site: $15/night. Day Use - Picnic Area Day: $5. Annual: $30. Pass Information Campers do not need a day use pass for the picnic area. Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website. |
| Rules | The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Campsite Capacity Maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles at each camp site. |
Weather by month
Getting there
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 town | Eagle River, Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45.9247° N, 89.0081° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- WildfireBog
48 mi from the campground · 94 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Eagle Sports ↗ | 11.3 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 15.9 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Franklin Lake Campground Tour, Soon With electric sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet Nationa
Trails nearby
- 0.6 miFranklin Nature ↗1.3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.8 miPat Shay ↗5.7 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.8 miMostly Up1.7 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.8 miAsh Meadow1.9 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.9 miGulch0.5 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 1.1 miGauge1 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Blackjack Springs Wilderness begins about 3.2 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 3.2 miBlackjack Springs Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 5,912 acres
- 5 miHeadwaters Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 22,047 acres
- 10.3 miOttawa National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,562,423 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Anvil Lake Campground ShelterBuilding · Eagle River · 2.7 mi
- JabodonBuilding · Washington · 7.6 mi
- Everett Resort, TheBuilding · Washington · 8 mi
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.
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.
Nearby
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.
Guidebooks for Wisconsin
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Franklin Lake?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Franklin Lake?
Camping Lakeside Single Site: $18/night. Non-Lakeside Single Site: $15/night. Day Use - Picnic Area Day: $5.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Franklin Lake?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Franklin Lake open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 2 to October 15.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Franklin Lake have?
77 sites, including 52 standard sites without power, 22 standard sites with power, 1 tent only electric, and 1 tent-only site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Franklin Lake?
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Does Franklin Lake have hookups?
Yes, electric hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Franklin Lake?
Yes, pets are allowed at Franklin Lake. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Franklin Lake?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Source: Fire nearby
Is there cell service at Franklin Lake?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE and AT&T 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Franklin Lake?
The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Franklin Lake?
Eagle River, Wisconsin. The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground.
Source: Getting there