Anvil Lake Campground is next to Highway 70, a short drive east of Eagle River, making this an excellent choice as a basecamp to explore the area’s trails, lakes and attractions. This small campground is in a stand of oak, maple and elm with several giant hemlocks and white pines. The recreation area features a white sand beach, an historic log shelter and a picnic area with scenic views of Anvil Lake (377 acres). The lake has crystal-clear waters and offers fun opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The only downside is that the campground is close to the highway so you will hear traffic noise in the background.
There are 18 individual campsites in a pine and maple forest. All sites are shaded and have a picnic table, fire ring, tent area, and parking spur. 13 sites can accommodate a tent and an RV/trailer (max length varies), of which, two have paved, pull-through spurs. Three sites are tent-only. Site #2 is the campground host. Campground amenities include drinking water, accessible vault toilets, a picnic area, shelter and swimming beach. All sites are non-electric and all are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A developed boat landing is at the west end of the Recreation Area.
A short footpath at the east end of the campground leads to a pair of giant white pines estimated to be 300 years old.
Lakeside Campsites with Lake Access
None of the campsites are waterfront, but walk-in tent sites 14, 16 and 17 have trails to the shoreline.
The public boat landing is near the west end of the campground and offers a ramp, turn-around and a trailer-parking area.
Trails & Places
The trailhead for the Anvil National Recreation Trail is across the highway from the campground. Anvil is an espansive, multi-loop trail system for hiking and mountain biking with a spur to the Nicolet North Trails at the south end.
- Anvil National Recreation Trail* | Hiking, mountain biking
- Franklin Nature Trail | Hiking
- Luna-White Deer Trail* | Hiking
- Hidden Lakes Trail* | Hiking
- Nicolet North Trail* | Mountain biking, hiking
- Three Eagle Trail* | Bicycle path
Season
The campground is open from May through October
Registration
A self-registration kiosk is located near the campground entrance. You must register and pay before occupying a site. Reservable sites may be reserved online up to six months in advance (please visit the reservations website for more details).
GPS: 45.935900, -89.062195
Campground Stats
- Total Number of Campsites: 18
- RV & Tent Campsites: 13
- Tent Only Campsites: 5
- Group Campsites: 0
- Reservable Campsites: 10
Campground Amenities
- Contact station kiosk
- Drinking water (hand pump)
- Accessible vault toilets
- Garbage & recycling
Campsite Amenities
- All sites are non-electric
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- Tent area
- Parking spur
- Campsite Capacity: 8 people per site
- All sites offer at least partial shade
RV & Camping Trailer Info
- Campground Roads: Paved
- Campsite Spurs: Gravel (15), paved (3)
- All sites are back-in
- 25-foot max: 1, 13, 18
- 30-foot max: 12
- 35-foot max: 7
- 40-foot max: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10
- Pull-through: 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
- Generators Allowed: Yes (6:00am to 10:00 pm)
- Generator noise must not disturb other campground guests!
- RV/Trailer Dump Station: No
- Nearby Dump Station: 45.952918, -89.007159
Forest Pond Campground ($ fee) 7.4 miles away
- Nearby Dump Station: 45.916668, -89.256441
Eagle River Wastewater Treatment ($ fee) 16.5 miles away
- Visit sanidumps.com or rvdumps.com for more info.
Recreation Area Amenities
- Picnic area (shelter, tables, grills)
- Swimming beach
- Boat landing
- Pets Allowed? Yes
- Pets must be restrained or on a leash in campgrounds & developed areas.
- Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.
Recreation Area Activities
- Picnicking
- Hiking (Anvil National Recreation Trail)
- Mountain Biking (Anvil National Recreation Trail)
- Anvil Lake (377 acres, max depth: 32 feet)
- Swimming
- Boating (motorized)
- Canoeing & kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Fishing
- ⥾ Walleye (common)
- ⥾ Panfish (common)
- ⥾ Smallmouth Bass (common)
- ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
- Anvil Lake contour map
- Lake Bottom: 50% sand, 40% gravel, 10% muck
Managing Agency
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
- Eagle River-Florence Ranger District
- 1247 E. Wall St.
- Eagle River, WI 54521
- Phone: 715.479.2827
- Official Website: Anvil Lake Recreation Area
Local Gas & Services
- Eagle River is 9.3 miles away.
(restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat) - Distances are from the campground entrance.
An asterisk* indicates an external link.