Located on the southwest shore of Franklin Lake (881 acres), this is one of the most popular camping destinations in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. A big reason is that more than half of the 77 campsites are lakefront. The lake's beautiful scenery and clear waters are excellent for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing; or just relaxing at your campsite.
A high canopy of hardwoods covers most of the rec area and campground. Oak, maple, and elm are common with a small number of old-growth white pines scattered throughout. Hemlock, balsam fir, red pine, and birch cover the shorelines of Franklin Lake and neighboring Butternut Lake.
Ancient archeological sites, 400-year-old hemlocks, and several CCC Era log and stone buildings have placed this area on the National Registers of Historic Places. Three buildings are picnic shelters, and another is part of the Franklin Nature Center, which hosts interpretive programs throughout the summer. One shelter - at the south end of the rec area - is next to an intimate, shady picnic area and features fantastic scenic views of the south end of Franklin Lake. The public boat landing is steps away.
The Franklin Lake Campground has 77 campsites split into two areas, the North Campground, and the South Campground. Lakeside campsites are in both campgrounds with a majority in the North Campground. All sites are partially to fully shaded. 75 sites can accommodate tents and an RV/trailer (max length varies, see list below). Each site has a parking spur, tent area, picnic table, and a fire ring. Campground amenities include drinking water (electric well & hand pump), vault toilets, and accessible flush toilets. There are no electric hookups. 43 sites are reservable and 34 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites 1 and 62 are campground hosts. Overall, the campground and its facilities are well-maintained.
In both campgrounds a mix of hemlock, balsam fir, red pines and birch canopy the lakeside sites, while sites away from the lake are shaded by tall hardwoods. Most of the lakeside sites are set back a few steps from the lakeshore and every site has at least partial views of the water through conifers and birch. Some sites offer a better view of the lake than others. Every lakeside site has shoreline access. Most campsites are spaced well-apart from each other for comfortable levels of privacy.
In the North Campground, sites 73 through 77 are set on small plateaus overlooking the lake through foliage. Sites 73 through 76 are completely shaded by tall hemlocks. It is a setting that provides a unique camping experience.
Lakeside Campsites with Lake Access
3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, & 58 through 77.
The public boat landing is south of the campground. Facilities include a gravel ramp, a small, paved trailer-parking area (4 stalls), vault toilets, and a picnic area.
Franklin Lake is a Loon nesting site.
If you arrive and the campground at Franklin Lake is full, try Luna-White Deer, Kentuck Lake or Spectacle Lake. All three are National Forest campgrounds within 15 miles driving distance of Franklin Lake, and all are next to scenic lakes.
Trails & Places
The scenic Lake Trail starts at the public boat landing and follows the shore of Franklin Lake all the way to the north end of the North Campground. The trail connects the boat landing with the picnic area, swimming beach, Nature Center, and all lakeside campsites in both campgrounds. Numerous openings along the trail provide panoramic views of Franklin Lake.
The Franklin Lake Nature Trail is near the campground entrance, and features a scenic walk through hardwoods, white pines, and shady stands of tall hemlocks. You will also find a scenic view of Butternut Lake, several historical sites, and a winding 400 foot-long boardwalk through a tamarack and spruce bog.
The Nature Trail is part of the Hidden Lakes Trail system (hiking only), a 13-mile loop that wanders through mixed forests, past several lakes, and occasional spruce bogs. A short segment of the Hidden Lakes Trail also combines with the popular Luna-White Deer Trail (4 miles, hiking only).
Five non-motorized lakes are close by that offer enjoyable paddling experiences: Luna Lake, White Deer Lake, Three Johns Lake, McKinley Lake, and Quartz Lake. Paddle in the early mornings or late afternoons and listen for the loon calls.
Anglers will find walleye, bass, and panfish in Franklin Lake and Butternut Lake. The closest public boat landing for Butternut Lake is on its’ south shore, a 4.5-mile drive from the Franklin Lake Campground. Dozens of lakes to the west and southwest also feature excellent fishing.
There are miles of scenic, paved side-roads in the area suitable for bicycling, including the campground access road.
- Franklin Nature Trail | Hiking
- Luna-White Deer Trail* | Hiking
- Hidden Lakes Trail* | Hiking
- Anvil National Recreation Trail* | Hiking, mountain biking
- 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: 45.928314, -88.993786
Campground Stats
- Total Number of Campsites: 77
- RV & Tent Campsites: 75
- Tent Only Campsites: 2
- Group Campsites: 0
- Reservable Campsites: 43
Campground Amenities
- Contact station kiosk
- Drinking water (Electric well, hand pump)
- Accessible flush toilets
- 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
- All sites are back-in
- 25-foot max: 21, 31
- 30-foot max: 4, 9, 16, 76
- 35-foot max: 53, 55-63
- 40-foot max: 1-3 ,5, 6, 8-15, 17, 18, 22-30, 32-52, 54, 64-75, 77
- 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
- Drinking water (Electric well, hand pump)
- Accessible vault toilets
- Picnic area (tables, grills, shade)
- Shelter
- Swimming beach
- Boat landing
- Accessible trails
- 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
- Nature center
- Interpretive programs
- Historic & Cultural Site
- Franklin Lake (839 acres, max depth: 46 feet)
- Swimming
- Boating (motorized)
- Canoeing & kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Fishing
- ⥾ Panfish (common)
- ⥾ Smallmouth Bass (common)
- ⥾ Walleye (common)
- ⥾ Largemouth Bass (present)
- ⥾ Northern Pike (present)
- Franklin Lake contour map
- Lake Bottom: 75% sand, 20% gravel, 30% rock
- Butternut Lake contour map
- Lake Bottom: 40% sand, 40% gravel, 10% rock, 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: Franklin Lake Recreation Area
Local Gas & Services
- Eagle River is 16 miles away
(restaurants, grocery, supplies, convenience store, gas & services, laundromat) - Distances are from the campground entrance.
An asterisk* indicates an external link.