USDA Forest Service · Wisconsin
Franklin Lake
USDA Forest Service · Wisconsin, United States
- Sites
- 77
- Hookups
- 23 electric, 53 no hookups
- Season
- April 30 to October 13
- Max RV length
- 40 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 1,772 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- BUTTERNUT LAKE ROAD (NFSR 2181) · asphalt · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
- Nearest town
- EAGLE RIVER
- Address
- U S D A FOREST SERVICE, EAGLE RIVER, WI, 54521
- Phone
- 715-479-2827
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Historic & Cultural Site, Interpretive Programs, Kayaking, Swimming Site, Wildlife Viewing
77 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19° | 4° | -24° | 41° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 24° | 7° | -17° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 35° | 19° | -4° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 46° | 30° | 10° | 74° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 64° | 43° | 29° | 79° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 71° | 53° | 42° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 78° | 60° | 50° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 74° | 59° | 52° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 69° | 54° | 38° | 82° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 52° | 39° | 25° | 70° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 35° | 27° | 6° | 59° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 26° | 14° | -12° | 52° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Luna White Deer · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi
- Anvil Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 19 sites
- Luna White Deer Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 37 sites
- Kentuck Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 31 sites
- Sevenmile Lake · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
All public campgrounds in Wisconsin · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.