## 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.

Franklin Lake

I've camped at Franklin Lake many times now. It is a gorgeous campground that is literally in the middle of nowhere, and I love it. Loons are always on the lake. The water is crystal clear. The beach is great, but if you have a site on the lake you can walk in and swim right there! Amount other wildlife bear are in the area, which is a testament to how off the beaten path this campground is. Despite this there actually is a building with flush toliets! There are plenty of places to hike in the area, and we've even done a little fishing in the area. We saw decent sized fish in Franklin lake, but didn't end up being able to catch any. (We just fish for fun so nothing serious here, I'm sure the fishing is great for those that are in to it!) I am eager to make plans to get back to Franklin Lake. It is just such a beautiful spot. The stars at night are some of the best I've seen with so little light pollution up there. The camoground has always been quiet and there's a good distance between sites. I'm eager to camp here again!

Rustic Quiet and Secluded, Everything a Camper Dreams For

My family has been coming to Franklin Lake for decades. It’s hands down our favorite campground in Wisconsin. You can get campsites on the lake, or you could get more secluded sites further back into the woods.

The water is crystal clear and there’s a beach that can be used if you don’t have a lake site. 

There’s bathrooms in the first couple of campsite loops and pit toilets the loops further back in the campground. There’s well water available but it’s not for drinking, just for cooking or cleaning.

Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don’t count on it.