Eagle River, Wisconsin offers diverse camping options in the northern woods region where elevation ranges from 1,600-1,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F during day and drop to 50-55°F at night, while spring and fall can be significantly cooler. Many campgrounds in this area serve as gateways to the region's extensive lake system and old-growth forests.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Franklin Lake provides excellent fishing access with clear water conditions. "The water is crystal clear and there's a beach that can be used if you don't have a lake site," notes a camper at Franklin Lake.
Hiking trails: The Sylvania Wilderness area offers extensive hiking options near Eagle River. "Gorgeous hikes nearby (hiking around Clark lake is an 8-10 mile trek that's gorgeous the whole way," mentions a visitor to Sylvania Clark Lake Campground.
Swimming: Many campgrounds feature swimming beaches with varying amenities. At Laurel Lake, a camper reports, "The lake has clear water and a sandy bottom," making it ideal for summer swimming.
Wildlife viewing: The dense forests around Eagle River support diverse wildlife. "Loons are always on the lake... Among other wildlife, bear are in the area, which is a testament to how off the beaten path this campground is," shares a Franklin Lake visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. At Laurel Lake Campground, campers appreciate that "the sites are wooded and private," providing a more secluded experience.
Access to water: Waterfront campsites are highly valued. "You can get campsites on the lake, or you could get more secluded sites further back into the woods," notes a Franklin Lake camper about the options available.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. One camper at Franklin Lake states, "The stars at night are some of the best I've seen with so little light pollution up there."
Campsite amenities: Basic but functional amenities meet most camping needs. At Moen Lake Campground, a visitor explains, "The basic amenities are here, picnic table, fire pit, bath house with showers within walking distance, electrical(30amp) and water hookups, but don't expect them to be 5 star quality."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. A Franklin Lake visitor advises, "Cell service is awful, you can get service sort of by the lake depending on your provider, but don't count on it."
Firewood restrictions: Due to invasive species concerns, outside firewood is often prohibited. "Apparently there have been beetle issues in Wisconsin and most campgrounds require you to buy your firewood locally or on-site," explains a Moen Lake camper.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. Borderline RV Park runs "May 1 - Oct 31," and many others follow similar schedules.
Insect preparation: Bug activity can be significant, especially in spring and early summer. A Franklin Lake camper warns, "Don't forget the bug spray! Those northwoods bugs are lethal."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Choose campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas for children. "The swimming area was under kept but we still enjoyed all day," reports a Sylvania Clark Lake visitor about their family experience.
Nature exploration: Old-growth forests offer educational opportunities. At Sylvania, a camper shares, "The moss-covered old growth forest provided an excellent tent site & entertained our 2 boys under 8 until they tired."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible wildlife sightings. "We had deer walk through the back of our campsite at night," mentions a visitor to Moen Lake, describing an exciting aspect of their stay.
Water activities: Consider bringing watercraft for lake exploration. At Sylvania Clark Lake Campground, "Access to the lake was easy, and the fact that there are so few camp sites on the lake really makes it feel secluded. There are 2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites for your RV size. At Arbor Vitae Campground, a camper notes, "RV sites nice but would prefer more trees. Nice fire pits. Wood available for purchase."
Hookup quality: Verify electrical connections meet your needs. "Clean bathrooms and shower areas. Easy hook up for water, electric and sewer," reports an Arbor Vitae visitor about their experience.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer full-hookup service. At Moen Lake, "No onsite sewer, but did have a dump station," which is an important consideration for longer stays.
Electrical safety: Check electrical hookup safety features. One Arbor Vitae camper cautions, "Electricity has no breakers to shut the juice off before hook up which is very dangerous. Water is good pressure."
