Can you reserve a site at Franklin Lake?

Yes, Franklin Lake is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Franklin Lake have?

77 sites in total, of which 76 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Franklin Lake?

40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Franklin Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Franklin Lake.

Are campfires allowed at Franklin Lake?

Campfires are allowed at Franklin Lake. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Franklin Lake, Wisconsin — 76 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

76 bookable sites
77 sites in total, including non-bookable
Vehicles up to 40 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: North, South

Site types

52 Standard Nonelectric
22 Standard Electric
1 Management
1 Tent Only Electric
1 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

77 campsites at Franklin Lake

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
041	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
042	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
043	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
044	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
045	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
046	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
047	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
048	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
049	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
050	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
051	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
052	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
053	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
054	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
055	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
056	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
057	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
058	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
059	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
060	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
061	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
062	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
063	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
064	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
065	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
066	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
067	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
068	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
069	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
070	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
071	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
072	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
073	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
074	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
075	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
076	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	30 ft	8	🐾
077	North	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
001	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
002	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
003	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
004	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Moderate	Lakefront	30 ft	8	🐾
005	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
006	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
007	South	Tent Only Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
008	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
009	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
010	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
011	South	Management	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
012	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
013	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
014	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	35 ft	8	🐾
015	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
016	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	30 ft	8	🐾
017	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
018	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
019	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	30 ft	8	🐾
020	South	Tent Only Electric	Pull Through	Gravel	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
021	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
022	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
023	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
024	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
025	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
026	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	40 ft	8	🐾
027	South	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Lakefront	35 ft	8	🐾
028	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
029	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
030	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
031	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	25 ft	8	🐾
032	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
033	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
034	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
035	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
036	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
037	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
038	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
039	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾
040	South	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	40 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

Drive approximately 8 miles east from Eagle River on Highway 70. Turn south onto Military Road/Forest Road 2178 and continue about 2 miles, to Butternut Lake Road/Forest Road 2181, and continue approximately 4 miles to the campground.

45.92472, -89.00806 · 45°55'29.0"N 89°0'29.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	1.3	1.0	1.6	2.6	3.2	3.8	4.0	3.4	3.7	3.2	1.9	1.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Franklin Lake

Can you reserve a site at Franklin Lake?: Yes, Franklin Lake is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Franklin Lake have?: 77 sites in total, of which 76 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Franklin Lake?: 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Franklin Lake?: Yes, pets are allowed at Franklin Lake.
Does Franklin Lake have hookups?: Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Franklin Lake?: Campfires are allowed at Franklin Lake. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Franklin Lake

Anvil Lake Campground 2.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Luna White Deer Campground 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kentuck Lake Campground 4.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin) 6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Laurel Lake Campground 8.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Stevens Lake Campground 14.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Franklin Lake Recreation Area 1.3 mi · Campground
Luna - White Deer Lake Recreation Area 2.7 mi · Campground
Sevenmile Lake Recreation Area 3.6 mi · Campground
Blackjack Springs Wilderness 4.7 mi · Facility
Headwaters Wilderness 8.1 mi · Facility
Eagle River - Florence District 10.7 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Franklin Lake