Closed
— Closed for the season. The campground operates May 2 through October 15. Reservations for the 2026 season will open in early spring through Recreation.gov. Eight sites remain first-come, first-served during the operating season.
About
Anvil Lake Campground is a classic northern Wisconsin USFS campground nestled in a beautiful stand of large sugar maple, hemlock, and white pine trees on the south shore of Anvil Lake. At 1,740 feet elevation within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the campground offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere just 9 miles east of Eagle River off State Highway 70.
The campground features 18 non-electric campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Ten sites (1, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17) are reservable up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov, while eight sites operate first-come, first-served. The campground includes several tent-only sites and wheelchair-accessible sites. Most sites accommodate RVs, with maximum lengths varying from 25 to 40 feet depending on the site. A historic stone and log picnic shelter, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adds rustic charm to the recreation area.
Anvil Lake itself is the crown jewel of the area—377 acres of crystal-clear water perfect for swimming at the large sandy beach. The paved boat launch accommodates both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Anglers fish for walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, and panfish year-round, including ice fishing in winter (though the campground itself is closed). The exceptional water clarity makes Anvil Lake a popular swimming destination.
For hikers and mountain bikers, the Anvil National Recreation Trail departs directly from the campground and connects to an extensive network including the Nicolet North Trail, Hidden Lakes Trail, Franklin Lake Interpretive Trail, and Luna White Deer Trail system—totaling approximately 40 miles of trails. Originally constructed by the CCC in the 1930s and expanded into the National Recreational Trail System in 1978, the Anvil Trail is one of the area's most popular trail systems. In winter, these trails are groomed for both classic and skate cross-country skiing and are well-known in the ski community, having once been used for USA Olympic training. The area is also designated for watchable wildlife, particularly woodland warblers.
The campground provides accessible vault toilets and drinking water. With Eagle River just 10 minutes away, campers have convenient access to town services while enjoying a rustic forest setting.
Directions
From Eagle River, travel approximately 9 miles east on State Highway 70. The campground entrance is on the left (north) side of the highway. The trailhead for Anvil National Recreation Trail is on the right (south) side of Highway 70. Follow signs to Anvil Lake Campground.
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