Franklin Lake

About

Franklin Lake Campground sits in a beautiful setting among tall pines and hemlocks on the shores of the clear, 892-acre Franklin Lake in northern Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The campground's unique stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Two historic log picnic pavilions, accessible flush and vault toilets, and other CCC-era features give the campground a distinctive character. The campground offers 77 sites split between North (37 sites) and South (40 sites) camping loops. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Electric hookups are available at select sites in both loops. Franklin Lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, with a paved boat launch and sandy beach with swim line. Anglers can pursue walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill. Numerous trails begin within or near the campground. The 1-mile Franklin Lake Interpretive Trail is partly wheelchair accessible and tours an old-growth forest with trees over 400 years old. It connects to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops through stands of old hemlocks past several scenic small lakes. A 6-mile trail leads to nearby Anvil Lake.

Directions

From Eagle River, drive 7.6 miles east on Highway 70 to Forest Road 2178. Turn south and continue 2.8 miles to Forest Road 2181. Turn east and drive 4.6 miles to the campground.