Wisconsin / Vilas County / Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest - Eagle River-Florence District

Spectacle Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from May through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov, with some first-come, first-served sites.

About

Nestled on the east shore of Spectacle Lake in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this campground is a beloved destination for families seeking water-based recreation. The 166-acre lake is exceptionally clear and features an impressive 500-foot sandy swimming beach. The campground offers 34 campsites set in a mixed conifer and hardwood forest at 1,770 feet elevation, with a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites available. Fishing enthusiasts can pursue walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish, and trout, while boaters enjoy open access for both motorized and non-motorized craft. The Spectacle-Kentuck Trail provides a pleasant 2.5-mile hike to Kentuck Lake Campground, following portions of the historic Thunder Lake Railroad bed through diverse forest habitat rich with wildlife. The campground is situated approximately 16 miles northeast of Eagle River, accessible via a series of forest roads. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The facility provides vault toilets and drinking water but no electric hookups or showers. The area's combination of excellent swimming, quality fishing, and scenic hiking makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the northern Wisconsin wilderness.

Directions

From Eagle River, travel 7.6 miles east on Highway 70 to FR 2178 (Military Road). Turn left and continue north 2.9 miles to Kentuck Lake Road (FR 2465). Turn right and continue 1.7 miles to FR 2196. Turn left and continue 2.2 miles to Spectacle Lake Road (FR 2572). Turn right and travel 1.2 miles to the campground.

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