Franklin Lake Recreation Area

Star4.69
71 reviews
1247 E. Wall St. Eagle River, WI 54521
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,460 ft

Price

$15 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

77 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Eagle River-Florence Ranger District site

Official Website
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Franklin Lake Recreation Area
$15.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Lakeside Single Site: $18/night, Non-Lakeside Single Site: $15/night. Discounts apply for holders of Interagency Access or Senior Passes. Day Use...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$18.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 71 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanlake

"Overall, user reviews praise the campground for its scenic beauty, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful atmosphere, with some concerns about mosquito prevalence and fish population."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1247 E. Wall St. Eagle River, WI 54521

Franklin Lake Recreation Area

1247 E. Wall St. Eagle River, WI 54521

Driving directionsFrom Eagle River, WI, take State Rt. 70 east 8 miles to Forest Rt. 2178. Turn right onto Rt. 2178 and go south 2 miles to Forest Rt. 2181 (Ninemile Rd). Turn left onto Rt. 2181 and go east to campground.
Road access is via paved highways and forest roads. Seasonal accessibility is noted, with potential challenges due to closures or limited access during off-peak times.
Nearby places
Eagle River: 8 miles, approximately 15-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest town for groceries and camping supplies is Eagle River, 8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Franklin Lake Recreation Area

Summer arrives with golden sunshine filtering through the forest canopy, creating perfect conditions for swimming and hiking adventures. As autumn approaches, crisp air carries the scent of changing leaves, while evenings call for cozy campfires and warm blankets. When winter's snow blankets the landscape and temperatures dip below freezing, the recreation area transforms into a serene wonderland, though camping gives way to the quiet beauty of the off-season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WI

Peak season: ideal swimming, hiking and boating; lakeside sites fill quickly in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quiet, crisp air and fall color; lower mosquito activity and pleasant hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildflower viewing and fewer bugs earlier, but season opens May 2.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed seasonally Oct 15–May 2; winter stay not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak camping season aligns with summer months, though exact dates were not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 2 through October 15.
  • Current Alerts: No current active alerts were noted.

About Franklin Lake Recreation Area

Nestled between two peaceful camping loops, Franklin Lake Recreation Area invites you to choose from 77 thoughtfully designed campsites where tent campers and RV travelers alike find their perfect spot. Here, the whispers of history blend seamlessly with modern comfort as you settle in beside the shimmering waters of Franklin Lake. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring with grill, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the grounds, while both flush and vault toilet facilities ensure comfort for all visitors, including those with accessibility needs.
The Franklin Lake Recreation Area supports tent camping, RV camping, and lakeside sites with steps leading down to the water. Electric hookups are available for select sites.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Franklin Lake Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities, including fishing, boating (motorized and non-motorized), swimming, hiking, biking, and winter sports. The campground is connected to multiple trail systems and features a sandy beach for swimming.
HikingThe Franklin Nature Trail passes through northern hardwood and hemlock forests, some over 400 years old. It connects to multiple other trails, including the 13-mile Hidden Lake Trail and the Nicolet North Trail for skiing and biking.
FishingFishing is available year-round with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, bass, perch, bluegill, and trout. Some reviewers note low fish populations.
SwimmingThe campground includes a clear sandy beach and swim line. Some lakeside sites offer direct water access, allowing visitors to swim at their own risk.
BikingSeveral trails are suitable for mountain biking, including the Anvil Lake National Trail and Nicolet North Trail, which connect to nearby campgrounds and larger trail systems.
BoatingFranklin Lake supports motorized and non-motorized boating, with a paved boat launch but no dock. Kayaking and paddling are popular activities.
Wildlife viewingThe area features hemlock forests and bogs where visitors can observe various plant species and wildlife. Springtime offers ample opportunities to view blooming wildflowers.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, water hazards at lake access sites, and seasonal mosquito infestations.
Active AlertsNo current active alerts were noted.

Weather at Franklin Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.7
71 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Franklin Lake Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews praise the campground for its scenic beauty, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful atmosphere, with some concerns about mosquito prevalence and fish population.
Review Summaries
Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities, beautiful trails, historic structures, and clear lake views. Many visitors found the lakeside sites especially enjoyable for swimming and privacy.
Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include mosquitoes, low fish populations, and lack of soap or hand-drying facilities in bathrooms.
Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommend reserving lakeside sites for their views and water access. One user noted the benefit of paddleboarding to explore the lake's sandbars.
Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular but fills quickly, especially lakeside sites. Spring offers wildflower viewing and fewer bugs. Fall provides quieter camping experiences with low mosquito activity.
Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Camped here for two nights. Our site had steps down to the lake. $18.00 per night. Very clean, quiet, and peaceful.' - Tina S. 2. 'The entire shoreline here is prime for swimming, and there’s...
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Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 12-15 are first-come, first-serve with electric hookups. Lakeside sites 60-71 provide direct water access and scenic views.
Based on 71 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible toilets and the short loop of Franklin Nature Trail were praised for accommodating wheelchair users. Sites are generally well-spaced for navigation.
Based on 71 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, though no specific mentions of pet-friendly amenities were found.
Based on 71 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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