Go if
You want affordable lake access with swimming and boating in a national forest setting.
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
4.2377 reviewsU S D A FOREST SERVICE, 1247 E. WALL ST., Eagle River, WI, 54521, USA
Top 5% in WISummerSwimmingSummer Destination
Featured in:Primitive Camping Wisconsin
Real-Time Availability
Select a month, then check for open campsites
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
Quick Facts
1,770 ftPrice
$15 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
34 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsReal-Time Availability
Select a month, then check for open campsites
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
Quick Facts
1,770 ftPrice
$15 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
34 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSpectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
$15.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
MANAGEMENT-449721: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-449824: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov...
Show more
No paid fee categories listed.
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans
256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account
Learn more about alerts →Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(715) 479-2827evan.miller@usda.gov
I manage this campgroundCampground Map
U S D A FOREST SERVICE, 1247 E. WALL ST., Eagle River, WI, 54521, USA
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
U S D A FOREST SERVICE, 1247 E. WALL ST., Eagle River, WI, 54521, USA
Nearby places
Eagle River (16 miles southwest)
Weather at Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
About Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
RV details
Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist
Skip if
You need full hookups, paved roads, or frequent bathroom cleaning during peak season.
From the U.S. Forest Service
Reference information about Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin) sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
Overview
<p>If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or enjoy a variety of water activities with the family, try Spectacle Lake Recreation Area off Highway 70 east of Eagle River.</p><p>The Spectacle Lake Recreation Area on the Eagle River District consists of a convenient campground with 34 campsites equipped with fire rings, grills, picnic tables, accessible vault toilets and drinking water.</p><p>Day use site include a 174-acre lake that is extremely clear, and its 500-foot beach provides a great swimming area great for enjoying a refreshing dip in Spectacle Lake. There is a boat landing, year round fishing and a variety of water activities enjoyed at Spectacle Lake Recreation Area. Take a pleasant hike on the two and one-half mile trail that connects with Kentuck Lake Campground. Keep your eyes open and listen carefully! You are likely to see and hear lots of wildlife while you're here!</p><p>Did you forget something? Don’t sweat it! The small town of Eagle River can meet your camping supply needs ranging from groceries to firewood, as well as a souvenir or two.</p><p> </p><p>So, If you like to swim. Boat, fish, hike, picnic or enjoy viewing scenery and wildlife, then the Spectacle Lake Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located 15 minutes east of Eagle River. Spectacle Lake Recreation Area is dog friendly; See our restrictions below for more information.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd504878.pdf">Click here to print an information sheet including a map about Spectacle Lake Campground.</a></strong></p>
About the campground
The elevation is 1,480 ft. This is a pleasant campground with a large sandy swimming beach and good wildlife viewing. Some camp sites are adjacent to Spectacle Lake. With some sites close together and little understory, privacy is limited.
Seasons & access
Open May 4 through October 10
Facilities
Spectacle Lake is 174 acres with a sandy beach. Hiking: Kentuck Lake (connector) 2.5 miles Fishing: Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Rock bass, perch and Pumpkinseed Ottawa National Forest 341 Ottawa National Forest Michigan The Ottawa National Forest is located in the northwestern portion (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan and borders on Lake Superior. It is comprised of 982,895 acres. There are 27 developed campgrounds, 18 of which meet the selection criteria. Retaining much of the pristine beauty of turn-of-the-century northern Michigan woods, Ottawa offers an interesting contrast to some nearby National Forests. Known for its hearty people, lush hardwood forest, good fishing, robust wildlife populations, spectacular fall colors, and river canoeing, Ottawa offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities. The dominant features of the Forest's developed campgrounds are rustic facilities and crystal blue lakes. With over 500 lakes within the Forest's boundaries, it is difficult to find a campground not located on or near a lake, river, or stream. Each lake has a beauty of its own and challenges the visitor to identify their favorite. Of course, the "granddaddy" of lakes in the area is Lake Superior. On the very edge of this enormous expanse of water is the Black River campground. One of the more modern campgrounds in the Forest, and in addition to the wonderful views, Black River offers flush toilets and RV waste station. Nearby are five delightful waterfalls on the Black River (and it really is black in color caused by chemicals leaching out of the decomposing trees) can be reached via hiking trails. The beauty found along these trails is memorable. Moosehead Lake, Pomeroy Lake, and Henry Lake campgrounds form a nice cluster around the floatable/canoeable Presque Isle River. A Class 1 canoe stream (no rapids), the Preque Isle River offers good family fun and nice fishing opportunities. An alternative to exploring the Ottawa by river is discovering one of the 36 pristine lakes found in the Sylvania Wilderness. For the angler looking for a memorable experience, it is almost as simple as pick-a-lake-and-drop-your-line. Both lake and river fishing are best in the spring but are almost as good in the fall. Whether its Walleye, Northern pike, or panfish on the dinner menu, anglers of all ages with find a developed campground nearby. A unique experience is exploring Sturgeon River Gorge and Sylvania Wildernesses. With no established trails or camp sites, the Sturgeon River Gorge offers an experience reminiscent of pioneer life. At the main entrance to the Sylvania Wilderness is the Clark Lake campground with several loops and varying levels of camping facilities nestled in an ancient woods. The Sylvania Wilderness is one of the largest "virgin” (trees that have never been harvested) forests in the region. Sylvania is also special for the nearly 100 specific primitive campsites dotting the Wilderness. Because they are Wilderness designated areas, no motorized or mechanical equipment is permitted in Sturgeon River Gorge and Sylvania, which only adds to the special experience of staying in either place. Ottawa National Forest 342 For the vegetation to be as lush and green as found in the Ottawa, there must be lots of moisture. Rain, ranging from soft and gentle to falling in sheets, is very common during the summer. Rain gear is a must when visiting the Forest. Also, a good quality insect repellant is strongly recommended, particularly in June, the Forest's peak blackfly and mosquito month. The remote solitude found in the Ottawa National Forest makes it unique in the Midwest. Cool summer temperatures, challenging trails, and natural beauty bring visitors back time and time again. Come and see why. Forest Supervisor's Office E6248 US 2 Ironwood, Michigan 49938 906-932-1330 Ranger District Offices Bessemer District E6248 US 2 Ironwood, Michigan 49938 906-932-1330 Iron River District E23979 US 2E Watersmeet, Michigan 49969 906-358-4551 Kenton District P.O.B. 198 Kenton, Michigan 49943 906-852-3500 Ontonagon District 1029 Rockland Rd. P.O.B. 217 Ontonagon, Michigan 49953 906-884-2411 Watersmeet District E23979 US 2E Watersmeet, Michigan 49969 906-358-4551 Ottawa National Forest 343 Camp Rabideau Located 6 miles from Blackduck, MN, Camp Rabideau, is one of three Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps being preserved throughout the United States. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the CCC in 1933 to "revitalize the economy and end the depression." It was ended in 1941. The program provided jobs and training for over 270,000 men in projects such as building roads, trails, bridges, tree planting, camp and picnic ground development, etc. Evidence of the CCC bridge and stone work is still visible in many parts of the country, especially in National Forest campgrounds and roads leading to them. Ottawa National Forest 344 Campground Map No. Campground Page No. Campground Page 1 Lake Ottawa 358 9 Bobcat Lake 349 2 Golden Lake 353 10 Henry Lake 355 3 Imp Lake 356 11 Black River 346 4 Marion Lake 362 12 Courtney Lake 352 5 Clark Lake 350 13 Bob Lake 347 6 Langford Lake 360 14 Norway Lake 364 7 Moosehead Lake 363 15 Lake Sainte Kathryn 359 8 Pomeroy Lake 367 16 Perch Lake 366 Ottawa National Forest 345 Ottawa National Forest Quick Look-Up Table - Campground Locations and Descriptions STATE NEAREST CITY/TOWN CAMPGROUND TOTAL SITES PAGE NO. Michigan Bessemer Black River 39 O O O O 346 Iron River Golden Lake 22 O O O 353 Iron River Lake Ottawa 31 O O O O 358 Marenisco Bobcat Lake 11 O O O 349 Marenisco Henry Lake 11 O O O 355 Nisula Bob Lake 17 O O O 347 Nisula Courtney Lake 20 O O O 352 Sidnaw Lake Sainte Kathryn 23 O O O 359 Sidnaw Norway Lake 28 O O O 364 Sidnaw Perch Lake 19 O O O 366 Watersmeet Clark Lake 47 O O O O O 350 Watersmeet Imp Lake 22 O O O 356 Watersmeet Langford Lake 11 O O O 360 Watersmeet Marion Lake 38 O O O 362 Watersmeet Moosehead Lake 13 O O O 363 Watersmeet Pomeroy Lake 11 O O O 367 Ottawa National Forest 346 Five scenic waterfalls line the Black River, just east of this campground. While each waterfall has its own special beauty, the real wonder is the inky black water that pours over each. Yes, the water is actually black in color. This unusual color is caused by tannic acid leached from oak trees that have fallen into the river. Ottawa National Forest - Campground Descriptions
Water activities
Spectacle Lake is 174 acres with a sandy beach.
RV information
Parking aprons are grass and dirt. Spigots are hand pumps. Nicolet National Forest 340
Directions
From Eagle River, WI, take State Rt. 70 east 8 miles to Forest Rt. 2178 (Military Rd.). Turn left onto Rt. 2178 and go north 2.9 miles to Kentuck Lake Rd. (Forest Rt. 2465). Turn right onto Kentuck Lake Rd. and go 1.7 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 2196 - there is also sign for Nicolet Shores 1). Turn left onto Rt. 2196 and go 2.2 miles to Spectacle Lake Rd. Turn right and go 1.2 miles to campground.
- National Forest
- Nicolet National Forest
- Ranger District
- Eagle River
- Elevation
- 1480
- Rate
- $10 to $12 per day
- Maximum Stay
- 14
- Open Season
- May 2 – October 15
About Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
Context for the broader area surrounding Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=STELPRD3791205"><img alt="Campsite photo with a camper and chairs set up." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd628634.png" style="width: 518px; height: 291px;"/></a></p> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:500px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/cnnf/recreation/camping-cabins"><img alt="Camping button with an illustration of a tent." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576367.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> <td><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/cnnf/recreation/hiking"><img alt="Explore trails are found across the forest. Click to check conditions." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576370.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=STELPRDB5110152"><img alt="Button with an illustration of a map for maps and publications." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576371.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=STELPRDB5130790"><img alt="Button with an illustration of a pass for the passes and permits page." src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd576372.png" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;"/></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Unplug and reconnect to the largest expanse of public lands under one ownership in northern Wisconsin. Explore the more than 1.5 million acres of water and woodlands year- round motorized trail riding, water and land-based sports and the solitude of quiet campgrounds. </p> <h3>Top Spring Recreation Areas</h3> <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:500px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27959">Ed's Lake Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27853">Valhalla Recreation Area</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27827">Wintergreen Trail</a></li> </ul> </td> <td> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27759">Rock Lake Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27751">Mukwonago Trail</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=27859">Anvil Lake Recreation Area</a></li> </ul> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>To view recreation features on the map below ...</p> <p>Zoom in on the map to the area that you want to visit and then select the specific site you want to visit such as a campground, cross-country ski area, etc. Once selected, you can click on the individual sites recreation page to learn more about that area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cnnf/?cid=FSEPRD640106">2019 Recreation Fee Proposal</a></p>
