Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)

Star4.33
77 reviews
U S D A FOREST SERVICE, 1247 E. WALL ST., Eagle River, WI, 54521, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,770 ft

Price

$15 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
$15.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary based on peak and off-peak seasons. Peak season rates for standard nonelectric sites range from $15-$18 per night. Tent-only...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(715) 479-2827evanmiller@fs.fed.us
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 77 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakebeach

Some mention

noise

"User reviews indicate that Spectacle Lake Campground is a well-maintained, rustic destination ideal for swimming, fishing, and relaxing. While most reviewers praise the cleanliness and amenities, some highlight issues such as generator noise and occasional overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground 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

Driving directionsFrom Eagle River, travel 7.6 miles to FR2178 (Military Road). Turn left (north) and continue 2.9 miles to Kentuck Lake Road (FR2465). Turn right (northeast) on FR2465 and continue 1.7 miles to FR2196. Turn left (north) and continue 2.2 miles to Spectacle Lake Road (FR2572). Turn right (east) and travel 1.2 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads with directions from Eagle River. Roads leading to the campground include FR2178, FR2465, FR2196, and FR2572, which are generally navigable with typical vehicles.
Nearby places
Eagle River (16 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in Eagle River, 16 miles southwest.

Best Time to Camp at Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)

Summer arrives at Spectacle Lake like a welcome friend, bringing warm days perfect for beach lounging and refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire. The typically dry conditions and clear skies create an ideal canvas for stargazing and outdoor adventures. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest transforms into a tapestry of colors, while winter blankets the landscape in peaceful snow, transforming this summer playground into a serene wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing and nature takes a quiet breath.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm days, beach and swimming most popular; many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open FCFS into mid-October; likely good fall colors though fewer services and shorter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 22 so late-spring access; boating/fishing available once open but limited early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed to reservations after Sep 1; winter use and services not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - September 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening May 22 and closing September 1 for reservations. The first-come, first-served season extends to October 14.
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts are noted in the source materials.

About Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)

Nestled on the eastern shore of pristine Spectacle Lake, this hidden gem welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to 34 thoughtfully spaced campsites where the whisper of wind through mixed forest meets the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering trees or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself just steps away from a stunning 500-foot stretch of sandy beach. Days here unfold with morning swims in the lake's refreshing waters, leisurely paddles across its glassy surface, and evenings spent casting lines as the sun paints the sky in brilliant hues. For the adventurous at heart, a scenic trail winds its way to neighboring Kentuck Lake, inviting exploration beyond your doorstep.
Spectacle Lake Campground offers a mix of sites suited for tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is also an option due to minimal facilities.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM local time
Check-out
12:00 PM local time
Stay Limit
The maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The sandy beach and the 2.5-mile Spectacle-Kentuck trail are highlights.
HikingThe Spectacle-Kentuck Trail is a 2.5-mile trail extending from the campground along the old Thunder Lake Railroad bed to Kentuck Lake Campground. It has been described as "a pleasant hike."
FishingFishing opportunities in Spectacle Lake include walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish, and trout. User experiences vary, with one saying, "fishing was not bad but could be better," while another found it "a good place to take youngsters fishing."
SwimmingThe campground features a 500-foot sandy beach and a crystal-clear lake, which is "great for swimming," as noted by multiple campers.
BoatingSpectacle Lake is open to motorized and non-motorized boating. A boat launch is available on-site.
Wildlife viewingThe area hosts a variety of wildlife, though specific species are not detailed.
Beach activitiesThe beach is a highlight of the campground, described as "sandy and fun for kids." The area is well-maintained, with one review noting the beach was trimmed back to provide more sand space.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and limited onsite waste disposal facilities. No on-site dumpsters necessitate careful waste management by campers.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts are noted in the source materials.

Weather at Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)

Reviews

4.3
77 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Spectacle Lake Campground is a well-maintained, rustic destination ideal for swimming, fishing, and relaxing. While most reviewers praise the cleanliness and amenities, some highlight issues such as generator noise and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive remarks include the "crystal-clear lake," "sandy swim beach," and "clean bathrooms." One long-term visitor stated: "Our family has been coming here for over 60 years... the camp hosts are...
Show more
Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include generator noise, some groups not adhering to quiet hours, and occasional lapses in restroom cleanliness during peak times. One camper noted that trash bins were sometimes...
Show more
Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend securing lakefront sites for better views and mentioning the proximity to Eagle River for supplies. They suggest bringing your own firewood and packing out trash due to limited...
Show more
Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with activities like swimming and fishing being most popular. Winter activities are not detailed.
Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Bathrooms cleaned daily, lake is crystal clear with a sandy beach for swimming." - User Tammy M. Tschida. 2. "Rustic, primitive campground... vault toilets... hand pump for water..." - User Doris...
Show more
Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes campsite #002 being "spacious and fit our camper and a big tent," and site #014 being noted for its lakefront views. Generators were mentioned as a nuisance at site...
Show more
Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews regarding accessibility features.
Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews included.
Based on 77 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Wisconsin

Campgrounds
Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)