About Franklin Lake
Number of accommodations: 43
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
43 Sites Available
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Site Details
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43 Sites Available
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Reviews (306)
What Guests Are Saying
Franklin Lake is a beloved campground with spacious, well-maintained sites and beautiful surroundings, making it a favorite for many returning campers. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, scenic hiking trails, and the tranquility of the lake, especially for families and young swimmers. Some concerns include the lack of showers and limited water access, but overall, the positive experiences and friendly hosts contribute to its charm.
What Guests Are Saying
Franklin Lake is a beloved campground with spacious, well-maintained sites and beautiful surroundings, making it a favorite for many returning campers. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, scenic hiking trails, and the tranquility of the lake, especially for families and young swimmers. Some concerns include the lack of showers and limited water access, but overall, the positive experiences and friendly hosts contribute to its charm.
Review Summary
Kathy D
VerifiedAugust 11, 2023 • Stayed at: 056, Loop: North
This is one of my favorite places to camp! Beautiful clear lake, great for swimming and fishing! The campground has one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to, and it’s shallow for younger kids to enjoy. Beautiful sunsets every night! The campground is also close to Butternut Lake, which is another great lake for fishing or kayaking. The Hiles fire department has a firewood stand at the intersection of Butternut Lake road and Babcock Road. All proceeds go to the fire department, EMS, and first responders! The only downside is that the closest place to get ice is about 10 miles away now that the butternut lodge isn’t open anymore.
Jolene B
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 042, Loop: North
First time camping here and first time camping as a family. We had rain and storms and were tent camping. The sites are level and we didn’t get any rain in our tent. The road around the campground is paved and clean for biking and walking. The campground was 100% reserved and yet it was still quiet and peaceful. The fire pits were large and the attached grate made it easy to cook our meals on. The boat launch is shallow, if you are launching a boat, make it a small one. The swim beach was very clean and water was clear. We will definitely visit again.
Jolene B
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 042, Loop: North
First time camping here and first time camping as a family. We had rain and storms and were tent camping. The sites are level and we didn’t get any rain in our tent. The road around the campground is paved and clean for biking and walking. The campground was 100% reserved and yet it was still quiet and peaceful. The fire pits were large and the attached grate made it easy to cook our meals on. The boat launch is shallow, if you are launching a boat, make it a small one. The swim beach was very clean and water was clear. We will definitely visit again.
Jolene B
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 042, Loop: North
First time camping here and first time camping as a family. We had rain and storms and were tent camping. The sites are level and we didn’t get any rain in our tent. The road around the campground is paved and clean for biking and walking. The campground was 100% reserved and yet it was still quiet and peaceful. The fire pits were large and the attached grate made it easy to cook our meals on. The boat launch is shallow, if you are launching a boat, make it a small one. The swim beach was very clean and water was clear. We will definitely visit again.
Matthew B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: South
The camp host from site 11 was extremely rude. She is not good with other campers and shouldn't be in a position where she needs to communicate with other campers. The campground overall was good aside from the run-ins with the camp host. I've been going to this campground for more than 25 years. This was the first time I had any problems with the camp host. Hopefully she isn't back next year.
Matthew B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: South
The camp host from site 11 was extremely rude. She is not good with other campers and shouldn't be in a position where she needs to communicate with other campers. The campground overall was good aside from the run-ins with the camp host. I've been going to this campground for more than 25 years. This was the first time I had any problems with the camp host. Hopefully she isn't back next year.
Matthew B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: South
The camp host from site 11 was extremely rude. She is not good with other campers and shouldn't be in a position where she needs to communicate with other campers. The campground overall was good aside from the run-ins with the camp host. I've been going to this campground for more than 25 years. This was the first time I had any problems with the camp host. Hopefully she isn't back next year.
Megan E
VerifiedJune 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: South
Site 040 is a great site and I would definitely stay there again. You're close to the main road, toilet house, and potable water but you're not right on top of anyone. There is a site directly across the loop road which was great for us as we had family staying there. Site 040 is now part of the electrified loop and the boxes were installed but not turned on the weekend of our stay. Franklin Lake is one of our favorite campgrounds!
Megan E
VerifiedJune 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: South
Site 040 is a great site and I would definitely stay there again. You're close to the main road, toilet house, and potable water but you're not right on top of anyone. There is a site directly across the loop road which was great for us as we had family staying there. Site 040 is now part of the electrified loop and the boxes were installed but not turned on the weekend of our stay. Franklin Lake is one of our favorite campgrounds!
Megan E
VerifiedJune 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: South
Site 040 is a great site and I would definitely stay there again. You're close to the main road, toilet house, and potable water but you're not right on top of anyone. There is a site directly across the loop road which was great for us as we had family staying there. Site 040 is now part of the electrified loop and the boxes were installed but not turned on the weekend of our stay. Franklin Lake is one of our favorite campgrounds!
Location Franklin Lake
Address:
U S D A Forest Service
Eagle River, WI, 54521
United States
Drive approximately 8 miles east from Eagle River on Highway 70. Turn south onto Military Road/Forest Road 2178 and continue about 2 miles, to Butternut Lake Road/Forest Road 2181, and continue approximately 4 miles to the campground.
Franklin Lake campground is accessible via Highway 70, approximately 8 miles west of Eagle River. There are no nearby interstates or freeways within 25 miles.
Latitude & Longitude: 45.9247 / -89.0081
Elevation: 529 feet
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Amenities
- Electricity is provided at certain campsites.
General
- Click here for more information on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Fires & fuel
- Firewood from outside the area is prohibited to protect against invasive pests.
Site types & loops
- Camping is limited to designated hardened areas only.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
