Franklin Lake

Has to be the best National Forest campground we have ever stayed at! Matter of fact it was better than most of the state parks we have stayed at. The flush toilets and available electrical was a pleasant surprise. The nature trail was quite nice (wish it was a bit longer) but at the same time there are plenty of other trails nearby to explore. The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail was nearby that turned out to be wonderful - we did 30 miles and not on e-bikes! Beautiful. We will be back!

We were first time campers at Franklin Lake and were thoroughly impressed with the size and layout of the campsites. The lake itself was amazing, with clear water and sandy beach. It was a peaceful, quiet campground.

great views & walking paths, nice size campsites, Dusty was great.

just very relaxing

Great place to hike, swim or just relax watching the sun set. Mornings get woken to to call of loons.

It was a very nice campground. The site we were at 18 was a it tricky to back our camper in I’d say max 20ft for that site. Definitely others that would be easier. Was surprised both campsites next to us weren’t booked even though the cards said reserved. We will definitely be back.

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.

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.

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.

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!