Franklin Lake (WI)

For those of us in Wisconsin seeking a true escape into nature, a hidden gem awaits in the expansive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Franklin Lake Campground, located near Hiles, Wisconsin, offers a quintessential northern Wisconsin camping experience. It's a place where the towering pines meet the clear, sparkling waters of an 892-acre lake, inviting campers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to unwind and reconnect with the natural world.

This popular recreation area is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a destination rich in natural beauty and historical significance. The serene atmosphere, combined with a wide array of recreational opportunities, makes Franklin Lake Campground a top choice for Wisconsin families and adventurers looking to make lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Franklin Lake Campground provides a welcoming environment to enjoy the best of Wisconsin's Northwoods. From the peaceful sounds of loons on the lake to the whispering pines that provide ample shade, every aspect of this campground is designed to foster relaxation and enjoyment.

Franklin Lake Campground is nestled deep within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, offering a genuine sense of being away from it all while still being reasonably accessible. Its address is Hiles, WI 54562, USA. For those traveling from the well-known Northwoods hub, Eagle River, the campground is approximately 7.6 miles east on Highway 70, then a turn onto FR 2178 (Military Road). The journey continues for about 2.8 miles to FR 2181 (Butternut Lake Road), where a left turn (east) and a further 4.6 miles will lead you directly to the campground.

The roads leading to Franklin Lake Campground are generally well-maintained, with paved access ensuring a smooth journey for vehicles of all sizes, including recreational vehicles (RVs). This ease of access is a significant advantage, particularly for those towing larger campers or trailers, allowing for a stress-free arrival. While it feels wonderfully remote, the proximity to towns like Eagle River means that essential services and supplies are within a reasonable driving distance, balancing the tranquility of the forest with practical conveniences.

The campground's location in Forest County places it in a prime spot for exploring the wider Northwoods region. The surrounding national forest offers countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, making Franklin Lake a perfect base camp for extended adventures throughout northern Wisconsin. The feeling of being immersed in such a vast natural landscape, yet having accessible routes, is a key draw for many local Wisconsinites.

Franklin Lake Campground provides a range of services designed to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable, whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor experience. These services contribute to a hassle-free and memorable trip:

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 77 single-family campsites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. These sites are equipped with a parking spur, a campfire ring for cozy evenings, and a picnic table for outdoor dining. Some sites also provide electrical hookups, a welcome amenity for RV users or those needing to power electronic devices. Campsite capacity is generally limited to a maximum of 8 people and 4 vehicles per site, including wheeled camping units and trailers.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is readily available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to clean and safe drinking water.
• Restrooms: Both accessible flush toilets and vault toilets are provided, maintained to ensure cleanliness and convenience for all visitors. While flush toilets are available, it's worth noting that typically only cold water is available in restrooms, and showers are not generally provided directly at the campground.
• Waste Disposal: Facilities for garbage disposal and recycling are on-site, encouraging responsible waste management and helping to keep the natural environment pristine.
• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. This is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as Franklin Lake is a very popular destination. Some sites may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Boat Launch: A paved boat launch provides convenient access to Franklin Lake for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, making it easy to enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports.

Franklin Lake Campground stands out with several unique features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience:

• Beautiful Sandy Beach: The campground boasts a beautiful sandy beach on the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake, complete with a swim line, making it an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying warm summer days. The lake's clear water is frequently praised by visitors.
• Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Structures: Scattered throughout the campground are charming historic stone and log structures, including two picnic pavilions, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). These structures add a unique historical dimension and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
• Diverse Recreation Opportunities: Beyond camping, Franklin Lake offers a wealth of activities. The lake is excellent for fishing, with anglers often catching walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill. Boating, both motorized and non-motorized, is popular.
• Extensive Trail System Access: The campground provides direct access to numerous hiking and biking trails. The Nicolet North Trail, which connects to the Anvil Lake National Recreation Trail, is accessible from the campground, offering miles of scenic paths for mountain biking, hiking, and in winter, cross-country skiing. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours ancient forests. It also leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, providing longer routes for exploration.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem around Franklin Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and animal spotting. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, common loons, deer, turtles, and wild turkeys.
• Lush Natural Setting: The campground is situated in a stunning natural environment, surrounded by mature pine and hemlock trees, some over 400 years old, providing ample shade and a sense of tranquility.

For more specific inquiries or to make reservations, you can typically reach out through the official reservation system for national forest campgrounds. While there isn't a direct campground office phone number for day-to-day inquiries easily found, the primary way to contact regarding reservations and general information for Franklin Lake Campground, which is managed by the US Forest Service within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, is through:

• Reservation Website: Recreation.gov
• Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (or TDD 1-877-833-6777)

For administrative or general forest information, you might contact the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest office. However, specific campsite details and booking are best handled via Recreation.gov. The address for the campground is Hiles, WI 54562, USA.

Franklin Lake Campground is truly a perfect getaway for Wisconsin locals, offering an accessible and authentic Northwoods experience right in our backyard. For those living in the state, this campground represents an ideal opportunity to escape the everyday hustle and immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of nature without having to travel great distances.

Its prime location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest means easy access to a vast playground of outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid angler looking for a productive fishing spot, a family seeking a safe and sandy beach for swimming, or a hiker eager to explore miles of scenic trails, Franklin Lake delivers. The availability of both tent and RV sites, with some offering electrical hookups, caters to a wide range of camping preferences, ensuring that virtually anyone can find their ideal outdoor haven.

The historic charm of the CCC-built structures adds a unique cultural dimension, connecting visitors to Wisconsin's rich past. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on maintaining clean facilities and providing essential amenities like potable water makes for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For locals, Franklin Lake Campground offers a convenient, affordable, and deeply rewarding way to connect with Wisconsin's stunning natural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the state's remarkable outdoors.