Franklin Lake Recreation Area

Accessible flush and vault toilets, as well as drinking water, are provided throughout the campground. There are also two historic log picnic pavilions with picnic tables that can accommodate larger groups. Day use facilities include an 892 acre clear blue water lake and boasts a beautiful sandy beach. The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, swimming and year round fishing. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, bluegill and trout, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. The popular Franklin Nature Trail is an excellent way to get a sampling of nature in the Northwoods. The trail will lead you through northern hardwood, pine, and hemlock forests where some trees are over 400 years old. You can stop off at Butternut Lake and view the beautiful lake from under huge hemlock trees. The boardwalk across the bog offers a chance to see many varieties of bog plants up close. If you visit in the spring, bring along your field guide to identify the numerous wildflowers in bloom. A short loop at the beginning of this trail is accessible to persons using wheelchairs. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall pines and hemlocks, perched on the edge of the clear blue waters of Franklin Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to educational programs and numerous trails in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. So, if you like to swim, boat, fish, hike picnic or enjoy being close to town, the Franklin Lake recreation area is the place for you, conveniently located just 15 minutes east of Eagle River. Franklin Lake Recreation Area is pet friendly; see our restrictions for more information. Franklin Lake Campground now offers electric hook-up at reservable sites 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, & 28-40, as well as first come-first serve sites 1 & 12-15. Maps and Brochures Franklin Nature Trail Map (pdf)