Franklin Lake (WI)

Nestled deep within the magnificent Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Franklin Lake Campground in Hiles, WI, stands as a highly-rated and cherished destination for campers seeking the quintessential Northwoods experience. For Wisconsinites, this campground offers a blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it a truly exceptional place to unwind and reconnect with nature. From its clear, shimmering lake waters to its spacious, shaded campsites, Franklin Lake Campground provides a welcoming environment for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

What makes Franklin Lake Campground particularly appealing is its commitment to providing a comfortable yet authentic camping experience. Unlike some more primitive sites, Franklin Lake offers amenities that enhance your stay, such as accessible flush toilets, drinking water, and even electric hookups at many sites. This balance ensures that campers can enjoy the serenity of the forest without completely sacrificing the comforts of home. The campground's setting amidst tall pines and hemlocks, coupled with the historic stone and log structures that are part of the National Register of Historic Places, adds a unique charm and a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

Beyond the campsite itself, Franklin Lake provides direct access to the crystal-clear Franklin Lake, an 839-acre body of water perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The presence of well-maintained hiking trails, including the scenic trail along the lake, means that adventure is always just a few steps away. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend by the water, an invigorating hike through ancient forests, or a family-friendly spot with convenient facilities, Franklin Lake Campground consistently ranks high among Wisconsin campers for its beauty, cleanliness, and overall enjoyable atmosphere. It's a place where you can create lasting memories amidst the stunning backdrop of Wisconsin's beloved Northwoods.

Franklin Lake Campground is situated in Hiles, WI 54562, USA, within the expansive Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Its specific location on Forest Road 2181 positions it on the east shore of the clear, tranquil Franklin Lake. This makes it an integral part of the Northwoods landscape, surrounded by towering pines and hemlocks, offering a truly immersive forest and lake experience.

Accessing Franklin Lake Campground is generally straightforward for most vehicles. From Eagle River, a common gateway to the Northwoods, you would typically travel east on Highway 70 for approximately 7.6 miles to Forest Road 2178 (also known as Military Road). Turning right (south) onto Forest Road 2178, you would continue for about 2.8 miles to Forest Road 2181. A left turn (east) onto Forest Road 2181 for about 4.6 miles will lead you directly to the campground. While some of these routes involve forest roads, they are generally well-maintained, with asphalt paving within the campground itself, accommodating both cars and RVs.

The drive into the campground, while described by some as "a long drive," is consistently praised as "beautiful," indicating a scenic journey through the forest. Despite its somewhat remote feel, the campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring clear signage and a navigable path. Its location offers a good balance between seclusion and accessibility to the nearby towns like Eagle River, where campers can find supplies, gas, and other necessities. This strategic placement allows visitors to enjoy the peacefulness of the national forest while still being within reasonable driving distance of essential services.

Franklin Lake Campground provides a range of services that enhance the camping experience, blending the natural beauty of the Northwoods with essential modern conveniences.

• Campsites: The campground features a total of 77 campsites spread across two loops (North and South). These sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, offering flexibility for different camping styles. Many sites are "large and spaced a substantial distance from each other," providing a sense of privacy.
• Electric Hookups: A significant convenience, Franklin Lake Campground now offers electric hook-ups at many reservable sites, including sites 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, and 28-40 in the South loop, as well as first-come, first-served sites 1 and 12-15. This is a highly valued amenity for RV campers and those needing power for medical devices or charging.
• Flush Toilets & Drinking Water: Unlike many rustic national forest campgrounds, Franklin Lake provides accessible flush toilets and drinking water throughout the campground. This modern convenience is frequently highlighted by campers as a major plus, contributing to a more comfortable stay. Vault toilets are also available.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor meals and traditional campfires.
• Dump Station: While not explicitly stated in all public data, many developed national forest campgrounds with flush toilets and RV sites typically offer a dump station for wastewater disposal, which is a crucial service for RV campers. It is advisable to confirm this detail with the Forest Service.
• Campground Hosts: Friendly and helpful volunteer campground hosts are often on-site, particularly during the peak season. They provide assistance, answer questions, and contribute to the overall positive atmosphere and cleanliness of the facilities.
• Historic Picnic Pavilions: Two historic log picnic pavilions, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are available for larger groups, offering a charming and functional space for gatherings.
• Boat Landing: A public boat landing provides easy access to Franklin Lake for boating, fishing, and watersports enthusiasts.
• Swimming Beach: The campground boasts a beautiful sandy beach area on Franklin Lake, with shallow water extending a good distance, making it ideal for families and swimming.
• Garbage & Recycling: While specific details on garbage disposal methods are not always highlighted in reviews, a developed campground like Franklin Lake typically provides designated areas for garbage and recycling to maintain cleanliness.

Franklin Lake Campground offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a premier camping destination in Northern Wisconsin.

• Crystal-Clear Franklin Lake: The crown jewel of the campground is its direct access to the pristine, 839-acre Franklin Lake. Known for its "crystal-clear" waters, it's perfect for swimming, non-motorized boating, and motorized watersports. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, with walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, perch, bluegill, and trout commonly found.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently praise the "large and spaced a substantial distance from each other" campsites. This provides a sense of privacy and room to spread out, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Historic Charm: The campground is home to unique structures, including historic stone and log buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to your stay, offering a glimpse into the past.
• Extensive Trail System Access: Franklin Lake is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering direct access to various trails. The popular Franklin Nature Trail (1.0-mile loop, easy) winds through old-growth hemlock and provides interpretive sites. The Lakeshore Trail offers beautiful lakeside views. Additionally, the campground links to other significant trail systems like the Nicolet North Trail, which connects to the Anvil Lake National Recreation Trail, popular for mountain biking and cross-country skiing, and even to Luna White Deer Campground.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With its nice sandy beach, shallow swimming area, accessible flush toilets, and often helpful campground hosts, Franklin Lake is highly suitable for families, offering a comfortable and engaging environment for children and adults alike.
• Loon Calls: Many campers report waking up to the beautiful and iconic calls of loons, adding to the authentic Northwoods ambiance and providing a truly memorable auditory experience.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Recent reviews often highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and the overall upkeep of the campground, a testament to the efforts of the Forest Service and volunteer hosts.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground, Franklin Lake operates on a fixed fee schedule, and does not typically run commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private business might. However, there are established pricing structures and discounts for eligible individuals that effectively serve as financial benefits for campers.

• Interagency Senior or Access Pass Discount: Holders of an Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on their campsite fee. For example, if a Lakeside Single Site is $18 per night, the pass holder would pay $9. This discount applies only to the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.
• Varied Site Pricing: The campground offers a tiered pricing structure, with non-lakeside single sites typically costing $15 per night and lakeside single sites costing $18 per night. This allows campers to choose a site that fits their budget and preference for proximity to the water.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for electric sites and during peak seasons, and can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling the reservation line. The availability of both reservable and first-come, first-served sites provides flexibility for both planners and spontaneous adventurers. It's always advisable to check Recreation.gov for the most current pricing, availability, and any specific seasonal notices or temporary closures before planning your trip.

To plan your visit or inquire further about Franklin Lake Campground, you can utilize the following contact information:

Address: Hiles, WI 54562, USA (Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, specifically on Forest Road 2181)

For general information about the campground, current conditions, or specific questions, you can contact the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which manages the campground:

Eagle River-Florence Ranger District Office:

Phone: 715-479-2827

For reservations, particularly for the electric sites or if you wish to secure a specific spot up to six months in advance, the official reservation system is:

Recreation.gov

Website: www.recreation.gov

Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (TDD: 1-877-833-6777)

It is always recommended to check the Recreation.gov website or the USDA Forest Service website for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf) before your visit for the most up-to-date information on fees, availability, any temporary closures, or important alerts, especially regarding site improvements or seasonal changes.

For Wisconsinites, Franklin Lake Campground truly stands out as an exemplary Northwoods destination, perfectly suited for those seeking a balance of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and comfortable amenities. Its prime location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest places it within a reasonable drive for many residents across the state, offering a tangible escape into the wilderness without requiring extensive travel.

The campground’s appeal to locals lies in its ability to cater to various camping preferences. Whether you're a family looking for a clean, safe beach and flush toilets for the kids, an RV owner desiring electric hookups for a comfortable stay, or a tent camper seeking spacious, shaded sites, Franklin Lake delivers. This versatility means it can become a go-to spot for recurring family vacations or annual group trips, building cherished traditions right here in Wisconsin. The availability of both reservable and first-come, first-served sites also caters to both the meticulous planner and the spontaneous adventurer, a common characteristic of Wisconsin's diverse outdoor community.

Furthermore, the abundance of activities directly accessible from the campground—swimming, fishing in the clear lake, boating, and hiking on historic trails—aligns perfectly with the active outdoor lifestyle embraced by many Wisconsinites. The chance to witness wildlife, hear the haunting calls of loons, and immerse oneself in a forest rich with history (thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps structures) provides an enriching experience that goes beyond just pitching a tent. Franklin Lake Campground represents a slice of pure Wisconsin, offering comfort and adventure amidst the state's most stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal choice for any local looking for their next memorable outdoor escape.