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Access Site WI

Cranberry Lake Access

Cranberry Lake Cranberry Lake

Source: wisconsin_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Eagle River, WI
County: Oneida County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 45.88655525, -89.17102053
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Cranberry Lake is a 924-acre lake located in Oneida and Vilas Counties near Eagle River, Wisconsin, offering a public boat landing for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The lake has a maximum depth of 23 feet with relatively low water clarity. A gravel ramp provides access to the water, making it suitable for launching small craft and fishing boats. The lake supports a good fishery including musky, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish.

The boat ramp is conveniently located near Franklin Lake Campground, which is approximately 8 miles east of Eagle River via Highway 70, then south on Military Road/Forest Road 2178 for about 2 miles to Butternut Lake Road, and another 4 miles to the facility. If you're planning an extended paddling trip, reservable campgrounds including Anvil Lake and Laurel Lake are within 10 miles of the access site. For current conditions and detailed information about wind and fishing spots, check local resources before your visit.
Federal Facility Information
715-479-2827 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. 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...

Overview
Franklin Lake Campground is one of the most popular camping spots within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin. Its unique structures built by the CCC land it on the National Register of Historic Places. 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 a variety of hiking trails.Recreation
The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch, and bluegill, among others. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized.

Numerous trails exist in the area, with some beginning within the campground, including a 6-mile hike to nearby Anvil Lake. The 1-mile Franklin Lake interpretive trail is partly accessible and tours the forest of trees, with some over 400 years old. It leads to the 13-mile Hidden Lakes Trail, which loops south, around Butternut Lake, passing several small lakes with scenic vistas and a remarkable stand of old hemlock trees, then back to the campground.

A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch.Facilities
The campground offers 77 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites (34) as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (43). Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. Accessible flush and vault toilets as well as drinking water, are provided throughout the campground.Natural Features
The campground is situated in a lush stand of mature pine and hemlock trees, at an elevation of 1,700 feet. Historic stone and log structures, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered throughout the campground. The adjacent Franklin Lake is 892 acres and boasts a beautiful sandy beach.
Nearby Attractions
The City of Eagle River is located about 15 miles west of the campground. A variety of services are offered there.

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Nearby Campgrounds (2 within 10 miles)
Anvil Lake Campground
On-site Reservable
LAUREL LAKE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable