Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
4.3435 reviewsU S D A FOREST SERVICE, 1247 E. WALL ST., Eagle River, WI, 54521, USA
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
$15.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary based on peak and off-peak seasons. Peak season rates for standard nonelectric sites range from $15-$18 per night. Tent-only nonelectric sites are also available during peak season for $18 per night. First-come, first-served sites follow the same pricing model in the off-season.
About this campground
Nestled on the eastern shore of pristine Spectacle Lake, this hidden gem welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to 34 thoughtfully spaced campsites where the whisper of wind through mixed forest meets the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering trees or settling in with your RV, you'll find yourself just steps away from a stunning 500-foot stretch of sandy beach. Days here unfold with morning swims in the lake's refreshing waters, leisurely paddles across its glassy surface, and evenings spent casting lines as the sun paints the sky in brilliant hues. For the adventurous at heart, a scenic trail winds its way to neighboring Kentuck Lake, inviting exploration beyond your doorstep.
Spectacle Lake Campground offers a mix of sites suited for tent and RV camping. Primitive camping is also an option due to minimal facilities.
Historical SignificanceEvery step along the trail to Kentuck Lake carries echoes of the past, as hikers traverse portions of the historic Thunder Lake Railroad bed. This remnant of the region's industrial heritage has been lovingly transformed into a recreational pathway, where the rumble of locomotives has given way to the sounds of nature and the footfalls of modern explorers discovering the area's rich history.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives at Spectacle Lake like a welcome friend, bringing warm days perfect for beach lounging and refreshingly cool evenings around the campfire. The typically dry conditions and clear skies create an ideal canvas for stargazing and outdoor adventures. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest transforms into a tapestry of colors, while winter blankets the landscape in peaceful snow, transforming this summer playground into a serene wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing and nature takes a quiet breath.
ElevationPerched at 1,770 feet above sea level, Spectacle Lake Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This elevated setting gifts visitors with crisp mountain air, spectacular lakefront vistas, and those perfectly cool nights that make crawling into a sleeping bag feel like the day's greatest reward. The altitude creates an ideal microclimate where morning mists dance across the water and afternoon breezes carry the scent of pine and fresh earth.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds like a natural amphitheater along Spectacle Lake's eastern shore, where 166 acres of pristine water reflect the surrounding tapestry of mixed forest. Towering conifers mingle with deciduous trees, creating a diverse canopy that shelters campsites and provides homes for local wildlife. The crown jewel remains the expansive sandy beach, a rare treasure in this forested landscape, where families build sandcastles and swimmers wade into waters so clear you can count pebbles on the lake floor. This harmonious blend of forest, beach, and lake creates a setting that feels both wild and welcoming.
Geological RegionSpectacle Lake's 166-acre expanse cradles the campground in a natural basin carved by ancient geological forces, creating an intimate setting at 1,770 feet elevation. The eastern shoreline transitions seamlessly from mixed species forest to the remarkable 500-foot sandy beach, a geological gift that sets this lake apart from its rocky-shored neighbors. This rustic woodland sanctuary showcases the region's diverse ecology, where the patient work of time and nature has crafted a landscape that invites both adventure and peaceful contemplation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground lacks detailed accessibility-specific features. Vault toilets and water pumps are available, but there are no specific mentions of ADA compliance.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious by several users; larger rigs such as a 23’ travel trailer fit comfortably. Some sites are directly on the lake, while others are more secluded.
Sites PrivacyVaried privacy levels. Some users mentioned that campsites are "not too close together and a lot of trees between them," while others observed that "sites are not very secluded."
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend securing lakefront sites for the best experience. Sites like 002, 004, and 012 are highlighted for their views and amenities.
Best CampsitesLakefront campsites are frequently praised for their views, accessibility, and proximity to water activities. Specific sites such as 002 and 004 have received positive mentions in user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM local time
Check-out
12:00 PM local time
Stay Limit
The maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No clear maximum number of guests per site is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 34 sites distributed in loops. Some are lakefront, while others are situated in shaded areas within the forest.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally, opening May 22 and closing September 1 for reservations. The first-come, first-served season extends to October 14.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through their app, or via their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during the off-season from September 2 to October 14, subject to availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed any time prior to arrival with a $10 fee, along with forfeiting the reservation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to the reservation, such as switching campsites or adding/removing nights, do not incur additional fees unless they involve new dates outside the original reservation.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The sandy beach and the 2.5-mile Spectacle-Kentuck trail are highlights.
Hiking
The Spectacle-Kentuck Trail is a 2.5-mile trail extending from the campground along the old Thunder Lake Railroad bed to Kentuck Lake Campground. It has been described as "a pleasant hike."Fishing
Fishing opportunities in Spectacle Lake include walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish, and trout. User experiences vary, with one saying, "fishing was not bad but could be better," while another found it "a good place to take youngsters fishing."Swimming
The campground features a 500-foot sandy beach and a crystal-clear lake, which is "great for swimming," as noted by multiple campers.Boating
Spectacle Lake is open to motorized and non-motorized boating. A boat launch is available on-site.Wildlife viewing
The area hosts a variety of wildlife, though specific species are not detailed.Beach activities
The beach is a highlight of the campground, described as "sandy and fun for kids." The area is well-maintained, with one review noting the beach was trimmed back to provide more sand space.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings with grills. Firewood collection onsite is allowed.
- Quiet hours are enforced but exact times are not specified in the source materials.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters and limited onsite waste disposal facilities. No on-site dumpsters necessitate careful waste management by campers.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts are noted in the source materials.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Eagle River, approximately 16 miles southwest of the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are minimal, as there are no on-site dumpsters. Campers are expected to pack out their trash. One user noted that during one stay, garbage bins were overfilled, and trash began spreading due to animals.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to Spectacle Lake, campers can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating activities.
Common complaintsComplaints include generator noise during non-quiet hours, limited cleaning frequency of bathrooms during busy periods, and potholes in campground roads.
HostCurrent camp hosts receive positive feedback for maintaining clean facilities and being welcoming.
Campground Map
U S D A FOREST SERVICE, 1247 E. WALL ST., Eagle River, WI, 54521, USA
Driving directionsFrom Eagle River, travel 7.6 miles to FR2178 (Military Road). Turn left (north) and continue 2.9 miles to Kentuck Lake Road (FR2465). Turn right (northeast) on FR2465 and continue 1.7 miles to FR2196. Turn left (north) and continue 2.2 miles to Spectacle Lake Road (FR2572). Turn right (east) and travel 1.2 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads with directions from Eagle River. Roads leading to the campground include FR2178, FR2465, FR2196, and FR2572, which are generally navigable with typical vehicles.Nearby places
Eagle River (16 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in Eagle River, 16 miles southwest.
Camper Reviews
4.3
35 reviews
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Spectacle Lake Campground is a well-maintained, rustic destination ideal for swimming, fishing, and relaxing. While most reviewers praise the cleanliness and amenities, some highlight issues such as generator noise and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive remarks include the "crystal-clear lake," "sandy swim beach," and "clean bathrooms." One long-term visitor stated: "Our family has been coming here for over 60 years... the camp hosts are...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include generator noise, some groups not adhering to quiet hours, and occasional lapses in restroom cleanliness during peak times. One camper noted that trash bins were sometimes...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend securing lakefront sites for better views and mentioning the proximity to Eagle River for supplies. They suggest bringing your own firewood and packing out trash due to limited...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with activities like swimming and fishing being most popular. Winter activities are not detailed.
Based on 35 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Bathrooms cleaned daily, lake is crystal clear with a sandy beach for swimming." - User Tammy M. Tschida.
2. "Rustic, primitive campground... vault toilets... hand pump for water..." - User Doris...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes campsite #002 being "spacious and fit our camper and a big tent," and site #014 being noted for its lakefront views. Generators were mentioned as a nuisance at site...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews regarding accessibility features.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews included.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025