Skip to main content
FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Anvil Lake Campground

Phelps, Michigan · Vilas County · Campground

Overview If you are looking for a campground with a family atmosphere or a base camp to explore area trails, try Anvil Lake Campground off State Highway 70, just minutes east of Eagle River, within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall maples, pines and hemlocks, …

Advertisement
45.93577, -89.06212
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Anvil Lake Campground

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High77°F
Avg Low50°F
Peak Rain Chance1%
Humidity47%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality41 · Good
Today
🌤
Mostly Clear
75°/55°
🌬 11mph
5:10 AM8:37 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
78°/48°
🌬 9mph
5:09 AM8:38 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
81°/52°
🌬 8mph
5:09 AM8:39 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
77°/48°
🌬 9mph
5:08 AM8:40 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
76°/49°
💧 1%🌬 11mph
5:08 AM8:41 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Anvil Lake Campground

Overview If you are looking for a campground with a family atmosphere or a base camp to explore area trails, try Anvil Lake Campground off State Highway 70, just minutes east of Eagle River, within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The campground is in a beautiful setting, among tall maples, pines and hemlocks, perched above Anvil Lake. In addition to its scenic landscape, the campground offers access to a variety of hiking and biking trails. Recreation The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Anglers can expect a catch of walleye, northern pike, bass, and pan fish. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. Numerous trails exist in the area, with Anvil National Recreation Trail leaving from the campground itself. From the Anvil National Recreation Trail, visitors are able to connect to the Nicolet North Trail, Hidden Lakes Trail, Franklin Lake Interpretive Trail, and the Luna White Deer Trail system. In total, this campground is connected to approximately 40 miles of hiking trail, most of which is open to mountain biking. Although the campground is not open during the winter months, the Anvil National Recreation Trail is groomed as both a classic and skate cross country ski trail. It is well known among the ski community as it was once the site of USA Olympic training. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch. So, if you like to swim, boat, fish, hike, picnic or enjoy being close to town, then the Anvil Lake Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just 10 minutes east of Eagle River. Facilities The campground offers 18 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served campsites (8 sites) as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (10 sites). Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets as well as drinking

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Anvil Lake Campground

Heading to Anvil Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Anvil Lake Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Anvil Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10039857) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Anvil Lake Campground?

Drive approximately 9 miles east from Eagle River on State Highway 70 to the campground entrance on the left.

How do I contact Anvil Lake Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 715.479.2827 or email: evan.miller@usda.gov.