Emily Lake Recreation Area

3.64

14 reviews

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Medford-Park Falls Ranger District, 1170 4th Ave S, Park Falls, WI 54552

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,568 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,568 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Emily Lake Recreation Area

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for a standard non-electric site is $15, applicable during both peak and off-peak seasons. Additional reservation service fees may...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

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What Campers Say

3.64

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspaciouslake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews for Emily Lake Campground are predominantly positive, with visitors appreciating its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and natural beauty. Fishing and privacy are frequently highlighted. However, some reviewers mentioned issues like mosquitoes and a lack of an on-site host."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Medford-Park Falls Ranger District, 1170 4th Ave S, Park Falls, WI 54552

Emily Lake Recreation Area

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Medford-Park Falls Ranger District, 1170 4th Ave S, Park Falls, WI 54552

Driving directionsFrom the intersection of Highways 13 and 70 in Fifield, drive East on Highway 70 approximately 22.3 miles to FR 509 (Chippewa Trail). Turn left (North) and continue on FR 509 for 3.1 miles to FR 142. Turn right (East) on FR 142 and drive 0.2 miles to FR 1178. Turn left (North) and continue 0.5 miles to the campground.

Access is primarily paved roads with only minor sections unpaved near the campground. Roads are easy to navigate for most vehicles, but caution is advised during rainy seasons as dirt roads can become muddy.

Nearby places

Park Falls (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Fifield (22.3 miles, approximately 35 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies are also available in Park Falls, WI, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Emily Lake Recreation Area

Each season paints Emily Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with gentle warmth, creating ideal conditions for swimming, hiking, and stargazing around evening campfires. Autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber—a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, offering a serene, frost-kissed wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. As spring awakens the forest, melting snow feeds the lake while wildflowers push through the thawing ground, though muddy trails remind visitors to pack accordingly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer ideal for swimming, paddling and stargazing but mosquitoes can be significant in late spring/summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early autumn noted as particularly favorable with vivid fall foliage and active wildlife.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Open late May; spring can have significant mosquito activity and limited season length early on.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sept 1 window; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, to September 1, 2025, with first-come, first-served availability starting June 21, 2025.

About Emily Lake Recreation Area

Tucked away in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Emily Lake Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its tranquil waters and whispering pines. This hidden gem invites you to cast a line for elusive fish, paddle across mirror-like waters, or simply lose yourself in the symphony of forest birds. With essential amenities thoughtfully placed among the trees—including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and lakeside grills—you'll find the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and camping comfort.

Emily Lake Campground primarily caters to tent camping and offers standard non-electric sites. The focus is on providing a traditional camping experience with basic amenities.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Emily Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with gentle warmth, creating ideal conditions for swimming, hiking, and stargazing around evening campfires. Autumn transforms the surrounding forest into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber—a photographer's paradise. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, offering a serene, frost-kissed wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. As spring awakens the forest, melting snow feeds the lake while wildflowers push through the thawing ground, though muddy trails remind visitors to pack accordingly.

Natural Features and SceneryAt the heart of this wilderness sanctuary lies the jewel-like Emily Lake, its 31 acres of crystal-clear water reflecting the endless sky above. Ancient hardwoods and towering conifers form a protective embrace around the lake, their branches creating a living cathedral where sunlight filters through in golden streams. White-tailed deer emerge at dawn to drink from the shoreline, while ruffed grouse drum their distinctive beats deep in the understory. Beneath the lake's surface, rare fish species glide through the depths, adding to the ecological treasures that make this corner of the Northwoods so special.

Geological RegionEmily Lake rests within Wisconsin's legendary Northwoods, a vast wilderness tapestry woven throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This ancient landscape tells a story written in glacial lakes, meandering streams, and towering forests that stretch to the horizon. Here, ecological diversity thrives in every corner—from rare orchids blooming in hidden bogs to endangered fish species finding refuge in cool, clear waters. The forest serves as a living laboratory where nature's most delicate balances play out daily, offering visitors a chance to witness one of the Midwest's last great wild places.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, mobile app, or phone service.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability begins after June 21, 2025.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the check-in date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 1 calendar day prior to check-in) will also forfeit the first night’s fee. No changes or cancellations are allowed on the day of check-in.

PrivacyUser reviews generally describe the sites as spacious and private. For example, one review mentions 'nice quiet campground with privacy,' while another notes good spacing between the sites.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to Emily Lake offer better privacy and scenic views, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Emily Lake Campground provides a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, birding, and stargazing. The lake offers opportunities to catch bass and crappie, while nearby trails cater to hikers and mountain bikers. Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with visitors reporting encounters with various species. Nearby hunting opportunities and vivid fall foliage also make this location a seasonal favorite. According to reviews, fishing is particularly noteworthy, with one visitor stating, 'Lots of crappie. A few pike. Private sites.'

HikingThe campground is near the Round Lake Non-motorized Area, which offers hiking trails. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest itself boasts 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, providing extensive options for hiking enthusiasts.

FishingFishing is a highlight at Emily Lake, with bass, crappie, and pike being common catches. One reviewer noted that lakes in the area are 'deceptive and produce some large fish.' Fishing opportunities extend to the broader Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with 600 lakes and 1,200 miles of streams.

BikingThe campground's proximity to the Round Lake Non-motorized Area provides excellent biking opportunities. Although specific trail details are not provided, the area is conducive to mountain biking.

BoatingBoating is available on Emily Lake, which has a boat ramp suitable for canoes and kayaks. Fishing and scenic enjoyment are common boating activities.

Wildlife viewingOpportunities for wildlife viewing include birdwatching and encounters with local species. The area's low population and extensive forest increase the chances of observing wildlife.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes (especially in spring and early summer), swampy terrain, and occasional wildlife encounters that necessitate proper food storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Outside firewood is prohibited to limit invasive species.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Park Falls, WI, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection and recycling facilities are available on-site, contributing to the overall cleanliness and environmental friendliness of the campground.

Water Features31-acre Emily Lake is the main water feature, offering boating, fishing, and scenic views.

Camp HostNo on-site host is available; campers are advised to self-pay at the stations provided.

Weather at Emily Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

3.6

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Emily Lake Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Emily Lake Campground are predominantly positive, with visitors appreciating its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and natural beauty. Fishing and privacy are frequently highlighted. However, some reviewers mentioned issues like mosquitoes and a lack of an on-site host.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted by users include the peaceful and quiet environment, spacious and private campsites, good fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings. One user described it as 'a very...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the abundance of mosquitoes during certain seasons and the absence of an on-site host. One reviewer mentioned, 'The skeeters are awful. Might just be bad timing.'

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend preparing for mosquitoes and bringing appropriate gear. For fishing enthusiasts, the lake offers good opportunities, while hikers can explore the nearby trails. One user suggested...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that early autumn is a particularly favorable time to visit, with vivid fall foliage and active wildlife. However, mosquito activity may peak in late spring and early summer, which...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Really nice campground!! Can’t beat the price compared to local private places." - Daniel Pothier. "Have been camping here since the 70s. Good lake access sites and a great jumpoff for nearby lakes...

Based on 14 reviews