Emily Lake Campground

For Wisconsinites seeking a genuine Northwoods escape, where towering pines meet the serene waters of a pristine lake, Emily Lake Campground in Lac Du Flambeau offers a classic camping experience. Nestled within the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this public campground provides an ideal blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and excellent recreational opportunities. It's a place where generations of campers have found peace and adventure, returning year after year to enjoy the simple pleasures of the Wisconsin wilderness.

Emily Lake Campground is renowned for its quiet ambiance and the immersive natural setting it provides. Unlike bustling private resorts, this campground offers spacious sites that allow for a sense of privacy and connection with nature. Visitors consistently praise its affordability compared to local private options, making it an accessible choice for many. The campground's location serves as a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding lakes, rivers, and the abundant wildlife that thrives in this part of Wisconsin. Whether you're an avid angler, a seasoned paddler, or simply someone who appreciates the tranquility of the forest, Emily Lake Campground caters to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts.

The beauty of Emily Lake Campground lies in its simplicity and its deep integration with the natural environment. While it offers essential amenities, it encourages campers to embrace the rustic side of outdoor living. The opportunities for wildlife viewing are plentiful, from deer nibbling in the distance to the possibility of spotting grouse. For locals, it's not just a campground; it’s a cherished tradition, a place to create lasting memories amidst the authentic splendor of Wisconsin's Northwoods, a true testament to the enduring appeal of traditional camping.

Emily Lake Campground is located on Emily Lake Rd, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54558, USA. This places it deep within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a sprawling and majestic expanse of Wisconsin's Northwoods. While its setting is distinctly natural and somewhat remote, accessibility is generally good, with paved roads leading most of the way to the campground entrance.

For those driving, Emily Lake Campground is approximately 22.3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 13 and 70 in Fifield. From there, you would turn left (North) onto Forest Road 509 (Chippewa Trail) for 3.1 miles, then right (East) onto Forest Road 142 for 0.2 miles, followed by a left (North) onto Forest Road 1178 for 0.5 miles to reach the campground. These clear directions, mostly on paved roads, ensure a relatively easy drive, even with an RV or trailer.

The campground's location near Lac Du Flambeau also means it's within reasonable driving distance of "fun towns nearby," offering opportunities for day trips to explore local attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops. The area is renowned for its numerous lakes and rivers, providing excellent jump-off points for further exploration and outdoor recreation, making Emily Lake Campground a well-situated hub for a Northwoods adventure.

Emily Lake Campground, managed by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, offers a set of basic yet essential services, focusing on providing a genuine rustic camping experience. It’s designed for campers who appreciate nature and are comfortable with fewer amenities than a private resort.

• Campsites: The campground features 11 first-come, first-served campsites. Each site includes a parking spur, a campfire ring with a grill, and a picnic table. Sites are generally spacious, offering privacy.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via a hand pump.
• Toilets: Accessible vault toilets (pit toilets) are centrally located for convenience.
• Boat Launch: A public boat launch is available directly on Emily Lake, suitable for smaller motorized and non-motorized watercraft, providing easy access for fishing and canoeing.
• Grills: Individual grills are present at each campsite's fire ring, ideal for cooking over an open flame.
• Garbage and Recycling: Facilities for garbage and recycling are available at the campground.

It's important to note that the campground is rustic, meaning there are no electrical hookups for RVs, and no showers. Campers should be prepared for a more traditional camping experience, bringing adequate supplies and being self-sufficient. There is generally no host on site, emphasizing the self-service nature of the campground.

Emily Lake Campground stands out for several key features and highlights that make it a beloved destination for campers seeking an authentic Northwoods experience. These attributes contribute to its long-standing appeal and the positive experiences of its visitors.

• Good Lake Access: The campground offers excellent access to Emily Lake, a 26-acre lake (or 31-acre, depending on the source) with a public boat launch. This allows for easy enjoyment of fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Emily Lake is known to produce good fishing, with species like Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Northern Pike, Crappie, Perch, and Walleye. The area is also noted for good canoe fishing and deceptively large fish.
• Affordable Pricing: Compared to local private campgrounds, Emily Lake Campground offers a significantly more budget-friendly option, making quality outdoor recreation accessible.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers consistently praise the "good spacious sites," which offer plenty of private space, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in nature.
• Paved Access: The ease of access, with the road being "paved almost the whole way," is a highlight, making the drive in comfortable even for larger vehicles.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is rich in wildlife, with sightings of deer and fireflies common. It's also an excellent area for grouse hunting, though it requires effort.
• Proximity to Other Lakes and Rivers: The campground serves as a great "jumpoff" for exploring nearby lakes and rivers, including the Flambeau, and engaging in activities like canoeing at Tucker Portage.
• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Setting: Being situated within this vast national forest provides a backdrop of wild and scenic beauty, hundreds of miles of maintained trails for hiking, and opportunities for bird watching and viewing vivid fall foliage.
• Traditional Camping Experience: With pit toilets and no showers/electric hookups, it provides a truly rustic and traditional camping feel, appealing to those who prefer simplicity and a deeper connection to nature.

For those ready to experience the rustic charm and natural beauty of Emily Lake Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Emily Lake Rd, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54558, USA

Phone: (715) 362-1300

Mobile Phone: +1 715-362-1300

This phone number is generally for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest service, which manages the campground. Since Emily Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for its 11 sites, direct reservations are typically not available. However, contacting the National Forest service can provide valuable real-time information on current conditions, fire bans, park regulations, and general inquiries about the area. It is always recommended to call ahead, especially during peak season, to inquire about site availability or any important updates that might affect your visit.

Emily Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Wisconsin, particularly those who cherish the authentic Northwoods experience. Its location within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provides a genuine immersion in nature, offering vast opportunities for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife observation right on their doorstep. The campground's affordability and spacious, private sites make it an accessible and comfortable option for a wide range of campers, from seasoned veterans who have been visiting since the 70s to new adventurers seeking a peaceful retreat.

For Wisconsinites, Emily Lake offers a chance to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with the state's natural heritage. Its rustic amenities encourage a back-to-basics approach to camping, fostering a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. With "fun towns nearby" and a wealth of surrounding lakes and rivers, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse recreational offerings of the region. Despite the lack of an on-site host, the established community feel and the sheer beauty of the location make Emily Lake Campground a treasured local gem, perfect for creating lasting memories in the heart of Wisconsin's magnificent Northwoods.

Emily Lake Campground

Emily Lake Rd, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54558, USA