U.S. Forest Service · Chequamegon-Nicolet NF · Park Falls, WI

Emily Lake Recreation Area

Boating and fishing are popular activities on the lake, with excellent bass and pan fish available. The area holds many opportunities to encounter rare species of fish, wildlife and plants. Bird watching, nature study programs and viewing the vivid fall foliage are also among popular activities for visitors. Nearby hunting opportunities for big game, upland game birds, waterfowl and small game, exists across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Fishing for trout or other game fish is available in any of the 600 available lakes or 1,200 miles of stream. For hiking enthusiasts, 800 miles of trails are located throughout the north woods.

Sites are first-come, first-served. Recreation.gov lists this campground for paying on site, and you may be able to pay with the Scan and Pay feature of its app.

More like this: first-come in Wisconsin · pets allowed in Wisconsin

Emily Lake Recreation AreaEmily Lake Recreation AreaEmily Lake Recreation Area
Photos courtesy of CNNF · Recreation.gov

Site map

3 campsite locations mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The site numbers are theirs and may not match the posts at the campground. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Amenities & rules

HookupsNone
EquipmentRVs & trailers, Tents
PetsAllowed
CampfiresAllowed, subject to restrictions

Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Season & status

StatusClosed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date.
SeasonMay 2 to October 31
ForestChequamegon-Nicolet NF
BookingThere are no reservable sites at Emily Lake Recreation Area.
Fees$15 per night. $7.50 with the use of an Interagency Pass (access or senior).
RulesCampsite Capacity A maximum of eight people and four vehicles are allowed at each campsite, to include cars, trucks, wheeled camping units, and trailers. Pets and Animals Pets must be crated, caged, or on a leash less than 6’ in length while in developed recreation areas.

Chequamegon-Nicolet NF recreation page ↗

Weather by month

NOAA climate normals →
Weather by month near Emily Lake Recreation Area10°20°30°40°50°60°70°January: 1.21 inches of precipitation, 16.7 inches of snowFebruary: 0.93 inches of precipitation, 12.7 inches of snowMarch: 1.50 inches of precipitation, 10.9 inches of snowApril: 2.54 inches of precipitation, 7.2 inches of snowMay: 3.69 inches of precipitation, 0.3 inches of snowJune: 4.38 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowJuly: 4.13 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowAugust: 3.30 inches of precipitation, 0.0 inches of snowSeptember: 3.66 inches of precipitation, 0.1 inches of snowOctober: 3.57 inches of precipitation, 2.9 inches of snowNovember: 1.93 inches of precipitation, 9.1 inches of snowDecember: 1.42 inches of precipitation, 15.3 inches of snowJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanuary: 10.2°F averageFebruary: 14.0°F averageMarch: 25.2°F averageApril: 38.9°F averageMay: 52.8°F averageJune: 62.1°F averageJuly: 65.9°F averageAugust: 64.1°F averageSeptember: 56.1°F averageOctober: 43.1°F averageNovember: 29.3°F averageDecember: 16.8°F average0 in5 in10 in15 in20 inTemp °FInches
The line is the average temperature and the bars are average precipitation at Rest Lake, 13 miles from the campground at 1,612 feet, station USC00477092 in the NOAA monthly climate normals for 1991 to 2020. Precipitation totals about 32 inches a year. The dotted line is average snowfall, about 75 inches a year on the same inches scale. The shaded span is the published season, May 2 to October 31.

Getting there

From 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.

Nearest townPark Falls, Wisconsin
Coordinates45.9647° N, 90.0101° W · Directions ↗

Fire nearby

  • Wildfire
    Bog

    12 mi from the campground · 94 acres

  • Wildfire
    Ritchie

    32 mi from the campground · 13 acres

  • Wildfire
    Black River

    32 mi from the campground · 300 acres

  • Wildfire
    Black River

    32 mi from the campground · 382 acres · 60% contained

Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.

Supplies & services

Outdoor gearOutdoor gear ↗15.5 mi
Dump stationDump station ↗18.9 mi

Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.

Explore

  • 0.7 mi
    Cedar Lake Access
    0.4 mi trail · hiking
  • 2.3 mi
    Tucker Lake Trail
    0.8 mi trail · hiking
  • 2.7 mi
    Tucker Lake Portage
    0.3 mi trail · hiking
  • 2.8 mi
    Price County Snowmobile-108 ↗
    9.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 5 more
  • 2.9 mi
    Round Lake Loop 173
    0.2 mi trail · hiking
  • 3 mi
    Round Lake Loop E
    1.3 mi trail · hiking

Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.

On the National Register nearby

On Register Atlas →

Guidebooks for Wisconsin

We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.

  • Best Tent Camping: Wisconsin
    Kevin Revolinski and Johnny Molloy, 2018
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Best Hikes Madison, Wisconsin
    Johnny Molloy, 2018
    Find at Bookshop.org
  • Rail-trails Michigan & Wisconsin
    Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 2017
    Find at Bookshop.org

Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at Emily Lake Recreation Area?

No. Emily Lake Recreation Area is first-come, first-served. There are no reservable sites at Emily Lake Recreation Area. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.

Source: Forest Service

How much does it cost to camp at Emily Lake Recreation Area?

$15 per night. $7.50 with the use of an Interagency Pass (access or senior).

Source: Forest Service

Is Emily Lake Recreation Area open right now?

Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 2 to October 31.

Source: Forest Service status

Can I bring an RV to Emily Lake Recreation Area?

Emily Lake Recreation Area is listed for tents only.

Source: Forest Service

Are pets allowed at Emily Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Emily Lake Recreation Area. Leash rules apply.

Source: Forest Service

Can I have a campfire at Emily Lake Recreation Area?

Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Campsite Capacity A maximum of eight people and four vehicles are allowed at each campsite, to include cars, trucks, wheeled camping units, and trailers.

Source: Fire nearby

What is the nearest town to Emily Lake Recreation Area?

Park Falls, Wisconsin.

Source: Getting there

What if Emily Lake Recreation Area is full?

The nearest public campgrounds are Wabasso Lake Recreation Area (0.7 mi, first-come), Twin Lakes (3.1 mi, partly first-come), and Smith Rapids (8.7 mi).

Source: Campgrounds nearby