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A gray 4x4 Sprinter with a roof rack on a two-track through a wildflower meadow, cloud sitting on the mountains behind.

Forest Service campground

Emily Lake Recreation Area

Forest Service campground in Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, Vilas County, Wisconsin. 1,589 feet. 20.9 miles from Park Falls.

Managed by
Forest Service Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
Elevation
1,589 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Reservations
First come, first served Claim a site when you arrive. Recreation.gov lists it for Scan and Pay, so the fee can be paid from its app at the campground
County
Vilas County

Recreation

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. For those that enjoy quiet places, the forest contains five designated Wilderness areas and several semi-primitive non-motorized areas. Motorized recreation is also available to the public, with approximately 300 miles of designated trail winding through the diverse landscape.

Facilities

Emily Lake is 31-acres in size and has a boat ramp for activities like canoeing and fishing. The campground is near the Round Lake Non-motorized area for biking and hiking. Grills, drinking water and vault toilets create an ideal atmosphere for parties and family get-togethers.

Natural Features

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The sparse population of the area and low visitor use, make the wild and scenic beauty of the forest that much more enjoyable. Hundred of miles of maintained trails make this area a hikers paradise.

The pristine Emily Lake provides a breathtaking backdrop for a traditional camping experience.

Nearby Attractions

Park Falls, located just over 20 miles away, offers historical attractions, museums and restaurants-perfect for a day trip.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • birding
  • boating
  • camping
  • canoeing
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • ice fishing
  • kayaking
  • mountain biking
  • paddling
  • star gazing

The land around Emily Lake Recreation Area

The ringed pin is this campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated March 11, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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