Emily Lake Campground, Lac du Flambeau, WI

For Wisconsin locals who have a deep appreciation for the serene beauty and abundant outdoor opportunities of our Northwoods, Emily Lake Campground in Lac du Flambeau, WI, offers a truly authentic and remarkably affordable camping experience. Nestled within the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this rustic campground has been a cherished destination for generations, with some visitors returning since the 1970s. It’s a place where the focus is on raw natural beauty, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife, all without the high price tag often associated with private campgrounds. If you're seeking a quiet, no-frills escape that serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby lakes and rivers, Emily Lake Campground is an excellent choice.

For us Wisconsinites, finding a place that feels like stepping back in time, where the priorities are fishing and enjoying the wilderness, is a special kind of treasure. Emily Lake Campground delivers on that promise. It's known for its good lake access, and while some areas might be a bit swampy between ridges – a true sign of the wild – the overall experience of abundant wildlife, the potential for big fish, and the peaceful atmosphere make it a highly worthwhile destination. It’s particularly appealing for those who understand and embrace the true rustic nature of our state forests, offering a genuine connection to Wisconsin’s incredible outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Emily Lake Campground is conveniently located on Emily Lake Rd, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54558, USA. This places it directly within the sprawling Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a vast wilderness area that spans across northern Wisconsin. The campground is situated a "short drive from Lac du Flambeau," a charming community in Vilas County known for its rich Native American heritage and its position amidst a chain of beautiful lakes.

Accessibility to Emily Lake Campground is generally considered easy, with the drive in being "paved almost the whole way." This makes for a smooth journey for most vehicles. While it’s designed as a rustic campground, the "easy drive in" ensures that it’s not too remote for comfortable access. Upon arrival, campers will find a boat launch on Emily Lake, providing direct access to this "beautiful small lake" and serving as an excellent "jumpoff for nearby lakes and rivers," including the Flambeau. This strategic location means campers can easily explore the wider network of waterways for canoeing and fishing adventures, such as the fun Tucker portage. Despite its ease of access, the campground maintains a secluded feel, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment. The combination of good road access and prime lake access makes Emily Lake Campground an ideal base for exploring the vibrant outdoor opportunities of the Lac du Flambeau area and the broader Northwoods.

Services Offered

Emily Lake Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, offers essential services for a rustic camping experience focused on natural immersion and affordability. While it is a minimalist campground, it provides the fundamental necessities for a comfortable stay. Services typically include:

Rustic Campsites: Dedicated campsites designed for a traditional, no-frills camping experience. Sites are described as "good spacious sites," allowing for comfortable setups.
Walk-in Campsites: The campground generally features walk-in sites, meaning campers park their vehicles and carry their gear a short distance to their designated spot. This contributes to the quiet, generator-free atmosphere.
Pit Toilets: Clean pit toilets are available, providing basic sanitation for campers.
Water Pump: A water pump is available for campers to access potable water.
Boat Launch: A boat launch provides direct access to Emily Lake, making it easy to launch canoes, kayaks, and small fishing boats.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill, essential for outdoor dining and campfires.
Fishing Opportunities: The lake and surrounding area are known for "good lake access" and "good canoe fishing," with reports of lakes producing "large fish."
Wildlife Viewing: Abundant wildlife is a common feature, including excellent opportunities for grouse hunting (though requiring effort).
Affordable Fees: Camping fees are very low, making it a highly budget-friendly option compared to private campgrounds.
No On-Site Host: Reviews indicate there is "No host on site ever apparently," meaning campers are expected to be self-sufficient and follow posted rules.
Pet-Friendly: As a national forest campground, pets are generally welcome, provided they are leashed and waste is properly managed.

Features / Highlights

Incredibly Affordable: A major highlight is the price, noted as an outstanding value: "Can’t beat the price compared to local private places." This makes it highly accessible for many Wisconsin campers.
Good Lake Access Sites: The campground offers prime "lake access sites" directly on Emily Lake, providing beautiful views and easy entry to the water.
Excellent Jumpoff for Nearby Waterways: It serves as a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding "nearby lakes and rivers," with "canoe fishing is good in this area," including popular spots like "Tucker portage" and the "Flambeau" (River).
Good Fishing Opportunities: The lakes in this area are described as "deceptive and produce some large fish," making it a rewarding destination for anglers.
Abundant Wildlife: Campers can expect "lots of wildlife," enhancing the natural immersion and offering opportunities for observation and even grouse hunting.
Peaceful and Quiet: As a rustic, walk-in focused campground, it provides a serene atmosphere, ideal for those seeking to escape noise and enjoy nature's sounds.
Spacious and Secluded Sites: Sites are described as "good spacious sites" and "pretty secluded," offering privacy from neighboring campers.
Clean Pit Toilets and Water Pump: Despite being rustic, essential amenities like clean pit toilets and a water pump are provided, ensuring basic comfort.
Easy Drive-In Access: The "paved almost the whole way" drive-in makes it easily accessible for most vehicles, balancing seclusion with convenience.
Autumn Beauty: Experiencing "A couple weeks in this area in early autumn is time well spent" suggests spectacular fall colors and comfortable conditions.
Authentic Rustic Experience: It's a place where campers embrace the natural environment, including potentially "swampy between ridges," adding to the authentic wilderness feel.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a US Forest Service campground within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Emily Lake Campground does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Its primary "offer" is its consistently low and exceptionally affordable fee structure. These rustic campgrounds are often priced to be very budget-friendly, making quality outdoor experiences accessible to everyone. For the most current pricing and any specific details, interested campers should consult the official Recreation.gov website (as some national forest sites are reservable, while others are first-come, first-served) or the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest's recreation and camping pages. The true "promotion" of Emily Lake Campground lies in its unmatched value proposition: a serene, wildlife-rich, and excellent fishing experience in Wisconsin's Northwoods at a cost that is "Can’t beat the price compared to local private places." This inherent affordability and high natural value are its ongoing appeal for Wisconsin locals.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding Emily Lake Campground, as it is managed by the US Forest Service within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, direct contact is typically made through the relevant Ranger District office. Here is the primary contact information for the overseeing forest offices:

Address: Emily Lake Rd, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54558, USA (This is the physical location within the forest)

General Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Headquarters Phone: (715) 362-1300

Mobile Phone: +1 715-362-1300

For more specific local information or to inquire about current conditions, it's often best to contact the nearest Ranger District office. For the Lac du Flambeau area, this would typically be the Great Divide Ranger District or similar, whose number can be found on the official Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website. As a more rustic campground, direct campsite reservations may not be available, and it might operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but it's always wise to confirm the latest policies on Recreation.gov or the Forest Service website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Wisconsin locals, Emily Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a quintessential Northwoods experience that aligns perfectly with our state's love for outdoor adventure and appreciation for natural beauty. Its enduring appeal, evident from generations of returning campers, speaks volumes about its ability to provide a truly restorative escape.

Firstly, the remarkable affordability of Emily Lake Campground is a significant advantage. In a world where leisure activities can quickly become expensive, being able to access such a beautiful and well-located camping spot at a price that "can't be beat" makes it accessible to a wide range of Wisconsin families and individuals. This allows for more frequent and longer stays, fostering deeper connections with the natural environment.

Secondly, its rustic nature, characterized by walk-in sites, pit toilets, and a water pump, appeals to those who genuinely seek to disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild. The absence of a constant host, while requiring self-sufficiency, also fosters a sense of independence and quiet, which many Wisconsinites value in their wilderness experiences. The lack of generator noise further enhances this peaceful atmosphere.

Finally, the prime location with "good lake access" and as a "great jumpoff for nearby lakes and rivers" makes it a paradise for anglers and canoe enthusiasts. The promise of "large fish" and abundant "wildlife" directly caters to our state's passion for fishing, hunting (like grouse), and wildlife viewing. It's a place where you can create new memories while reliving the timeless outdoor traditions of Wisconsin. For any local seeking an authentic, affordable, and serene Northwoods adventure, Emily Lake Campground is an ideal choice.