Lake Emily County Park South Entrance

For Wisconsinites eager to embrace the tranquility of nature while still having access to recreational activities, Lake Emily County Park South Entrance in Amherst Junction presents an ideal escape. This beautiful 143-acre county park, managed by the Portage County Parks Department, is a beloved local gem, offering a serene lakeside setting for camping, swimming, boating, and exploring the outdoors. It's a testament to Wisconsin's commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families and individuals alike.

Wisconsin's landscape is dotted with picturesque lakes and lush woodlands, making it a prime destination for camping and outdoor activities. Lake Emily County Park, with its 96-acre adjacent lake, perfectly encapsulates this appeal. What makes this park particularly suitable for local users is its accessibility and the range of amenities it provides. Unlike some more remote wilderness areas, Lake Emily offers the convenience of well-maintained facilities, including modern restrooms and showers, which significantly enhance the camping experience for all.

Visitors consistently highlight the park's clean environment and spacious campsites, many of which are shaded by trees. This allows for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, whether you're setting up an RV or a tent. The presence of a park ranger and a check-in station, an unusual feature for many county parks, speaks to the level of care and management dedicated to maintaining a high-quality experience. For those seeking a family-friendly campground with ample opportunities for water activities, hiking, and simply unwinding in a beautiful natural setting, Lake Emily County Park South Entrance is a compelling choice right here in Wisconsin.

Lake Emily County Park South Entrance is located at Lake Dr, Amherst Junction, WI 54407, USA. This address places it just west of Amherst Junction, within Portage County, a central and accessible region of Wisconsin. The park is conveniently situated off Highway 10, with easy access via the Lake Road exit. This ensures straightforward navigation for visitors traveling from various parts of the state, including nearby Stevens Point, as well as Green Bay, Appleton, and Wausau.

The park's location adjacent to the 96-acre Lake Emily is a significant draw, providing direct access for all water-related activities. The established road network within the park, though some internal trails might be hilly, allows for easy movement between campsites and amenities. For Wisconsinites, the combination of a peaceful lakeside environment and excellent road accessibility makes Lake Emily County Park an ideal destination for spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned longer vacations, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

Lake Emily County Park South Entrance offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience:

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground features 67 campsites, with 66 of them providing electrical hookups, accommodating both RVs and tents. There are also designated tent-only areas.
• Clean Showers and Flush Toilets: The park provides modern and well-maintained shower facilities and flush toilets, a highly valued amenity for campers seeking comfort.
• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient on-site dump station is available for RV and trailer campers.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach allows for safe and enjoyable aquatic recreation in Lake Emily.
• Boat Ramp: Easy access to Lake Emily is provided via a boat ramp, accommodating motorboating, water-skiing, and sailboating.
• Picnic Areas and Lodges: The park includes large picnic areas and two picnic lodges (which can be rented), perfect for family gatherings or group events.
• Playground Equipment: A playground is available, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
• Nature Trails: The park features nature trails for walking and running, allowing visitors to explore the 143-acre natural environment.
• Baseball Field: A baseball field is on-site for sports enthusiasts.
• Year-Round Camping (with limitations): While the campground is technically open from May 1st to October 31st, some sources suggest year-round availability for certain sites (though water may be shut off in winter). Always confirm specific operating dates and conditions.
• On-site Park Ranger and Check-in Station: A dedicated park ranger presence ensures rules are followed and assistance is available, providing an added layer of safety and convenience.

Lake Emily County Park South Entrance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Wisconsin campers:

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Located adjacent to the 96-acre Lake Emily, the park offers stunning water views and direct access for various lake activities.
• Spacious and Spread Out Campsites: Reviews highlight that sites are "spacious and spread out compared to other parks," offering more privacy and room to relax. Many are shaded by trees.
• Excellent Water Activities: Opportunities for swimming, motorboating, water-skiing, sailboating, and fishing are abundant on Lake Emily.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The park is consistently praised for its cleanliness, including its modern showers and flush toilets, enhancing the overall comfort for campers.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a playground, swimming beach, and ample space for outdoor play, the park is highly suitable for families with children.
• Nature Exploration: Dedicated nature trails allow for peaceful walks and appreciation of the natural environment. The Tomorrow River State Trail also runs just south of the park, offering additional hiking and biking opportunities.
• Group-Friendly Options: The availability of picnic lodges and large, open sites that can be booked as a group (though privacy for individual sites within such groups might be limited) makes it great for gatherings.
• Managed by Portage County Parks: Part of a larger county park system, ensuring professional management and adherence to established park rules.

While the park is generally quiet, some past reviews have noted occasional noise from a nearby highway (Highway 10) and active train lines. Campers should be aware of this potential for ambient noise, particularly at night.

As a county park campground, Lake Emily County Park South Entrance does not typically offer "promotions" in the commercial sense. Instead, pricing is standardized by Portage County Parks. Key information regarding reservations and fees includes:

• Reservation System: Campsite reservations are accepted in person, by mail, or online. They must be made at least 7 days in advance.
• Minimum Stay: Reservations require a minimum of two consecutive days, extending to three consecutive days during Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.
• Maximum Stay: No camping party or unit can occupy a campground for more than 14 consecutive days.
• Camping Fees: Tent sites have a separate fee (e.g., $19 per night previously), while electric sites typically have a higher rate (e.g., $8/night for electricity on top of a base site fee). Additional fees may apply for extra camping units.
• Cancellation Policy: Refunds for cancellations are generally issued, minus a reservation fee and a cancellation fee, for requests made up to 7 days prior to the reservation date.

For the most accurate and current fee schedule and reservation policies, it is highly recommended to visit the official Portage County Parks website or contact them directly.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or inquire further about Lake Emily County Park South Entrance, please use the following contact details for Portage County Parks:

• Address: Lake Dr, Amherst Junction, WI 54407, USA (Primary park address: 3961 Park Drive Amherst Junction, WI 54407)
• Portage County Parks Phone: (715) 346-1433
• Portage County Parks Email: parks@co.portage.wi.us

Online reservations are available through the Portage County Parks website, which is often the most convenient method.

For Wisconsinites seeking a well-rounded and accessible outdoor experience, Lake Emily County Park South Entrance in Amherst Junction stands as an excellent choice. Its prime location, adjacent to Lake Emily, offers abundant opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing, making it ideal for water enthusiasts. The park's commitment to maintaining clean facilities, including modern showers and flush toilets, provides a level of comfort often desired by campers.

With its spacious, well-maintained campsites (many with electric hookups), playground, and nature trails, the park caters wonderfully to families and individuals looking for both active recreation and peaceful relaxation. While some ambient noise from nearby roads or trains might be present, the overall atmosphere is tranquil and conducive to enjoying the natural beauty of Wisconsin. For locals, Lake Emily County Park provides a convenient, affordable, and highly enjoyable destination for creating lasting outdoor memories without having to travel far from home.