4.4
Public Campground
085W
Oscoda, Michigan
Campground in Michigan.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Emily Lake State Forest Campground
Campground in Michigan.
Emily Lake State Forest Campground offers a peaceful retreat into Michigan's natural beauty, situated within the serene landscape of the state forest system. This public campground provides RV travelers with an authentic escape from busy highways and crowded tourist destinations, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter camping experience surrounded by Michigan's forests and lakes.
The campground's setting in the state forest means you're camping in a protected natural environment where the focus remains on enjoying the outdoors in its purest form. The forest atmosphere creates a calming backdrop for your RV stay, with tall trees providing shade and the natural soundscape of wildlife and rustling leaves replacing highway noise. Early mornings at Emily Lake are particularly special, with mist rising from the water and the forest coming alive with bird calls and animal activity.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this location opens doors to Michigan's excellent fishing and water-based recreation. The lake itself is a centerpiece for activity, whether you're interested in casting a line, paddling a canoe or kayak, or simply enjoying peaceful moments at the water's edge. The state forest designation means the surrounding lands are managed for conservation, offering miles of trails for hiking and exploring. These trails wind through diverse forest habitats, providing opportunities to spot native wildlife and observe the changing seasons reflected in the woodland landscape.
Michigan's state forest system is known for maintaining a balance between accessibility and preservation. This campground reflects that philosophy, offering basic facilities that serve the practical needs of RV campers while maintaining the natural integrity of the area. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with nature without unnecessary distractions.
The location appeals to various traveler types: families looking for a nature-based camping experience, fishing enthusiasts seeking quieter waters, hikers wanting to explore Michigan's forest trails, and anyone desiring a genuine back-to-nature RV camping experience. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful times to visit, when the forest is either awakening with new growth or displaying stunning autumn colors.
The campground's setting in the state forest means you're camping in a protected natural environment where the focus remains on enjoying the outdoors in its purest form. The forest atmosphere creates a calming backdrop for your RV stay, with tall trees providing shade and the natural soundscape of wildlife and rustling leaves replacing highway noise. Early mornings at Emily Lake are particularly special, with mist rising from the water and the forest coming alive with bird calls and animal activity.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this location opens doors to Michigan's excellent fishing and water-based recreation. The lake itself is a centerpiece for activity, whether you're interested in casting a line, paddling a canoe or kayak, or simply enjoying peaceful moments at the water's edge. The state forest designation means the surrounding lands are managed for conservation, offering miles of trails for hiking and exploring. These trails wind through diverse forest habitats, providing opportunities to spot native wildlife and observe the changing seasons reflected in the woodland landscape.
Michigan's state forest system is known for maintaining a balance between accessibility and preservation. This campground reflects that philosophy, offering basic facilities that serve the practical needs of RV campers while maintaining the natural integrity of the area. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with nature without unnecessary distractions.
The location appeals to various traveler types: families looking for a nature-based camping experience, fishing enthusiasts seeking quieter waters, hikers wanting to explore Michigan's forest trails, and anyone desiring a genuine back-to-nature RV camping experience. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful times to visit, when the forest is either awakening with new growth or displaying stunning autumn colors.
4.6
Rating
32
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Toivola is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Michigan weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Toivola.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Toivola. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Emily Lake State Forest Campground Reviews
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bill car
Mar 23, 2026
5.0
Google Review by bill car
Very nice campground, has water and outhouse. As a couple Alaskan bikers, this is the kind of campground we love. Quiet and very spacious, we camped in number 9. Beautiful little lake as well.
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barbara haywood
Mar 23, 2026
5.0
Google Review by barbara haywood
Great rustic campground, very clean with nice, clean bathrooms. No swimming. Water pump and extra tables in center area, nice place to have a larger group or parties. Best sites for groups; Sites 1+2, Sites 3+4, Room to spread out 6, 7, 8, & 9. Sites 6, 8, and 9 have access to the lake (weedy shore), site 7 has a little longer trail to lake, and 3 trees that make hammock hanging nice. Best pasties... Great rustic campground, very clean with nice, clean bathrooms. No swimming. Water pump and extra tables in center area, nice place to have a larger group or parties. Best sites for groups; Sites 1+2, Sites 3+4, Room to spread out 6, 7, 8, & 9. Sites 6, 8, and 9 have access to the lake (weedy shore), site 7 has a little longer trail to lake, and 3 trees that make hammock hanging nice. Best pasties at Krupps mini market. 2 bathrooms with sanitizer, extra toilet paper on generous wood shelf, 2 large wood pegs for clothing or backpacks.
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Pete McVannel
Mar 23, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Pete McVannel
Great lil rustic campground. Rained hard (mid-August in Da Yoop) but that didn’t dampen our camping experience at all. Easy to get to. Nice clear and big spots. Vault toilets.
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Malcolm Campbell
Mar 23, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Malcolm Campbell
Visited in the winter, and had the place to myself. The road to the campsite is plowed, but nothing else is. Bring a snow shovel and snowshoes. Campsites are very close together (like hear your neighbor snore close together). There are two sites next to the boat launch that are farther from the main group of campsites. Two vault toilets and a water pump. Did not see garbage bins, but they may have... Visited in the winter, and had the place to myself. The road to the campsite is plowed, but nothing else is. Bring a snow shovel and snowshoes. Campsites are very close together (like hear your neighbor snore close together). There are two sites next to the boat launch that are farther from the main group of campsites. Two vault toilets and a water pump. Did not see garbage bins, but they may have been covered in snow.
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Charles Beechler
Mar 23, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Charles Beechler
Awesome campground, unfortunately didn't get any fishing time 😕
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