Fall camping in Wisconsin is some of the best camping of the year: The trees turn red and gold, campgrounds quiet down after Labor Day, and cool nights make perfect campfire weather. At Emrick Lake Campground & Resort in Oxford, our season runs through mid-October, letting guests enjoy all September and early October have to offer.

If you usually pack up the camper after Labor Day, here’s what you are missing out on.

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Key Takeaway: September and early October bring Wisconsin fall colors, comfortable hiking weather, quieter campgrounds, and cool campfire nights. Emrick Lake Campground & Resort is open through mid-October, so the first half of fall is the window to book.

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Wisconsin Fall Colors Around Emrick Lake

Wisconsin fall colors move from north to south. The northern part of the state usually peaks in late September and early October, and southern Wisconsin peaks from mid-October into early November. Oxford sits in central Wisconsin, between the two, so the woods around Emrick Lake often start turning in late September and keep building into October.

But you don’t have to leave the campground to see the beautiful colors. Our wooded trails and lakeshore paths feature extensive foliage right outside your campsite, and a morning cruise in a kayak or paddle boat will give you great views from the water. Plus, the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report will show where you can see the best foliage in the state each week.

Fall Hiking Near Oxford, Wisconsin

Cooler temperatures make fall the most comfortable time of year to hike. The trails at Emrick Lake are an easy start, and some of central Wisconsin’s best fall hikes are just a short drive from our front gate.

Trail Drive From Emrick Lake Why Go in Fall
Roche-A-Cri State Park About 30 minutes Climb the stairway up a 300-foot mound for a view over oak and pine woods
Mirror Lake State Park About 40 minutes See sandstone cliffs and quiet forest trails, without the Devil’s Lake crowds
Devil’s Lake State Park About 50 minutes This area boasts 500-foot quartzite bluffs above the lake – on fall weekends, arrive before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid crowds

Our list of the best hiking trails near Oxford, Wisconsin sorts every nearby option by driving time, and includes breakdowns on both short marsh walks and full-day trail segments.

Fewer Crowds and Cooler Temperatures

Once school starts, summer vacations end and weekends fill up with sports. That leaves campgrounds noticeably quieter in September and October, with less noise at night and more room on the trails and the lake.

The weather helps too. Fall afternoons are often mild enough for a T-shirt, then cool off fast once the sun goes down. That means less sweating on the trail, better sleeping weather in the camper, and fewer mosquitoes once the nights turn cold. Pack layers, extra blankets or a warm sleeping bag, and a jacket for the evening, since temperatures can drop from comfortable afternoons to near freezing overnight.

Perfect Campfire Weather

Fall is campfire season. With earlier sunsets and crisp air, the fire comes out sooner and stays lit longer. Every campsite at Emrick Lake has a fire pit, and our cabin rentals with private fire pits come with a deck, patio furniture, and chairs around the fire.

Sometimes, a campfire in July can feel like there’s too much heat. But in October, that campfire is welcomed and can be the best place to be. Bring the cider or hot cocoa, roast a few s’mores, and stay out as long as you like.

A Slower Pace for Camping

Summer at Emrick Lake is about the aquapark, the pool, and a packed weekend schedule. Fall camping is slower. Mornings start with coffee at the campsite, afternoons give plenty of time for a hike or a boat ride, and evenings end around the fire with nowhere else to be.

If you want a few more things to do, our fall theme weekends bring the energy back. We have Oktoberfest in September and our Halloween camping weekends, giving guests a chance to enjoy costume parties, pumpkin carving, haunted hayrides, and trick-or-treating around the campground.

Fall Camping in Wisconsin FAQs

When is the best time for fall camping in Wisconsin?

In central Wisconsin, late September through mid-October offers the best mix of fall color, comfortable daytime temperatures, and quiet campgrounds. Northern Wisconsin peaks a little earlier and southern Wisconsin a little later.

When does Emrick Lake close for the season?

Emrick Lake Campground & Resort is open from mid-April through mid-October. Campsites and cabins can be reserved ahead of time for next fall.

What should I pack for fall camping?

Pack layers, a warm hat, rain gear, a sleeping bag rated for near-freezing nights or extra blankets, and a headlamp for the earlier sunsets.

Plan Your Fall Camping Trip at Emrick Lake

Emrick Lake Campground & Resort is open from mid-April through mid-October, with full hookup campsites and cabins ready for fall weekends. Our Fall Ball camping special makes it easy to stretch the season a little longer.

Reserve your fall campsite online, or call us at (608) 254-7516 with any questions.