| The campground at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area remains closed due to renovation of the camping facilities. Campers can expect the area to re-open once temperatures increase and newly seeded grass is established in the camp area. The area will not be launched on the reservation system until it is ready to be opened. The boat ramp at Emerson Bay remains open to use. Questions may be directed to the Gull Point State Park office at 712-337-3211. (Posted 04/09/13) |
|
Facilities and Activities
Emerson Bay is a great place for a family picnic. Emerson Bay Lighthouse Point has a shelter that is available and may be reserved online through the park reservation system.This shelter is also conveniently located near a sand beach, an open grass recreation area, and a playground. The lighthouse tower also provides the user with a spectacular view of West Lake Okoboji.
The Emerson Bay campgrounds is one of the most popular in the state. The campground is well shaded and features paved roads, playground equipment, boat ramps, modern restroom and shower facilities, as well as sanitary dump station. There are a total of 117 campsites, 57 with electrical hookups, 24 with cable TV connections, and 60 non-electric sites. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available for self-registration on a first-come/first-serve basis.
Emerson Bay is located near many area recreational trails.
(boating, fishing)
Emerson Bay's beach provides a fine place for young and old to sunbathe and splash in the crystal clear water of West Okoboji. Emerson Bay also hosts one of the most popular areas to launch a boat onto the Iowa Great Lakes chain.
West Okoboji and the many other lakes in the area are some of the prime fishing spots in Iowa. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads. Boating is also very popular on the lakes using everything from canoes to sailboats and ski rigs.
The "lakes area" of northwest Iowa offers a tremendous array of outdoor recreation opportunities, year-round. The unique setting of beautiful and clear Lakes East and West Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and other water bodies truly provides wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation. The focal point for state parks and recreation areas in this region is beautiful Gull Point State Park, established in 1933. Gull Point provides a pleasing, shaded setting on West Okoboji Lake and offers a well-rounded variety of outdoor recreation facilities.
Emerson Bay State Park is located off Highway 86 near the towns of Milford, Arnolds Park, Okoboji and Spirit Lake.
Amenities
Within park Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Launch Ramp, Camping - Electric, Camping - Nonelectric, Dump Station, Fishing, Lake, Modern Campground, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Water Hydrants , Wildlife Viewing
More than a mile Antiquing, ATM/Cash Machine, Boat Rental, Church, Dock, Boat, Dock, Fishing, Fish Cleaning Station, Fish Hatchery, Fuel, Boats, Fuel, Vehicles, Golf, Grocery Store, Hospital, Laundry, Maintenance, Boat, Marina, Medical Clinic, Motel, Rentals, Bicycle, Rentals, Fishing Equipment, Retail, Bait & Tackle, Retail, Drinks, Retail, Firewood, Retail, Ice, Retail, Snacks, Shopping, Showers, Theme Park, Town
Return