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Camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

797 Reviews

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore area has several camping options that work well for visitors exploring Lake Superior. Tettegouche State Park has good tree cover at its campsites and puts you close to trails and waterfalls. Campers looking to stay near town can use Dalrymple Park and Campground, which sits close to Bayfield and has electric hookups for RVs. If you want lake views, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground lets you see both Lake Superior and the historic lighthouse. Most campgrounds in the area have drinking water and bathrooms. Many people come to the Apostle Islands to kayak or check out the sea caves. The spring and fall months tend to be less crowded and have milder weather. If you camp during early spring or late fall, bring warm clothes since temperatures drop at night. The area works for both tent and RV camping trips.

Map showing campgrounds near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WisconsinExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (119)

    1. Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

    22 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-3397

    $30 / night

    "Apostle Islands is part of a 21 islands chain at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior. On the mainland, the Lakeshore Trail weaves past cliffs and sea caves."

    "We liked the easy drive through sites with full hookup.  The campsites were tiered into the hill.  This helped sound proof the campsites. "

    2. Big Bay State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    La Pointe, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 747-6425

    "Late spring Wisconsin weather made its presence felt, but we were undeterred. Its hard to be disappointed when faced with the spectacular views of the Apostle Islands."

    "Small but has some decent trails. Lovely to walk by the waters edge and skip rocks."

    3. Dalrymple Park and Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-5712

    $30 / night

    "Dalrymple was just minutes away from Bayfield, and boat rides away from the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island."

    "There are also some primitive tent walk-up sites.

    Nice campground, $30/night, can pay online when you arrive. Good cell reception. Most, if not all, sites have 30 and 20 amp service."

    4. Big Bay Town Park

    14 Reviews
    La Pointe, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 747-3031

    $33 - $40 / night

    "It was close to the water, just a walk away from a beach and hiking trail. The campsites were fairly private as far as car camping sites go."

    "The campsites on the lake side are rustic only. The modern sites are secluded with a good buffer of woods between them. Nice privacy. "

    5. Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-5233

    "Tent “lakeside” site is an open court yard setting which is a little strange. All sites can face The lake. Try and avoid the other tent sites as they are behind fish house in the woods."

    "The campground is located right on the shore of Lake Superior next to Apostle Islands Natuonal Lakeshore. The view is incredible, especially if you can catch the sunset over the lake."

    6. Buffalo Bay Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-3712

    $45 / night

    "This campground is oriented towards RV’ers and boaters, the campsite has full RV hookups and is adjacent to a very nice marina for those who are looking for that."

    "The lakeside sites have great views though! And nice showers. We were passing thru and the FCFS campgrounds were all full so this was a fine option close to Bayfield!"

    7. Big Bay State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    La Pointe, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 747-6425

    "Big Bay State Park is on Madeline Island in Lake Superior and is one of the Apostle Islands. The only way to arrive is by ferry boat. It is pricey to bring your RV."

    "This 2,350-acre campground was well-maintained and is located on Madeline Island (the largest Apostle Island) on Lake Superior. "

    8. Apostle Islands Area Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-5524

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Location is great if you're looking to do some exploring. Was very quiet even though it was close to Labor Day weekend, and for the size of the campground."

    "Close to town. Very reasonable. Quiet . Well be back. This is a great area to go to so much to see and do."

    9. Oak Island — Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

    1 Review
    Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI
    0 miles
    Website

    "All others are close to ranger station.

    Bring head nets and long clothes june-july for bugs.

    Long hike to get to The Overlook. Bring a sandwich and water. Hike light."

    10. Memorial Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Washburn, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 373-6160

    "The campground was full when we pulled in at 6 pm but the hosts let us stay in an overflow area, right next to the lake. Lots of small rvs and tents, which we prefer to the big rv parks."

    "Right on the lake. Great place to stop and tour the towns close by. Mostly closed mid-week, but some brew houses and restaurants open."

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292 Photos of 119 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

797 Reviews of 119 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Campgrounds

Guide to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At Baptism River Campground — Tettegouche State Park, one camper noted, "There are lots of trails to hike and waterfalls!" This makes it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Swimming: Enjoy the cool waters of Lake Superior. A visitor at Herbster Campground mentioned, "The sunsets were unbeatable!!" This campground is right by the beach, perfect for a refreshing dip.
  • Fishing: Cast your line in the nearby waters. Campers at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground have enjoyed the fishing opportunities, with one saying, "The state park, however, is fantastic."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Many campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Big Bay State Park Campground highlights, "The island is teeming with life," making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers.
  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Dalrymple Park and Campground, one visitor said, "Pit toilets were clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds have a welcoming vibe. A camper at Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping noted, "The owners are awesome!!! Easy to talk with and chat."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Attempted to camp here 2 years before, but the campground was crowded and booked."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for encounters with nature. One camper at Baptism River Campground shared, "We had bug spray and mosquito nets, but ended up cutting our stay short as our poor dogs got the worst of the bites."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain facilities. A review from Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping noted, "There are no water or sewer hookups here, and no dump station."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. At Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "All of the sites are large and spacious."
  • Plan for activities: Bring bikes or hiking gear to keep everyone entertained. A family at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground wished they had their bikes along for more fun.
  • Pack snacks: Keep everyone fueled up for adventures. A camper at Herbster Campground enjoyed the "amazing sound of waves," making it a great spot for picnics.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A review from Dalrymple Park and Campground mentioned, "Good 30amp electric, water spigot nearby but no dump stations at park."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping appreciated the "easy drive through sites with full hookup."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can get busy. A camper at Big Bay State Park Campground noted, "Privacy is a little hard to come by sometimes because the camp is almost always full."

Camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?

According to TheDyrt.com, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

What parks are near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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