Cabin camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers access to the 21-island archipelago in Lake Superior. The region features a mix of sandstone caves, sandy beaches, and forested trails across over 69,000 acres of protected shoreline. Winter temperatures drop to single digits while summer averages 75°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences that influence cabin selection and preparation needs.
What to do
Kayaking to sea caves: The northern shores feature accessible sea caves during calm water conditions. "Went kayaking out here and the caves are awesome!!!! So much fun and lucked out having a nice still day!!!" reports a visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Island exploration: Many travelers use mainland cabins as a basecamp for ferry trips. "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. I highly recommend doing some sort of tour of the Apostle Islands by boat and taking the ferry to Madeline Island," notes a camper at Apostle Islands Area Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forests and shorelines support diverse wildlife including black bears. "We had a wonderful weekend there and saw a few black bears. And one even meandered through our camp site. And enjoyed the sounds of the waves and hiked a few of the trails," shares a visitor who stayed at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
What campers like
Lakeside cabins: Properties directly on Lake Superior offer premium views and water access. "We took our time and hiked more of the little carp trail towards Trapper & Greenstone Falls. The next day we broke down camp and headed back to the car. This park is huge, outside of Lake Of the Clouds, we ran into maybe a dozen people the whole weekend," describes a camper at Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park.
Clean facilities: Many cabins and camping areas maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. "Beautiful location on the shore of Lake Superior. Clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hosts," according to a recent visitor to Lamb's Resort.
Quiet atmosphere: The secluded nature of many cabin areas provides peaceful environments. "Tucked away campground right in a lake. Spacious sites and quiet…no road or neighbor noise. Lake has swimming area and swim platform, it's a lake so there are small fish, snails and grass in that area," notes a guest at Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabins require booking months in advance during peak season. "This is a private campground that fills up quick. It is 1 mile from Bayfield town center. It is close to the ferry dock, restaurants, parks and beaches," explains a visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Seasonal considerations: Peak cabin camping season runs May through October with limited winter options. "This campground was clean and well kept. The owners were very friendly and worked hard to meet the camping needs of our family which included nine adults and seven children," reports a family that stayed at Top O' The Morn Resort & Campground.
Cell service limitations: Many cabin areas have spotty connectivity. "WiFi wasn't perfect, but worked well most of the time. I wasn't expecting Verizon coverage, but I got 1-3 bars, and was able to use my hotspot most of the time," mentions a visitor at Anchor Inn.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Lake Superior shoreline provides natural entertainment for children. "The smooth pebble beach is fantastic. Our dogs loved running up and down the beach and playing on the shore. We took a day trip and walked North on the Gitchi Gami State Trail and visited Temperance River Falls and Hidden Falls," explains a family that visited Lamb's Resort.
Playground options: Several cabin campgrounds include play areas. "Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground," notes a visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Hiking difficulty assessment: Trail systems vary significantly in challenge level. "Copper Falls State Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenic views, making for an enjoyable trek through nature," shares a visitor at Copper Falls State Park Campground.
Tips for RVers
Site leveling: Many cabin areas with RV spaces require leveling equipment. "Some leveling will be required at most sites, but not much. The camp host was very friendly and easy to work with," reports a visitor at Kreher RV Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies significantly between properties. "All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well. The office/store is very clean and stocked with things you may need. 8 flavor ice creams on site!" notes a visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Site spacing: RV cabin areas often place units closer together than tent areas. "The entire campground is in the side of a mountain and there are no flat roads, which makes biking and walking a workout rather than leisure," cautions a visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
