If you're looking for glamping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, look no further. Glamping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is especially popular among campers who enjoy beds and electricity. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a site closer to all the action, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect glamping spot.
**Camping within Apostle Island National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping. There is no car or RV camping within the park. All campsites within the national lakeshore must be reached by boat or sea kayak, except for the Mainland 1, 2, and 3 campsites, which can be accessed by kayak or by hiking in only.** Mainland camping for car & RV camping: There are a variety of state parks and private campgrounds with facilities for car and RV camping in the Bayfield area on the mainland and on Madeline Island. Visit the park's Camping in the Apostles web page and scroll to the "Local Area Camping" section. Madeline Island is not part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Madeline Island Ferry is a car & passenger ferry service to transport visitors to the island. Camping within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: The Apostle Islands offer a unique camping experience. There are many campsites within the park, and each have their own unique characteristics to them. There are 57 individual campsites, 9 group campsites, and 17 primitive camping zones. NOTE: Visitors who choose to visit the islands and sleep in their personal self-contained vessel do not need a camping reservation. Public docks are available first-come, first-serve on 12 of the islands. You'll pay the overnight docking fee upon arrival. Be sure to download the Recreation.gov mobile app on your mobile device before you visit so that you can complete payment for overnight docking using scan & pay upon arrival. Advance reservations for camping permits are requiredfor camping in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Each camping permit may cover up to 14 consecutive nights.__Permit holders can not have concurrent night stays. Permit holders can only have one reservation for the same nights of camping. Permit holders are responsible for any damages. Camping permits are non-transferable. Individual campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-7 people. Most sites are equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are recommended for first-time primitive campers. It will give a sense of backcountry camping with the pleasantries of the amenities. They are a good way to work up to the primitive zone camping. These sites are $15 per night. Reservations can be made starting 30 days from the start of a trip. Group campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 8-21 people. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are great for large families or get-togethers with friends. These sites are $30 per night. These sites can be reserved in March every year during the Group Camping Lottery and remaining sites will open after the lottery is completed. Primitive zone camping: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-5 people. These sites are for the truly hardcore backpackers. Primitive zone camping is not a specific site but provides the option of choosing a backcountry area to camp. This type of camping experience has NO amenities. There are specific guidelines on where to camp for this type of experience. Consult the Primitive Zone camping maps for potential landing sites and available areas. The following areas are closed to primitive zone camping: Areas excluded from primitive camping zones and closed to camping to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources. Area posted as closed to protect bird nesting areas and threatened or endangered species. Areas in view of any designated trail. Areas within 1/4 mile of any building, historic structure, individual or group campsite, or another camping party. Areas within 100 feet of a flowing stream. Private land or lease holdings. For more information or questions about your itinerary, call park staff at (715) 779-3398 extension 2, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily from Memorial Day through September or Monday to Friday from October through Memorial Day.
For facility specific information, please call (715) 779-3398.
Cancellations made prior to the reservation start date will be given a 50% refund of the use fees. Changes to the reservation will be charged a $15.00 change fee.There is a $10 reservation fee for each permit made. The $10 reservation fee is non-refundable.
$30 / night
The Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Campground offers 50 rustic campsites near the scenic Presque Isle River. There are vault toilets and hand pumps for water. In addition to drive-up sites, there are also 6 walk-in sites. The campground is split into two loops. The east loop is a generator friendly side, while the west loop is generator free. There is access trails to the nearby Presque Isle River and or to the Lake Superior shoreline. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground office. At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park. It is home to 35,000 acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, the Lake Superior shoreline and vistas unrivaled anywhere in the Midwest.
$4 - $20 / night
Stay with us while you explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Meyers Beach Sea Caves, Chequamegon National Forest, or any of the other beautiful attractions our area has to offer! Your Apostle Islands Vacation is awaiting you! We offer our guests 63 wooded and spacious sites with fire-pits and picnic tables. We have a dump station free to use for guests and hookups for electric, water, and sewer. We have a camp store on location that is stocked with essentials. Looking for camping on Madeline Island? Avoid the expense and hassle of taking your RV or equipment on the ferry. Stay with us and take a day trip to Madeline Island. We're only minutes from the Madeline Island Ferry!
$25 - $35 / night
Backcountry sites: An unlimited number of permits can be issued but only 63 spots have a metal fire ring. Fires are restricted to metal fire rings. Cost $14- for 1-6 people. Maximum number per site is 6.
If you looking for an equestrian style base camp to explore area trails or a destination campground with plenty of room for your family, try the Horseshoe Lake Recreations Area located north of Ino, Wisconsin on the Washburn Ranger District. The terrain is gently rolling with a sandy loam surface ideal for horse riding. The trail weaves through towering pine and hardwood forests as well as through the area's open barrens. Whether you are interested in plants, scenery or wildlife, touring the trail with binoculars or camera can allow you to take advantage of fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities. The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. All other sites allow up to eight individuals and up to four vehicles. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite. Shared amenities include two vault toilets, two manure pit, and garbage service. Both back in and pull-thru sites are present. Please note there is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly. A parking area is available for visitors looking to ride the trails for the day. There is a $5 use fee for day use of the recreation area or you can purchase an annual pass. Whether you are looking for a pleasant afternoon ride or an extended visit, the Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail is a perfect adventure for any horseback rider. The combined trail loop length is 12 miles. Some distances overlap between the loops. Trail Length: A Loop 9.25 miles, B Loop 3.7 miles, Outside Loop 10.25 miles. So, if you like camping and horseback riding with scenic views of the forest, then the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area is the place for you. Forest Roads are also open to horseback riding. For a map of roads on the Motor Vehicle Use Map please click here. The nearby Moquah Barrens provides a great place to ride, view wildlife, bird watching and berry picking in the late summer. Bring your trailer with your OHVs (ATVs and UTVs) and access the Iron River Trail from open OHV use roads. OHV use in the campground is prohibited.
$15 - $20 / night
JULY 2024
The Wanoka Lake Campground in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will be closed starting July 19, 2024, to conduct site improvements. mprovements will be made to site drainage and the campground access roads (FR243, 243A, and 243B), boat launch access, and overflow parking area will be repaved. Solar electrical service and a wastewater holding tank will be added to the host site. FR243 will remain open during the repaving process.
Wanoka Recreation Area is located off an ATV route that connects to local ATV trails and other open routes. Visitors may ride their ATV or smaller UTVs to and from the route. ATVs may not be used to drive around the campground for fun. ATVs need to be kept on their trailers or on the parking spur on the site. Located approximately 7 miles east of Iron River, this campground is located on a 15-acre lake that has panfish and trout. Wanoka Lake Campground has 20 sites. Each site has a defined parking spur, fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad, and can accommodate RV's up to 35 feet. Please help to not increase the size of the area and keep all equipment on the parking spur. There are two pull-through sites. Drinking water and vault toilets are available. There is a carry-in-boat access. Did you forget something? Don't sweat it! The small town of Iron River can meet your camping supply needs ranging from groceries to firewood. If you need an out-of-state fishing or ATV/UTV license, Iron River gas stations have these available for purchase. So, if you like to fish, kayak, hike, bike or enjoy being close to town, then the Wanoka Recreation Area is the place for you, conveniently located just a short drive from Iron River.
Ranger
Have not camped here yet but the whole area is amazingly beautiful. Yurts and Cabins available. Definitely Seasonal. the road is not plowed completely in winter.
Legend
This is a beautiful area to visit even if it is just for a day, but just a days visit will leave you wanting to comeback for more! The Porcupine Mountains is located in the Northwest tip of Michigans Upper Peninsula. There are multiple entrances depending on what part of the park you want to visit. One of the most popular sites in the park is Lake of the Clouds. I have never been fortunate enough to see it on a clear day in person so you may take your chances by cloud cover or the fog. There are campsites that do sit close to the lake but require a hike. This park offers many hiking trails that pass and cross numerous lakes and streams. If you are a backpacker this is an excellent place to go. I would suggest later August or Fall. The trails can be impassable at times during the late Spring and the black flies will disappear usually by August but they can stick around. Check trail conditions often!! You can either camp with your tent or rent cabins along the trail which are usually well kept, I can not say the same about the Yurt however. You should book these cabins or tent sites well in advance as this is a popular park. I prefer tent camping but on my week long hike I decided to rent cabins instead and I am glad I did. I did hike the second week of June and the trails were unkept and the tent sites were thick mud with not much of a choice but to sleep in the mud. The cabins do have wood burning stoves, beds and benches. You will have the occasional rodent but some of the cabins had traps in them and if you set one and catch one, you will be left alone for the rest of the night. I had set the trap and reset the trap twice in 30 seconds, after catching two and coming to the conclusion I could be up all night doing this, after the third trap I just left the rodent in the trap and it must have been a deterrent because I wasn't bothered the rest of the night.
I really can't say enough about this park even though my hiking experience was miserable given the trail conditions. It is a challenge to hike but with such a vast are of wilderness there is so much more to do. Near by is the Presque Isle River Campground and Scenic Area which shouldn't be missed either.
RangerOnly a few hours drive from northern Wisconsin. Porcupine Mountains is one of my favorite northwoods spots to visit. I have seen black bear here on numerous occasions. I love to sit on the flat rock shore of lake Superior. The colors of the rocks are remarkable! Check out both lake of the clouds and the presque isle area. Happy adventuring!
Legend
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. Most of the islands have trails, beaches. Lighthouses can be found on Sand Island and Raspberry Island. The Lucerne shipwreck is just off Long Island.
Amazing place to kayak but you do have to do your research if you aren’t using a kayak guide. A great place to get more information is: National Park Service Website. I recommend using a sea kayak in these waters.
Traveler
Willow River State Park in Wisconsin is an amazing camp site and since it's in a state park the rates are quite reasonable as well. There are tons of hiking trails that start right In the campground. My favorite hike is to the waterfall and walking up the steps to get to the top of it. I am actually surprised it's not a lot bussier then when I've been there.
ScoutThis place has always been well maintained. Clean facilities. There is plenty of space in between camping or RV spots. If your looking for a place that isn't crammed packed full of people this is it. Utv trails to Wisconsin can be accessed right here. There are waterfalls nearby that are off the beaten path. Can't beat it if your looking to explore and have an adventure. The owners here do things a little old fashioned. But are very friendly people. This is our second time staying here. We will come again.
Legend
We drove through this campground and liked it fine, it has a USFS campground feel to it. Very lush and green, lots of trees and nice individual spots. Sites are reservable online or by phone. No pay station at campground, no FCFS sites.
Cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15. We just couldn’t justify paying that when we knew there were USFS campgrounds nearby. If you’re a resident and/or already have the annual Wisconsin state parks pass, then the cost here is pretty reasonable.
There’s a hand-pump water faucet here, vault toilets, and just outside of the campground is a dumpster and a mixed recycling bin. Each site has a picnic table and fire grill and a cool log bench.
LegendI 100% agree with Legend Laura about the price of this campground. If it was simply about the location, this would get five plus stars because it's so beautiful! But if you're from out of state, the prices are even more expensive than she indicated previously, so they must have updated them.
The campsite itself is only $16 which is a bargain! But, if you are out of state like we are, there's also a $15 charge for that. And then, that doesn't include admission to the area, so you pay $11 and change for that. It ended up being about $50 total. That said, we paid it and fully enjoyed it but not sure we would do it again unless we had a Wisconsin sticker. At least to alleviate the $11 charge to get in.
All of that out of the way, the site itself is absolutely gorgeous. This park has lots of very mature trees and lots of very mature pine trees, making it very quiet. The spaces are quite distant from one another and we didn't hear our neighbors at all. We were at one of the walk-in campsites which I chose on purpose because it was literally on top of the river, we could sit by the river and wade our toes if we wanted to. It had a fire ring, a very short walk to the bathroom, and only a short distance to the car from the site. Maybe 100 ft plus about 30 stairs to get up to the parking level.
The walk-in sites also double as canoe campsites, so the river is something you can paddle if the water is sufficient to do so. There is a beautiful little picnic area near the bathrooms that sits on the river as well. Vault toilets seemed as clean as they could be, and they are a little fancier than your single vaults. They have stalls and toilet paper!
I highly recommend if you live in Wisconsin visiting this site as it wouldn't cost much at all. Out of towners, it's a bit more pricey.
LegendPresque Isle is a rustic campground in the Porcupine Mountains on Lake Superior in Michigan. Not to be mistaken for the Presque Isle campground in WIsconsin.
The hiking is great and it has a majestic feel camping on top of a bluff looking out to Lake Superior. This is my kind camping. It doesn't get five stars because it lacks some amenities but it is secluded and there are plenty of open campsites.
The park is clean. There are trees everywhere with a large canopy providing a lot of shade. There is plenty of parking for your vehicle. The only downside to the campground is the campsites are very open and not very private, but there is a lot of space.
The Park is a little difficult to find if you have never been there before. It is about 17 miles from Wakefield and highway 28. Just follow the signs and you will get there.
FYI: While you are in Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park make sure you checkout Union Bay campground, it is right on the shore of Lake Superior.
Don't miss the hiking trails!
Traveler
Very clean, good for all sort of rigs and hookup needs. Very friendly and caring hosts. Close to town. Very reasonable. Quiet . Well be back. This is a great area to go to so much to see and do.
GuideGreat area near all there is to do in Bayfield
LegendLocation 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.
ScoutThis is the best base camp for exploring the Apostle islands. It’s about a mile from Bayfield. There is bike rental at Howl bike shop which is walking distance. Howl also has a brewery with outside seating. The camp ground itself is quiet and clean. We didn’t go in the bathrooms or use the washers due to Covid. Owners are very accommodating.
GuideVery friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground.
ScoutVery clean, delightful owners. An easy bike ride to town and great restaurants. Sites aren’t huge but staggered enough and many along the woods that offer a nice setting for campfires. It was a refreshingly quiet spot to stay. Definitely will stay again and recommend to others. Lots of beauty in the area to take in.
TravelerThe couple that runs the campground is the nicest couple and helpful. We travel in a sprinter van and we were able to stay in the “tent” area as we booked late. The other campsite areas were for larger rigs. We actually preferred the tent area as the sites seemed and little more dispersed. The campground was completely full, but each camping area has quite a few trees surrounding to make the campgrounds seem smaller. There is ice and wood available for purchase. There is also a nice playground. The location is great and we rode our bikes into town to take the ferry over to the island for the day. There is also a sporting good store just down the hill if you need to buy or rent equipment.
RangerWhen we first pulled into the campground, we were somewhat concerned - everyone seemed to be parked on top of each other but after we backed in & got settled in, we were pleasantly surprised. The sites are spacious. We were along the wood side and had a lot of space to roam & it felt private. There is nice soft sand for you to walk on, a nice clean camping area, picnic table, full hookups and a campfire ring. The neighbors to the north of us were very friendly & the campground was relatively quiet. We would stay here again.
LegendThis 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. 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! There is a dump station and picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There is free wi-fi and a shower house, bathrooms and laundry.
GuideLoved this location. 1.5 miles out of Bayfield, yet great outdoorsy feel with decent privacy. Can bike to the brewery or wineries and bike to town. Common area great for corn hole and a meager playground for the kids. Also super close to the gourmet garage bakery. Yum.
ScoutTrees could be trimmed around some of the sites. Restrooms and showers were clean.
LegendCampground is close to Bayfield easy bike ride. Nice camp store with ice cream. Smaller camp sites. Full hookups. Play area. Apostle islands and shore line is awesome. Reason for 3 stars is campground was loud with people/kids and vehicles.
RangerThe camp ground at our location was new. They are expanding. The facilities are Brand new. There are two side to this CG. We were in the newer area of the CG. Our site is located on the side of the hill and very level. The only thing at that one site is the spacing to accommodate having your camp fire. It was a little close to your neighbor. Not enough space to have full camp chairs around. That one site (79) I would say best for just passing through. The other site are pretty good. Other than that, the owners are awesome!!! Easy to talk with and chat. Great people! I will say great place my kids loved it… and I will go back again.
ScoutTo start, I’m not a fan of this type of campground. It’s all too chiseled out of a hillside with a fake pond. Looks nice but not my thing. Sites and tables slope.
TravelerWe liked the easy drive through sites with full hookup. The campsites were tiered into the hill. This helped sound proof the campsites. There was a large group a few sites down from us that we didn't hear until we walked past their site. Some sites also had a view overlooking the pond and Lake Superior. We could see the full moon reflecting off of Lake Superior. Our site did not have this view but we saw it on a walk in the campground. The unique looking cabins were on the pond and looked to be very convenient for families with children who want to be in the water most of the time. We loved all the amenities of Water, Sewer, Electric and WiFi. We loved the close access to Bayfield and the water excursions we took from Bayfield. One of the highlights for our group was the excellent golf course close to the campground. I gave my review a 4 star because the day we were leaving the campsites lost water pressure and had no water to get ready to leave. I believe the owners will be addressing this problem. They were working on it while we were there.
RangerWhat a great vibe at this campground. The side we were on had sites on a hill, but each site is pull-thru and very level. There’s enough spacing to make each site feel private. The swimming pond is a nice touch. It’s our first time here, but we’re already planning a return trip next spring.
RangerThis place is absolutely beautiful. The camping areas seemed clean and we'll taken care of, we were in a site without trash cans, so we made sure to "pack in, pack out" but this place had soany beautiful rock structures Ali g the lake, and it is fun to bring the canoe or kayak during the summer months, but also adventure around during the winter months as well to see the ice buildup on the cliffs and rocks! I just can't get over how beautiful this place is
GuideCamped on Sand Island. Kayaked to the island and the next day got to explore the sea caves on the island. There was a nice walking path to the lighthouse, which we were lucky enough to tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
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