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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

846 Reviews

Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping welcomes campers with pets across its diverse accommodation options, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping setups. Buffalo Bay Campground allows pets at all waterfront sites with views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, offering both water and electric hookups for RVers traveling with animals. ['At Little Sand Bay Recreation Area, campers report their pets enjoy the direct lake access, though tent sites are positioned in a row with minimal privacy between them.'] Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area require pets to remain on leash at all times, with Big Bay State Park, Big Bay Town Park, and Memorial Park Campground all maintaining strict leash rules to protect wildlife and other visitors.

Trail access for dogs varies throughout the region, with Point Detour Wilderness Campground offering the most rustic, secluded experience for primitive camping with dogs. The secluded site #23 at Buffalo Bay remains tucked back in the woods on its own inlet, providing a peaceful spot for tent campers with pets, well away from the busier RV section. Free firewood is available at multiple campgrounds, including Dalrymple Park and Campground which offers electric hookups and proximity to Bayfield. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as Lake Superior can create rapidly changing conditions. The waterfront sites at Buffalo Bay Campground feature fire pits and picnic tables right on the shoreline, allowing dogs and their owners to enjoy lake views together, though the sites are positioned relatively close to one another.

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

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (104)

    1. Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

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

    $15 - $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. Dalrymple Park and Campground

    18 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."

    3. Big Bay State Park Campground

    21 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."

    "We had no problem with our Class C getting on and off the ferry, and in fact we had a dump truck behind us on both legs, so there's plenty of capacity for big vehicles."

    4. Big Bay Town Park

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

    $33 - $40 / night

    "We stayed in in a travel trailer with our dog on the“modern” side which has electric service and is on the other side of the road from the office. The campsites on the lake side are rustic only."

    "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."

    5. Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

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

    "There is firewood for sale plus cats available to tote a load to your campsite. Play area for kids, some hiking possibilities, and right on the water for swimming at the beach or launching boats."

    "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."

    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

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

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

    "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."

    8. Apostle Islands Area Campground

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

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Great campground with swimming hole & great access to Bayside for island ferry’s! Complaints: Park is located on the side of a hill—Spots are small but level, roads are all at a slope."

    "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."

    9. Point Detour Wilderness Campground

    3 Reviews
    Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 226-8478

    $25 / night

    "The garbage is also right next to the toilet. Again very beautiful, but with a little more maintenance definitely could be a five star!"

    "We used The Dyrt to find this location. Thinking we would be staying at the casino campground, we discovered this gem, that they also run. "

    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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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

108 Photos of 104 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

846 Reviews of 104 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2020

    Big Bay State Park Campground

    Camping on an Island

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

    You need to take a ferry to get there and I took Madeline Ferry and it was easy even with an RV.

    Big Bay State Park does not allow dogs (pets) on the 1.5-mile long beach which was disappointing, however, there was another campground (Big Bay Town Park) on the Island that had a fabulous pet-friendly beach so I spent time there.  

    There are several hiking trails and Big View Trail was scenic along Lake Superior.

    Big Bay State Park experience video:
    https://youtu.be/LHGZdC6y-A0

  • Jay W.
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Copper Falls State Park Campground

    Waterfalls, Sernity and Camping in the North Country

    If your from Wisconsin this sits at the very north of the State. If your looking for areas to visit while camping here you may have a little bit of a drive. The park features some of the best waterfalls in the State and the trails surrounding those falls can get you pretty close for some spectacular photos! The North Country Scenic Hiking runs through the park. This is the longest hiking trail in the county and stretches over 4500 miles. The park does have a beach but if you have a four legged friend with you the pet beach isn't the best as your subject to the boat landing area and isn't very inviting. You can walk through this park and never get bored of the scenes. If you like being surrounded by green this is the place! A nice park to get away from any amenities or thoughts of the city!

  • Mai K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Dalrymple Park and Campground

    Camp Next to Lake Superior

    Oh thank goodness, we camped out at Dalrymple Park and Campground in Bayfield, WI as supposed to our original reservation at a boring campground in Cornucopia, WI. Dalrymple was just minutes away from Bayfield, and boat rides away from the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island. There are 28 sites surrounded by canopies of trees and there are wooded fences along the sides next to Lake Superior. It was a perfect spot to settle in for camping. Some sites were drive-in and others were back-ins perfect for RVs under 30 feet. Camping is $25 a night for 2 vehicles or 1 RV for each site. There is a fire ring, picnic table, electric hook-up, and a stump to cut some firewood at each site. Bathrooms are vault toilets and are walking distance. There were plenty of FREE firewood piles near the entrance. Cell-signal was strong for Verizon. A few of the back-in sites were steep but spacious and the drive-in sites were a bit small. It is a family-friendly campground. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash. The mosquitoes were pretty active so bring your repellant or citronella to ward them off. The view was great, but the noise level at night was a damper. We had a rowdy camper who had no consideration or camping etiquette when it's past 10:00 pm. The campground itself was overall wonderful.

  • Stephanie B.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Temperance River State Park Campground

    great stay

    The sites are generously sized, well spaced, wooded and private. short walk to get to Lake Superior shoreline. Pet friendly. clean showers. tons of water spigots and vault toilets spread throughout the park. Will definitely stay here in the future.

  • Colleen E.
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    Great walk-in sites

    So the drive-in sites are literally all right next to each other, no privacy at all. There are some drive-in sites next to the shore (enscarpment) and those looked nice with trees and a bit more privacy. The walk-in sites have some distance between them, but not visual privacy, as the tree canopy is very tall. Walk-in was not too far, we kept our food in our car and walked back and forth for it. Bears visited a few of the walk-in sites on our last night, so be very good about keeping food, etc. in your car. No bear boxes in this park. Beautiful Lake Superior sunsets! Because it's on the border of the Eastern time zone, day light lingers for a long time in the summer. Water and pit toilets were close by. Water was clear and cold! Many families, children, and dogs present and everyone was quiet and well-behaved. Will definitely be back. The biting flies were a bit much and caused us to literally run out the last morning we were there, but that happens. We will definitely be back!

  • Kari K.
    Nov. 8, 2019

    Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In — Tettegouche State Park

    Tettegouche Camp at Tettegouche State Park

    Amazing hike in only campground. 1.7 mile hike into Tettegouche camp. It has 4 cabins for rent and a main lodge available for use. Has a one room cabin for 2 people with a queen bed, small refrigerator, an electric cook top, dishes and a table with 2 chairs. Heated by a wood stove and has back up furnace if temperature goes below 50 degrees. Very cute, cozy, romantic cabin! There are also three 2 bedroom cabins that sleep 4-6 people. NO RUNNING WATER OR BATHROOM IN THE CABINS but there is a very clean, very nice bathroom house with electricity on site. Your cabin rental includes a canoe to use on beautiful Mic Mac Lake. There is no WiFi and this is not a pet friendly campground. It is very peaceful and quiet. We saw deer and rabbits roaming about. Amazing hiking trails near by and very near the shore of Lake Superior. The cabins are reservable and hard to secure as they are in high demand. I gave this campground 5 out of 5 stars because it is amazing!

  • B
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Big Bay State Park Campground

    Its ok not sure worth the trouble

    Walkin #38. Walk in sites are nice and decently spaced and wooded—for walk in sites. My major issue was they are too close to the pull in sites and garbage cans. It could be very loud. Water was a bit of a hike and bathrooms were not convenient. Walk in sites are located in a lower, more wet part of the camp—standing water, cat tails, mosquitos abound. Lots of mosquitos. I think because it’s on Madeline island it also attracts a weird melange of people: they were obviously the families there, and then there were the hippy hikers there, but then there was also party people. Overall, I would go back to Madeline Island for a day trip. I would not however take all the time and effort and money and hassle to camp —let alone stay—on the island again. It’s just really isn’t worth it.

Guide to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog owners appreciate spacious and well-equipped campgrounds

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere and amenities

  • Kreher RV Park is known for its friendly hosts and clean facilities, making it a comfortable choice for you and your pet.
  • The Point Detour Wilderness Campground offers a rustic experience with easy access to Lake Superior, ideal for a peaceful getaway with your furry friend.
  • Wisconsin Big Bay Town Park features a market and picnic areas, allowing you to enjoy a fun day out with your pet while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore campgrounds?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore campgrounds, but with specific restrictions. While pets are permitted in developed areas and on most trails, they must always be leashed. Apostle Islands Area Campground allows pets throughout their grounds. Similarly, Dalrymple Park and Campground in Bayfield (minutes from boat access to the islands) is pet-friendly. However, be aware that pet policies can vary on individual islands, so always check current regulations before your trip.

Which areas of Madeline Island are dog-friendly within the Apostle Islands?

On Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands, dogs have some restrictions. Big Bay State Park Campground does not allow dogs on the 1.5-mile boardwalk beach trail, which is an important restriction to note. However, Big Bay Town Park offers more pet-friendly options. Generally, public areas and streets in La Pointe (the island's town) welcome leashed pets. Always keep your dog on a 6-foot leash in permitted areas and carry waste bags.

What are the pet regulations and leash requirements at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?

At Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. They're allowed in developed zones, designated campgrounds, and most mainland trails, but must never be left unattended. Temperance River State Park Campground near the Apostle Islands region demonstrates good pet-friendly practices with generous sites that accommodate pets while maintaining clean facilities. Buffalo Bay Campground also accommodates pets with proper restraint. Remember to bring proof of rabies vaccination and always clean up after your pet.

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