Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and user-submitted reviews.
$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. "
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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!"
"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."
$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."
$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. "
"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."
GuidePet-friendly. Site can be reserved. Shore access & trail access to many waterfalls within a short walking distance.
TravelerThis 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
LegendIf 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!
GuideOh 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.
GuideThe 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.
GuideThis site is right next to the trail. Little to no privacy. Finding a place for a cat hole can be fun :D It does have a bear pole and water is available from the Big Carp River. I failed to take any photos of this location :(
ScoutSo 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!
GuideAmazing 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!
GuideWalkin #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.
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.
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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