Matthew F.
Scout
ScoutBurlington Bay Campground
One of ourour favorites !
Love their sites that back right up to Lake Superior.
Best Campgrounds near Ashland, WI
Camping opportunities around Ashland, Wisconsin center on Lake Superior's southern shoreline, with several developed campgrounds providing scenic water views and access to local attractions. Established facilities like Kreher RV Park and Prentice Park Campground offer designated sites within city limits, while campgrounds in nearby communities such as Washburn and Bayfield provide alternatives with varying amenities. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several parks including cabin options for those seeking additional comfort or weather protection.
The camping season in this Lake Superior region typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with limited year-round options available. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals advisable during peak summer months. Water and electric hookups are standard at many sites, though sewer connections vary by location. Public campgrounds generally provide shower facilities, restrooms, and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Several campers note timing considerations when planning visits: "This is a first come first serve campground, self pay. We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available," shared one visitor to Kreher Park.
Lake Superior access represents a primary draw for campers in the Ashland area, with multiple waterfront campgrounds offering direct shoreline access. The proximity to town amenities while maintaining scenic natural settings creates a convenient base for exploring the region. Campers frequently mention the artesian wells as a highlight, particularly at sites like Thompson's West End Park and Prentice Park where visitors can collect exceptionally clean drinking water. One review noted, "There is an artesian well in the day use area that pumps out the cleanest, tastiest water. Empty every vessel you have and fill up here!" While lakefront sites provide stunning views, they typically offer limited shade and privacy. Several campgrounds maintain overflow areas for busy periods, allowing visitors flexible options when designated sites are full.
Best Camping Sites Near Ashland, Wisconsin (134)
1. Kreher RV Park
12 ReviewsAshland, WI1 mileWebsite$45 - $50 / night
"There was steady traffic of disappointed RVs driving through the grounds till 6-7pm. Water and electric sites only with a dump station on site."
"For folks with RVs who want a camping spot close to the city of Ashland, this is a convenient spot close to the lake. NOTE however that reserving a campsite solely for tent camping is prohibited!"
2. Copper Falls State Park Campground
36 ReviewsMellen, WI18 milesWebsite+1 (715) 274-5123$20 - $30 / night
"You can hike here and see 3 different waterfalls or take a short drive to numerous others in the area. The Sites are large, facilities clean."
"The hiking trails around the falls are breathtaking in all seasons. It offers some challenges for persons with disabilities, but they offer an ADA access to the falls so all can enjoy."
3. Memorial Park Campground
10 ReviewsWashburn, WI7 milesWebsite+1 (715) 373-6160"The location is great if you would like access to the Lake, as well as being in between Ashland and Bayfield."
"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."
4. West End Thompson City Park
9 ReviewsWashburn, WI6 milesWebsite+1 (715) 373-6160"Self registration is nice and love being on the lake and walking distance to town."
"Another great little “city” campground right on Lake Superior. This is a first come first serve campground- no reservations."
5. Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping
23 ReviewsBayfield, WI17 milesWebsite+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. "
6. Prentice Park Campground
7 ReviewsAshland, WI2 milesWebsite+1 (715) 682-7061"This is just outside of Ashland so you have access to supply runs. The campground felt like a park that blends into a camping area. We saw some nice walk in tenting sites."
"Campground Review One of the things I love about Wisconsin is that there is a municipal campground in a lot of towns near major attractions."
7. Big Bay State Park Campground
21 ReviewsLa Pointe, WI17 milesWebsite+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."
8. Dalrymple Park and Campground
18 ReviewsBayfield, WI17 milesWebsite+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."
9. Big Bay Town Park
15 ReviewsLa Pointe, WI19 milesWebsite+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. "
10. Potato River Falls Campground
10 ReviewsSaxon, WI18 milesWebsite+1 (715) 561-2697$10 / night
"I have been visiting the falls for years as it is one of the most beautiful (and little known) places in northern Wisconsin."
"Free campsites within walking distance to upper and lower falls."
Recent Camping Photos near Ashland, WI
221 Photos of 134 Ashland Campgrounds
Annie C.
Prentice Park Campground
Janet R.
West End Thompson City Park
Thomas F.
Memorial Park Campground
Lesley R.
Big Rock Campground
Al J.
Horseshoe Lake Campground
Cathy J.
Namekagon Lake Campground
Scott B.
Apostle Islands Area Campground
Macel C.
Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping
Mai K.
Dalrymple Park and Campground
Tori K.
Big Bay State Park Campground
Tori K.
Big Bay State Park Campground
Shirwil L.
Copper Falls State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Ashland, WI
714 Reviews of 134 Ashland Campgrounds
Patrick W.ScoutPoint Detour Wilderness Campground
Perfect Rustic Campsite.
The staff at the hotel where you registered to camp there was wonderful and helpful. They tell you the campsite is rustic and there’s no water and electricity and it’s exactly how they describe it. The outhouse was clean though rustic but it does have a light. The sites have fire rings and a picnic table. On Memorial weekend, there was only one other set of campers each night. I was there. If you wanna remote location that’s right on Lake superior this is a great site. If you want amenities, this is not the place to go. But I give it five stars for what it is a great rustic primitive campsite.
Allen B.
GuideBlack River Harbor Campground
Peaceful
Nice campground with access to the lake. If you tent camp all the sites are nice if you have a trailer only half the sites are wide enough for camper entrance door landing to be on level ground. Also the bugs can be a problem.
Midwest N.
RangerCopper Falls State Park Campground
Spectacular Waterfalls
I camped here in March and it was empty(probably because it was -8). A few people still were checking out the waterfalls.
This park is packed away deep in northern Wisconsin and the drive was worth it. The waterfalls cut deep through the rocks and makes for some amazing views.
Amanda K.ScoutMoon Lake City Park
Used to Be Great
The Pro's: Been camping here for many years as seasonal guest. We love it and the kids love it. Lake provides hours of fun for the Kids and us with Kayaking, fishing and just enjoying the summer weather. The last weekend of July they host the Blueberry fest, one of the main reason we stay year after year. If you are ever in town the last weekend of July be sure to stop by it a great time. We camp on the wooded side but each site on both sides come with electric hook ups and recently they have added WIFi for those rainy days. Its Close to town where there are great places to eat and the grocery store is very well prices considering the location. Over all its a pretty peaceful place to camp.
The Con's: There is no water portable water availed here. We travel about a mile down the road a few times a month to get water to put into our camper. There is also no place to dump at your site however their is a dump station down by the Showers and Restrooms. The showers are a little rough but they get the job done. This place use to be the place many family would come for generations. At one point there was a waitlist for seasonal sites. However the town allowed the Options of two outsiders to dictate how the park was ran and one whom lives across from the park will excessively contact the local police department for the slightest of things. All of this and the constant harassment of one local, who will drive through the park daily to take pictures and file complaints with the town office has drove many families away. Which is really unfortunate since it provided income to the town not just in the park fees but visits to local business.
If you are planning a weekend trip I do still highly recommend give Moon lake a try all the negative Nacy's aside it is a lovely place to camp and a get place to fish. Rumor is there is a Monster Pike in these waters,
Athan D.
TravelerGooseberry Falls State Park Campground
beautiful & brutal winter camping spot
As far as winter camping goes- Gooseberry Falls offers some striking pros and considerable cons.
Pros:
- No crowds/traffic
- The bluffs, trees, and lake are stunning, even under three feet of snow
- The winter camping spots are very close to the vault toilets
- Visitor center (with fireplace) is open year-round.
- After sundown, you'll likely have the park to yourself. Having dinner & a fire in the Lady Slipper Lodge is pretty remarkable.
Cons:
- Cold.
- Cold.
- Wind makes it even colder.
- Few trails are maintained for hiking after snowfall- bring snowshoes/skis.
- It's easy to die. Lake Superior will truly take your breath away.
- Getting drinking water (and keeping it unfrozen) takes effort.
Suggestions:
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Watch the forecast.
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Come with extra food, layers, and hand warmers.
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Take care near the water- a slip and wet socks can lead to frostbite sooner than you'd expect.
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Make sure your tank is full when you leave Duluth, so that you can use your car as a heating pod if all else fails.
Samantha E.ScoutBurlington Bay Campground
Beautiful
It’s close to town plus your right on the lake with beautiful views
Ashley F.GuideCopper Falls State Park Campground
Fantastic place to camp
The campground was quiet and well kept. We had a walk to site and carts were available to haul our items. The staff around the park were very helpful and loved to chat. There were many informational signs around detailing history or information on the wildlife. There were also updated postings about events in the park. We had vault toilets by our site but there was a main building with showers and modern toilets. Lots of places near the park to buy local fire wood. Great little camp store. The trails were phenomenal and some were even handicap accessible which is amazing. One of the best kept parks I have ever been to. Would return
Avery G.TravelerPorcupine Lake Wilderness
Lovely Winter Camping!
We backpacked to a random spot here on the North Country Trail during the holidays. There was about 10+ inches of snow off trail but the trails were well maintained. We ventured off trail quite a ways and had to dig some snow to set up our tent. Plenty of dead and downed wood to get a fire going! If you are looking to do some fun dispersed camping with a nearby fishing lake (or ice fishing perhaps), this is for you. Also, saw lots of wild Turkeys!
Guide to Ashland
Camping spots near Ashland, Wisconsin are situated on Wisconsin's Northwoods terrain, where mixed hardwood forests meet Lake Superior's southern shoreline at an elevation of about 660 feet. This region experiences distinct seasonal transitions with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F from June through August, while spring and fall camping typically requires additional layers for nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 40s. Most campgrounds along this stretch of Lake Superior shoreline operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October due to the region's significant winter snowfall.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Copper Falls State Park Campground offers multiple waterfall viewing opportunities within a short hike from campsites. "If you like waterfalls, then this is the area that you want to visit. You can hike here and see 3 different waterfalls or take a short drive to numerous others in the area," notes one visitor to Copper Falls State Park Campground.
Kayaking in protected bays: Paddle on Lake Superior's more protected sections near Washburn where wind conditions are often calmer than open water. "This campground is right on the edge of Lake Superior. All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well," reports a camper at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Biking from campground to town: Several campgrounds connect to local bike trail networks. "This is a great campground. It's directly on the lake, and it's connected to a bike trail that you can take to downtown or farther north along the lake. You can follow it all the way to the end of town where you'll find a large beach and artisan well water," writes a camper at Kreher RV Park.
What campers like
Fresh artesian well water: Multiple campgrounds provide access to natural spring water. "The view of the bay is amazing. Also, great spot to access artesian spring water. Campground is not private at all, but everyone is friendly," shares one reviewer at West End Thompson City Park.
Lake views with boat access: Shoreline sites at several campgrounds offer direct lake views. "This small campground is well kept and close to the main road. It's a perfect place to stop for a night's rest and close enough to Bayfield to be a base. The 2 main loops both start from the main road so be careful of traffic," mentions a camper at Memorial Park Campground.
Tree cover at select campgrounds: While many lakeside campgrounds have limited shade, certain locations offer more wooded sites. "Much to my preference is the mature pine forest that shades the campsites here as opposed to the more open Thompson Park community campground nearby," notes a camper at Memorial Park Campground.
What you should know
First-come sites fill early: During peak season, arriving by early afternoon is essential. "First come first served park. We were able to find a spot before 1pm but the park filled up by 3-4pm. There was steady traffic of disappointed RVs driving through the grounds till 6-7pm," warns a visitor at West End Thompson City Park.
Ferry required for island campgrounds: Madeline Island campgrounds require ferry transportation. "It takes a ferry to get here, but it is a must see! Lake Superior is beautiful, and the campsites are nice and private," explains a camper at Big Bay State Park Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "I had great 5G T-mobile signal here, and decent 4G Verizon signal inside the camper. Outside the camper I could get a good 5G Verizon signal," reports a Kreher RV Park camper, while other more remote locations mention spotty or no service.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature children's play areas. "Nice beautiful large trees. Beautiful views of Lake Superior. Watch the Sunrise over the lake, fall asleep to waves crashing ashore. Nice restrooms, showers and kids playground," notes a camper at Memorial Park Campground.
Island camping adventures: Consider a ferry trip to Madeline Island for a unique family experience. "Take the ferry to Madeline island and spend a weekend away from it all! Rent scooters to cover the whole island in a fun way!" suggests a visitor at Big Bay State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to see local wildlife. "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," reports a camper at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV camping on islands: Ferry size limits larger RVs heading to Madeline Island. "Madeline Island Ferry charges by the foot. 54' truck and trailer combo plus two adults was about $220 round trip but we stayed 5 nights and felt it worth every cent," explains a camper at Big Bay Town Park.
Overflow options for busy periods: Some campgrounds offer overflow parking when sites fill. "When I arrived all the campsites were booked, but I was able to stay at the overflow lot. It worked out great!" shares a tent camper at West End Thompson City Park.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. "The dump station is on a hill and with a longer rig our tow vehicle felt in the way of the entrance/exit and the road to the boat launch," notes a Kreher RV Park visitor, while another camper at Big Bay Town Park advises, "Secret - there's an RV dump at the airport on county H north, $5 donation."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ashland, WI?
What camping is available near Ashland, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ashland, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Ashland, WI and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ashland, WI?
Which is the most popular campground near Ashland, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ashland, WI is Kreher RV Park with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ashland, WI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ashland, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Ashland, WI.
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