Ashland area campgrounds provide rustic to full-service options along Lake Superior's south shore. Weather conditions can change rapidly with summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F during peak season, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F. Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through mid-October, with only Frontier RV Park offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Kayaking the Apostle Islands: Paddlers can access sea caves and island campsites from launches near Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping. "We kayaked to many campgrounds and islands in the national lakeshore, paddling a total of 60 miles we were able to make it to 3 different island campgrounds," notes one camper. Water conditions require proper equipment and experience.
Hiking woodland trails: Shipwreck Campground at Split Rock State Park connects to extensive trail networks. "Close to world class hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail and a few nice easier hikes right in the park," reports a visitor. The campground provides access to both challenging and family-friendly routes.
Wildlife observation: Black bear sightings are common in the region. "We had a wonderful weekend there and saw a few black bears. And one even meandered through our camp site," reports a camper at Apostle Islands Area RV Park. Food storage protocols are strictly enforced at all area campgrounds.
What campers like
Easy town access: Dalrymple Park and Campground offers walkable connections to Bayfield. "This campground is 30.00 a night. This beautiful campground is right on the edge of Lake Superior. I would not recommend this campground for anything larger than a pop up or teardrop," notes one visitor. The half-mile walk to downtown provides access to shops and ferry service.
Connected bike paths: Cyclists appreciate direct trail access from Kreher RV Park. "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 free artisan well water," reports a camper. The paved trail provides safe travel away from highway traffic.
Generously sized sites: Frontier RV Park and Campground offers spacious setups. "The site we got had full hookups, a fire ring and a picnic table. Not super spacious but the place is clean and the people are friendly," notes one visitor. Many sites back up to forested areas providing additional room for activities.
What you should know
Campground fills quickly: Arrive early at municipal campgrounds. "This is a first come first serve campsite, self pay. We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available," reports a visitor to Kreher RV Park. Weekday arrivals before 2 pm typically have the best chances for securing sites.
Limited amenities at rustic sites: Many campgrounds restrict water access or have minimal facilities. "There is no dump station, but there are some water faucets spread throughout the campground," notes a camper at Dalrymple Park. Several campgrounds require bringing drinking water or using community spigots rather than individual site connections.
Inconsistent cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "I had great 5G T-mobile signal here, and decent 4G Verizon signal inside the camper," reports a camper at Kreher RV Park, while service at more remote campgrounds can be spotty or non-existent, particularly for carriers other than Verizon.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Buffalo Bay Campground provides dedicated play areas. "Large playground, biking, hiking," notes one reviewer, though some mention the campground can get busy with vehicles in the evening. The playground area is separated from waterfront sites.
Educational experiences: Explore indigenous culture at tribal campgrounds. "Most importantly, whether you stay at this campground or another near by, the campground is just south of an incredible outdoor opportunity: the chance to visit the new Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the first Indigenous National Park in the US," notes a visitor to Buffalo Bay Campground.
Water safety considerations: Lake Superior remains cold even during summer months, reaching only 55-60°F at swimming areas in July and August. At Kreher RV Park, "you can follow it all the way to the end of town where you'll find a large beach." Life jackets are recommended for all children regardless of swimming ability.
Tips from RVers
Dump station challenges: Several campground dump stations have difficult positioning. "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 camper at Kreher RV Park. RVers with larger rigs often utilize the services at Bad River Casino instead.
Site leveling requirements: Most regional campgrounds require significant leveling. "Sites were grass, a little un-level but were very spacious," reports a visitor to Alpine Campground & RV Park. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended, especially for sites along waterfront areas where slopes can be more pronounced.
Limited big rig access: Many campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "I would not recommend this campground for anything larger than a pop up or teardrop. The sites are close together and hilly," states a Dalrymple Park reviewer. RVs over 32 feet should call ahead to confirm access and turning radius capabilities.
