Best Campgrounds near Bayfield, WI
The Bayfield, Wisconsin area serves as a gateway to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, with multiple camping options ranging from city-managed sites to island wilderness experiences. Dalrymple Park and Campground offers 28 sites within walking distance of downtown Bayfield, featuring electric hookups and Lake Superior views. Apostle Islands Area RV Park provides full-service camping with cabins and RV sites about a mile from town. For more remote experiences, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers primitive camping on islands like Stockton Island, accessible only by water shuttle or private watercraft. Buffalo Bay Campground, operated by the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe Indians, provides lakefront sites with marina access.
Most campgrounds in the Bayfield region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter options. As one camper noted, "The season is short, from late June to Labor Day; traversing the lake is too unpredictable after that!" First-come, first-served sites like those at Dalrymple Park fill quickly, even midweek. "Arrive early to get a spot because even on weekdays they fill up. We visited on a Tuesday and all spots were gone by 3pm," reported one visitor. Island camping requires advance planning for water transportation and supplies. Cell service is generally reliable near town but may be limited on the islands. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in summer months, particularly in wooded areas.
Lake Superior views rank as the primary attraction for many campers visiting the area. Waterfront sites at Buffalo Bay Campground feature fire pits and picnic tables directly on the shoreline, offering sunset views over the water. Sites with lake views typically fill first and command premium prices. Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some visitors noting that certain locations have "sites right next to each other" with "not a lot of privacy." Dalrymple Park receives praise for its "large, spacious, well kept" sites set among "tall shady trees," with some primitive walk-in options for those seeking a more secluded experience. Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the Apostle Islands, with ferry access from Bayfield to Madeline Island and boat tours to other islands in the archipelago.
