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Best Campgrounds near Bayfield, WI

753 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bayfield, Wisconsin (117)

    1. Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

    22 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-3397

    $30 / night

    "It’s about a mile from Bayfield. There is bike rental at Howl bike shop which is walking distance. Howl also has a brewery with outside seating. The camp ground itself is quiet and clean."

    "It is 1 mile from Bayfield town center.  It is close to the ferry dock, restaurants, parks and beaches.  All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. "

    2. Big Bay State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    La Pointe, WI
    7 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."

    "Small but has some decent trails. Lovely to walk by the waters edge and skip rocks."

    3. Dalrymple Park and Campground

    17 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-5712

    $30 / night

    "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."

    "City-run campgrounds can be of variable quality, and the Bayfield community campground at Dalrymple city park really sets the bar high."

    4. Big Bay Town Park

    15 Reviews
    La Pointe, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +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. "

    5. Memorial Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Washburn, WI
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "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."

    6. Buffalo Bay Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bayfield, WI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 779-3712

    $45 / night

    "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!"

    "We had a nice site #39 in the Buffalo Bay campground with water and electric and a view of the lake. #7 was across from us on the water no one was in it till the end of the week so we had an open view"

    7. Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

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

    "this was a great little campground with amazing views of Lake Superior. It sits right in between Cornucopia and Bayfield so you have access to a lot of the scenic byway."

    "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."

    8. Big Bay State Park Campground

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

    "Lake Superior island, board a ferry in Bayfield to get there! Oozing with either romance or budding curiosity for kids."

    "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."

    9. Apostle Islands Area Campground

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

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Great area near all there is to do in Bayfield"

    "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."

    10. West End Thompson City Park

    9 Reviews
    Washburn, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +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."

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252 Photos of 117 Bayfield Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bayfield, WI

753 Reviews of 117 Bayfield Campgrounds

Guide to Bayfield

Camping near Bayfield, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Copper Falls State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Loved the hiking and waterfalls. Campsites were big and could hear the stream behind ours."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the beach at Little Sand Bay Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "This campground has a marina and a beach right on Lake Superior."
  • Fishing: Cast a line in the waters around Dalrymple Park and Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great place to stop and tour the towns close by."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Big Bay State Park Campground. A happy camper said, "The island is teeming with life. Deer wandered all over."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Herbster Campground remarked, "Nicely tended bathrooms just across the road with showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping. One camper mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced, the base is reddish sandy dirt that tracks."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Copper Falls State Park Campground warned, "Beware of the mosquitoes! They were everywhere in the bathroom."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Big Bay State Park Campground noted, "Little to no cell service, I have US Cellular."
  • First-Come, First-Served: Some campgrounds, like Dalrymple Park and Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper mentioned, "This is a first come first served city campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping, where families can enjoy amenities. One parent said, "The unique looking cabins were on the pond and looked to be very convenient for families with children."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to pack games and outdoor gear. A camper at Herbster Campground shared, "We stayed in the wooded sites & those were nice & secluded."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A visitor at Big Bay State Park Campground advised, "Have bug spray if you hike."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dalrymple Park and Campground noted, "Our site overlooked Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands but was a tight fit for our 24' van."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers appreciate campgrounds with full hookups, like Little Sand Bay Recreation Area. One reviewer mentioned, "The campsites had electric hookups and the campground had public showers."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially during peak season. A visitor at Little Sand Bay Recreation Area said, "The place was packed with large RVs, several of which had drunken, stupidly loud hooting and hollering."

Camping near Bayfield, Wisconsin, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Bayfield, WI?

Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping is an excellent choice just one mile from downtown Bayfield, making it the perfect base camp for exploring the region. It offers clean facilities, full hookup sites, and is conveniently located near bike rentals, breweries, restaurants, and the ferry dock. For those seeking a more public option, Dalrymple Park and Campground is minutes from Bayfield's amenities with 28 sites and easy access to boat rides to the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island.

How do the Apostle Islands area campgrounds compare to other Bayfield camping options?

Island camping in the Apostle Islands, like at Stockton Island - Campsite, offers a more remote wilderness experience compared to mainland options. These National Lakeshore sites require water transportation via shuttle service or personal watercraft and provide a true backcountry experience with stunning natural surroundings. In contrast, Memorial Park Campground offers a community camping experience with mature pine forest shade and convenient positioning between Ashland and Bayfield with good Lake Superior access, making it ideal for those wanting mainland amenities while exploring the region.

What tent camping options are available in Bayfield, Wisconsin?

Tent campers have several options in the Bayfield area. Little Sand Bay Recreation Area provides a charming tent camping experience with beautiful surroundings. For those seeking more amenities, Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping offers dedicated tent sites alongside their RV spaces and cabins. For a more adventurous experience, consider island camping at one of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore sites, accessible by water shuttle or private boat. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October, with peak season during summer months.

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