Glamping near Bayfield, Wisconsin provides easy access to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands while avoiding typical campground challenges. Bayfield sits at 710 feet above sea level with a continental climate featuring warm summers that average 78°F in July and cooler nights that drop to the mid-50s, making canvas accommodations ideal for temperature regulation without full climate control.
What to Do
Kayaking the sea caves: The Apostle Islands feature remarkable red sandstone sea caves accessible by water. A camper at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping noted, "Went kayaking out here and the caves are awesome!!!! So much fun and lucked out having a nice still day!!!"
Island exploration: Many islands have camping options for more remote experiences. A visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping shared, "Camped on Sand Island. Kayaked to the island and the next day got to explore the sea caves on the island. There was a nice walking path to the lighthouse, which we were lucky enough to tour!"
Wildlife watching: The area supports diverse wildlife including black bears. One camper reported, "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."
What Campers Like
Convenient town access: Staying near Bayfield means easy access to local amenities. A guest at Apostle Islands Area Campground commented, "Great area near all there is to do in Bayfield."
Seasonal variety: The area offers activities year-round, including winter options. According to a reviewer at Frontier RV Park and Campground, "Open year round. Showers. Owner is friendly and very helpful."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas separate from Lake Superior. At Apostle Islands Area Campground, one camper mentioned, "Great campground with swimming hole & great access to Bayside for island ferry's!"
What You Should Know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the area are built on slopes. A visitor to Apostle Islands Area Campground noted, "Park is located on the side of a hill—Spots are small but level, roads are all at a slope. Not a great campground for kiddos to ride their bikes, and not super fun to walk uphill in every direction."
Activity costs: Some campgrounds charge for activities beyond the site fee. As one camper at Boise Brule Campground observed, "Cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15."
Booking requirements: Most sites need advance booking during peak season. A visitor mentioned, "This is a private campground that fills up quick. It is 1 mile from Bayfield town center."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment while others don't. A reviewer at Alpine Campground & RV Park noted, "We've done the ski jump thing too. All are great!"
Mosquito preparation: The area can have significant insect activity. One camper warned, "You could save this campground was mosquito heaven. My son had 9 mosquito bites on his back when he woke up the next morning."
Consider biking limits: Hilly terrain can make biking difficult for children. A camper observed, "Not a great campground for kiddos to ride their bikes, and not super fun to walk uphill in every direction."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level sites to avoid setup difficulties. An RVer at Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park advised, "If you are looking for a little more shade or tree cover, book a perimeter site."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some campgrounds. A camper noted, "All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well."
Dump station access: Some facilities have limited dumping options. One visitor warned, "There is not a true dump station, only a spot near the bathroom that you can pull up to dump, but then you have to back out of it."
