Best Tent Camping near Bayfield, WI

Tent camping near Bayfield, Wisconsin centers around the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, offering backcountry tent sites across multiple islands in Lake Superior. Point Detour Wilderness Campground, located directly in Bayfield, provides primitive tent camping with 24 unique sites situated near Lake Superior. Sand Island and Devil's Island feature tent-only camping accessible only by boat, creating a true wilderness experience within the national lakeshore boundary.

Most tent campsites in the Apostle Islands require boat transportation, with water shuttles operating from Bayfield to islands like Stockton Island from late June through Labor Day. Point Detour Wilderness Campground offers drive-in access to tent sites with basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables at some sites, and vault toilets. Most island campsites require permits and reservations through the National Park Service. No drinking water is available at most sites, requiring campers to either filter lake water or pack in their own supplies. Firewood is provided at some locations, while others require campers to bring their own or collect deadfall.

The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional solitude and natural beauty. According to reviews, Stockton Island provides "walk-in campsites spread out further down the shore, under magnificent trees, along the sandy shore, with plenty of seclusion and a great rustic experience." At Point Detour, campers noted that "sites were all unique, no two were the same. Some very small for a tiny tent and privacy and a few others more open for bigger tents." The camping season is relatively short due to Lake Superior's unpredictable conditions, with most tent campgrounds operating from June through early September. Visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions and pack appropriate gear for potentially cool nights, even in summer.

Best Tent Sites Near Bayfield, Wisconsin (34)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bayfield, WI

674 Reviews of 34 Bayfield Campgrounds


  • Mai K.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Dalrymple Park and Campground

    Camp Next to Lake Superior

    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. Dalrymple was just minutes away from Bayfield, and boat rides away from the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island. There are 28 sites surrounded by canopies of trees and there are wooded fences along the sides next to Lake Superior. It was a perfect spot to settle in for camping. Some sites were drive-in and others were back-ins perfect for RVs under 30 feet. Camping is $25 a night for 2 vehicles or 1 RV for each site. There is a fire ring, picnic table, electric hook-up, and a stump to cut some firewood at each site. Bathrooms are vault toilets and are walking distance. There were plenty of FREE firewood piles near the entrance. Cell-signal was strong for Verizon. A few of the back-in sites were steep but spacious and the drive-in sites were a bit small. It is a family-friendly campground. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash. The mosquitoes were pretty active so bring your repellant or citronella to ward them off. The view was great, but the noise level at night was a damper. We had a rowdy camper who had no consideration or camping etiquette when it's past 10:00 pm. The campground itself was overall wonderful.

  • Debra M.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

    Great Location and Nice Staff

    This is a  private campground that fills up quick.    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.  There are cabins and tent sites as well.   The office/store is very clean and stocked with things you may need.  8 flavor ice creams on site!  There is a  dump station and picnic tables and fire rings at each site.   There is free wi-fi and a shower house, bathrooms and laundry.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    Stunning landscapes

    We camped at Presque Isle in the Porkies for a long weekend in October. The color change was amazing! This campground is rustic with only vault toilets and no hookups. There is a section that allows generators during certain hours of the day, a non-generator area and a few walk-in sites. There are a few sites which are along the cliff side looking down to Lake Superior, we were lucky enough to reserve one of those, site 2. It was a very large site, equipped with the standard picnic table and fire ring. Many of the sites back up to the woods, which were smaller and a little soggy while we were there. This campground is one of two in the park, Union Bay is the other more modern campground located right on the lake. The sites there are much smaller and crowded. I prefer the more remote Presque Isle campground by far. Less amenities but far less people. The hiking throughout this park is unparalleled in its beauty. The campground is close to the Presque Isle river trail which is waterfall after waterfall. The park has a ski lift we rode to check out the views from the top of the mountain, as well as an 18 hole disc course. It’s the hiking and rugged beauty of the area that is the main attraction, especially catching the fall colors surrounding Lake Superior.

  • Nona A.
    Aug. 10, 2017

    Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    Great Campground for exploring, and for those who love waterfalls.

    If you're a person who loves waterfalls, then I recommend you don’t miss this campground.  Presque Isle Campground is located at the southern edge of the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  This campground has bluff overlooking Lake Superior, there is a walkway and stairs that take you down the bluff to the shore.  Walking distance from the campground is the Presque River you can hike along and see all the beautiful waterfalls this river has to offer.  This is a Rustic campground that has vault toilets, and hand pump drinking water. The campground, restrooms and surrounding area’s were kept very clean. There are 50 campsites that are equipped for tents, trailers, and RV’s.  Each site has a fire pit, and picnic table.  There is no electrical hook up, and part of the campground is generator free.  Six of the sites are walk in sites, there are parking spots for these sites, you park and walk in a little ways to your site.  I recommend a site that is located on the outer sides of the campground loop.  They are larger sites and more privacy from your neighbors.  Inner loop sites are closer together and open.  Be prepared for mosquitoes and blackflies.  Blackflies bite, and bug spray does not affect them.  I found keeping a hand towel or fly swatter moving around me helped keep them away.  They are more active when it is humid, and down by the water.  These flies seem to be common up here along the shore.

    There are many things to do around the campground close to your site and others are a little bit of a drive from your site in the Porcupine Mountains State Park.  If you like to stay close to your camp, you can hang out on the beach, hike along the Presque Isle River and discover the Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and the Nawadaha Falls.  Also the Lake Superior Trail and North Country Trail are right by the campground.  These trails will connect you with other trails in the Porcupine Mountains.  The Porcupine Mountains have lot’s to offer anyone stopping to visit.  We took and day and seen The Lake of the Clouds, and Summit Peak.  They both are gorgeous areas to explore.  

  • Cheryl  S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping

    Very big rig friendly with all the amenities

    We liked the easy drive through sites with full hookup.  The campsites were tiered into the hill.  This helped sound proof the campsites.  There was a large group a few sites down from us that we didn't hear until we walked past their site.  Some sites also had a view overlooking the pond and Lake Superior.  We could see the full moon reflecting off of Lake Superior.  Our site did not have this view but we saw it on a walk in the campground.  The unique looking cabins were on the pond and looked to be very convenient for families with children who want to be in the water most of the time.  We loved all the amenities of Water, Sewer, Electric and WiFi.   We loved the close access to Bayfield and the water excursions we took from Bayfield.  One of the highlights for our group was the excellent golf course close to the campground.  I gave my review a 4 star because the day we were leaving the campsites lost water pressure and had no water to get ready to leave.  I believe the owners will be addressing this problem.  They were working on it while we were there.

  • A
    Aug. 19, 2020

    Black River Harbor Campground

    Great campground in a beautiful location

    We stayed at Black River Harbor Campground last week, in a year that the water supply was never turned on due to Covid. Nevertheless, we had an amazing time. We stayed in one of the many first-come-first-served campsites (which seemed to be available late into the afternoon, but filled most nights) and enjoyed a large site, separated by a pretty dense forest in between our neighbors. We had easy access to nicely maintained vault toilets, and had there been water available this year there were plenty of spigots—no hand pumps here. The fire rings were solid and had cooking greats on each one, and the picnic tables in many cases were new. If you are heading here during the wetter season, know that the ground will likely be soft, but every site we looked at had some effort taken to make sure it stayed dry.

    The real gem of this place is the location. The Black River Falls are an astounding bit of Michigan scenery just minutes away by car. We decided to take a 7 mile out-and-back hike that brought us past five of the falls—each one far exceeding the expectations of this downstater. Next door to the Black River Falls are the Presque Isle Falls (though next door still means about an hour drive due to following the valley roads). The Presque Isle Falls are part of the Porcupine Wilderness State Park, and are gorgeous and even more accessible than the Black River Falls.

    Beyond hiking we had a great time hunting for agates on the beach and enjoying the marvelous spectacle of Lake Superior, including its unpredictable weather!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Big Bay State Park Campground

    Nice Experience and some very nice sites

    Big Bay State Park Campground, WI: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Ferry Ride: $110 round trip with a 17’ trailer Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: About $20 to $30 Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Loop 1 - 29 Great site privacy. Loop 30 -60 some good sites. The overall privacy not as good. Site Spacing: Loop 1 - 30: Great. Loop 31- 60: Good Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: People noise while here. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Some sites Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Check out the campground map . The dump is on the way to the airport.
    Potable Water Available: Yes, at the bathrooms Generators: Not specified. We used a low noise generator. Bathroom: Clean pit toilets and flush toilets in the showroom.
    Showers: One centrally located.
    Pull Throughs: Mostly, if not all are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Sporadic Setting: In a pine forest Weather: Highs are 70’s Bugs: Some mosquitoes. I think they are decreasing. Have bug spray if you hike. Solar: No Host: They are short a host Rig size: Rigs I’ve seen are under 35’ Sites: The sites in Loop 1 - 30 is the best loop, are most all very private. Loop30 - 60: Not as private. Site 42 has no under brush between site and parking for tent walk in sites. Other than that, pretty good. Sites 48, ad 50 are the absolute least private sites. Trailer sites in Loop 30 - 60 are generally not as deep and thus less site privacy than Loop 1 - 30. (35 - 41 are walk in tent sites,)

  • J
    Sep. 9, 2019

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

    Backpacking Site 2

    Spent a couple of nights here recently and really enjoyed the solitude. Trails are all marked and the proximity to the lighthouse was nice. Weather was cool and varied between clear and partly cloudy with a light rain for about an hour one morning. Site is on a relatively open, low bluff that overlooks Lake Superior to the South and has fire ring with grill grate, half a picnic table, a locker for food / gear, latrine and tent area padded with wood chips. Trees on site were perfect for my hammock. Waves crashing below site were calming and put me to sleep both nights - was much like beach camping in my home state of California! I did not hike the surrounding trails much as this was more of a short reconnaissance trip for future visits. If you plan on swimming be sure to bring water shoes! Pebbles/rocks are tough on bare feet.

    While there I also took the opportunity to scout backpack site 1. This site has same amenities though it is more sheltered by trees. There is a short path that leads down to the water’s edge and a little swimming cove that could be cool for shallow rock diving. Large, flat granite formations for sunning yourself as well. Either site is awesome and Split Rock I’ll definitely be back!

  • Cassie D.
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground

    Beautiful park, well-maintained campsites

    My friend and I went camping here from October 19th-21st (which happened to be during an unseasonable cold snap- I'm talking 20 degrees at night with a bit of snow, but that's neither here nor there). The first night we lucked out and though it was cold, there was virtually no wind.

    We chose one of the campsites nearest to the parking lot since we had a lot of cold weather gear to lug and my friend was new to camping. Even though it was close to the lot and there weren't really leaves on the trees anymore to offer privacy, the park was quiet and we only heard people when they would walk directly past our campsite.

    The proximity to Lake Superior and the view was absolutely gorgeous. We gasped when we got to the site because it was so beautiful! In combination with how quiet it was, it really made for a worthwhile stay.

    The tent pad was flat and covered with woodchips. Tent pad was elevated, with a wooden bench built in. The site was cart-in, which made loading in and out a breeze. Going uphill to the parking lot was a bit of a pain, but it was a short enough distance that it was just fine. There was a sizeable metal bear box for food. The vault toilet was a short jaunt up the hill and had plenty of toilet paper in stock.

    Because it was off-season, the campground building with flush toilets/showers was closed, and there was no running water for the campground. (During the regular season, water is close by at the parking lot.) There was water available on the side of the Trail Center Picnic Shelter.

    I am looking forward to returning to camp here in a bit warmer weather!


Guide to Bayfield

Bayfield, Wisconsin, offers a fantastic array of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, campers can enjoy a memorable experience.

Tent campers should check out Big Rock Campground

  • Located in Washburn, Big Rock Campground provides a secluded atmosphere along a river, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
  • This campground allows pets and features picnic tables, making it a great choice for families.
  • Campers can enjoy campfires, but should note that there is no drinking water available on-site.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Campground features that enhance the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bayfield, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bayfield, WI is Big Rock Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bayfield, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Bayfield, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.