Cornucopia, Wisconsin sits along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Bayfield County at approximately 620 feet elevation. The area features a mix of forested terrain and lake shoreline, creating varied camping environments within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings of 30+ degrees.
What to do
Kayaking sea caves: The Apostle Islands offer remarkable paddling opportunities with several campgrounds serving as launch points. "Went kayaking out here and the caves are awesome!!!! So much fun and lucked out having a nice still day!!!" noted a visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping. Another camper reported, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Campers can observe local wildlife including black bears in natural habitats. "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," according to a review from Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Lighthouse exploration: Historical maritime structures offer educational opportunities and photography spots. "There was a nice walking path to the lighthouse, which we were lucky enough to tour!" shared a visitor at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground. Plan for 1-2 hours to fully explore each lighthouse site.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Direct water access ranks high among visitor preferences. "This beautiful campground is right on the edge of Lake Superior. All three campgrounds in this area are actually this one," explained a camper at Dalrymple Park and Campground. Sites nearest to the water typically fill first, often by mid-afternoon even on weekdays.
Proximity to towns: Convenient access to local amenities receives frequent positive mentions. "This is the best base camp for exploring the Apostle islands. It's about a mile from Bayfield. There is bike rental at Howl bike shop which is walking distance," noted a reviewer about Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping. Most campgrounds are within 5-10 miles of supplies.
Secluded sites: Many campers value privacy despite limited space. "We stayed in site C4. It was a great spot to have with kids. One of the nearest sites to the restrooms which was nice. It was a good balance of rustic with a side of comfort," shared a Split Rock Lighthouse visitor. Wooded sites offer better sound buffering from neighboring campers.
What you should know
Campground filling patterns: First-come campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Kreher RV Park, one camper observed: "This is a first come first serve campsite, self pay. We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available." Many campgrounds reach capacity by 2-3pm on summer days.
Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds feature hilly terrain that impacts site selection and activities. "The entire campground is in the side of a mountain and there are no flat roads, which makes biking and walking a workout rather than leisure," noted a visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV Park.
Weather variability: Lake Superior creates unpredictable weather conditions requiring flexible planning. "Apostle Islands is part of a 21 islands chain at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior... Amazing place to kayak but you do have to do your research if you aren't using a kayak guide." Temperature swings of 20+ degrees can occur within hours when wind shifts off the lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground," noted a visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV Park. Most play areas are suitable for ages 3-12.
Swimming options: Lake access varies significantly between locations. "The small lake is nice with a nice beach," mentioned a camper at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Water temperatures remain cool even in summer months, rarely exceeding 65°F at shoreline areas.
Trail difficulty assessments: Consider hiking capabilities when selecting campsites. "My husband and I stayed at the only shoreline campsite one October. The hike was a bit more challenging with a lot of up-and-down hills... It would be a great day hike if you were not feeling like camping or hiking the hills," advised a visitor at Birch Grove Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require significant leveling. At Frontier RV Park and Campground, a visitor reported: "Nice level gravel pads, some have full hookups. Ok for a one night stopover." Bring adequate leveling blocks as most sites require at least some adjustment.
Water access points: Water fill stations vary considerably between campgrounds. "There are water hydrants in the campground, but you cannot do dishes or fill your camper from them. There is no dump station," noted a camper at Shipwreck Creek Campground. Plan to arrive with fresh water tanks at least half full.
Overflow parking options: During peak season, some areas offer alternative parking when campgrounds fill. "If the campground is full. There is an overflow area (a marina parking lot) adjacent to the campground you can use for $25/night if the campground is full," shared a Kreher RV Park visitor.
