Tent campsites near Cornucopia, Wisconsin feature a mix of shoreline and inland camping options within the Bayfield Peninsula, ranging from 600 to 800 feet above sea level. Lake Superior influences local weather patterns, creating moderate summer temperatures typically between 65-75°F during peak camping season. The region's dense forest cover provides natural shelter at most primitive sites, though campers should prepare for frequent fog and sudden temperature shifts common to the area.
What to do
Explore sea caves: Access the Devil's Island sea caves by boat for a unique coastal experience. According to one visitor at Devil's Island: "The caves by boat (sail, motor) are awesome to see. By kayak are made even better on calm days to access. Be weary as it is a 30+mile Roundtrip route."
Hike to scenic overlooks: Multiple trails near tent campsites provide elevated views of Lake Superior and inland lakes. At Bean and Bear Lakes, a camper notes: "The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is fun and has some great views in itself. Though the best and most gratifying part of the hike is getting to the top of the overlook and seeing both lakes."
Paddle remote waterways: Canoe or kayak on protected inland lakes away from Lake Superior's sometimes rough conditions. A camper at Tettegouche State Park mentions: "Your cabin rental includes a canoe to use on beautiful Mic Mac Lake. There is no WiFi and this is not a pet friendly campground."
Visit historic lighthouses: Several islands in the Apostle Islands chain feature accessible lighthouses with guided tours available in summer months. One visitor shared: "There's also a lighthouse that you can hike to. It's really cool because it's on a huge rocky part of the island. It was locked but still cool. There were some signs to read with history there."
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many tent campers appreciate the isolation available at backcountry sites. A camper at Point Detour Wilderness Campground noted: "All were very unique, no two were the same. Some very small for a tiny tent and privacy and a few others more open for bigger tents and maybe a small family group. Most had decent space between them so you couldn't see neighbors."
Lake access and views: Direct lake access ranks high among camper preferences. A visitor reported: "We camped here over the 4th of July. Our site had a short trail directly to Lake Superior. We arrived mid afternoon on the 4th and there were multiple sites still available."
Wildlife encounters: Quiet tent sites often allow for animal sightings. A camper at Tettegouche Camp mentioned: "It is very peaceful and quiet. We saw deer and rabbits roaming about."
Free amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected perks. According to one review: "Fun fact: free firewood! Or at least there was a large pile of it when we were there. Free for the taking, so that was a nice surprise."
What you should know
Campsite availability: During peak summer weekends, securing tent sites requires advance planning. A camper at Oak Island advised: "Site-A is where it's at for group camping (8-24 people). Site-6 is off on its own on the north eastern side which is nice. I'd say site A, 1, 6. Site 3 is okay too. All others are close to ranger station."
Weather preparedness: Lake Superior creates unpredictable conditions even in summer. A camper recommended: "Bring head nets and long clothes june-july for bugs."
Water access challenges: Many primitive sites require water filtration or carrying in supplies. A visitor at Lake Superior Cart-in Campground shared: "J has a high rock front after the tree break. Easy enough to harvest water from a bucket."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites offer minimal amenities. According to one camper: "The outhouse was a bit messy, but usable. Sites had a fire pit and picnic table."
Boat transportation: Island camping requires proper watercraft and skills. A review warned: "It's important to have a sea kayak or a motorized boat. If using a kayak make sure you have a wet suit! The water can be difficult and cold."
Tips for camping with families
Consider cart-in options: Families with young children might prefer cart-in sites over remote backcountry locations. A visitor at Big Rock Campground shared: "Found this backside campground when everything else was full. Great location on a river and was there when no one else was. Stayed two nights and moved to a site further into the woods the second night."
Pack extra layers: Temperature swings require adaptable clothing even in summer. One parent advised: "We had a group of 7 at one campsite (3 of them being under 5). Its kind of hard to find some of the camp sites but when you do find them they have tables and rock fire rings."
Schedule showers: Some campgrounds offer shower facilities away from tent sites. A camper noted: "There ARE showers available, but not at the campground. You can sign up for a time slot at the casino front desk and then go there and take one."
Monitor campsite security: Some remote areas have reported issues with unattended belongings. A camper warned: "A concern for me was a notice up about frequent car break-ins and campsite vandalism there. We ended up not staying here because no one else was at any of the campsites and we wondered about security."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Cornucopia have tight access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. At Tettegouche State Park, campers noted: "We stayed in the 'cart-in' sites. The sites were close enough that we were able to easily haul all of our gear without the cart, but far enough from the main camping area that it was nice and quiet."
Limited hookup options: RVers should prepare for dry camping at most tent campsites in the area. A reviewer mentioned: "Beautifully wooded and tucked-away county campground near Ashland, right on a beautiful trout stream. Campsites are wooded and spacious... but a bit weary from use."
Alternative camping locations: When tent sites fill up, some RVers find success at nearby alternatives. One camper suggested: "Stayed here for 3 nights over the summer when every other campsite in the surrounding area was full. Original plan was to stay in northern Minnesota but everything was taken. This ended up being a pretty great setup."
