Are you in need of a campground near Ellison Bay, WI? Ellison Bay is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Ellison Bay, reviewed by campers like you.
Wagon Trail Campground is located in beautiful Northern Door County. It is blessed with beautiful acreage bordering the Mink River Nature Conservancy Preserve. Our wooded sites will provide you with a feeling of seclusion and privacy that is difficult to find at campgrounds these days. Combine this with highly rated clean restroom and shower facilities and you have a first rate “camper’s campground”. Wagon Trail Campground provides you with an opportunity to relax and connect with nature. All this, and the rest of Door County at your fingertips. We invite you to “Enjoy our good nature!”
$40 - $150 / night
Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing.
Newport State Park offers rustic, backpack camping for visitors. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only.
Newport has 17 backpack (hike-in) campsites, including one group site. All sites can be reserved. Campers must hike or bike in all gear and supplies. There are no carts available at the park. There are a few amenities at the sites, including a pit toilet, fire ring with flip-up grill, a lock box for food and a bench or two. Water is available at the park office or at a solar pump near the picnic shelter by Lot 3 (seasonally). There are no shower facilities at the park. All garbage must be carried out of all campsites.
$20 / night
$20 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Family-owned and operated in beautiful Baileys Harbor.
Over 85 quiet and shaded campsites to choose from. We offer clean showers and flush toilets. Electricity and water hook up on select sites and a playground for kids.
$30 - $50 / night
$20 - $22 / night
Wagon Trail Campground is located in beautiful Northern Door County. It is blessed with beautiful acreage bordering the Mink River Nature Conservancy Preserve. Our wooded sites will provide you with a feeling of seclusion and privacy that is difficult to find at campgrounds these days. Combine this with highly rated clean restroom and shower facilities and you have a first rate “camper’s campground”. Wagon Trail Campground provides you with an opportunity to relax and connect with nature. All this, and the rest of Door County at your fingertips. We invite you to “Enjoy our good nature!”
$40 - $150 / night
Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing.
Newport State Park offers rustic, backpack camping for visitors. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only.
Newport has 17 backpack (hike-in) campsites, including one group site. All sites can be reserved. Campers must hike or bike in all gear and supplies. There are no carts available at the park. There are a few amenities at the sites, including a pit toilet, fire ring with flip-up grill, a lock box for food and a bench or two. Water is available at the park office or at a solar pump near the picnic shelter by Lot 3 (seasonally). There are no shower facilities at the park. All garbage must be carried out of all campsites.
$20 / night
$20 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Guide
Washington Island is a fun family oriented island. There are beaches all around, a very unique limestone beach that only exists in a few parts of the world and several different activities geared towards families. Everything is on Island time, meaning, life seems to slow down. Chill, relax, lay in the sun on the beach, go for a swim, walk among the millions of lavender flowers, attend a church service on Sunday. Washington Island seems to have a little bit of everything, even some fossils!
The campground available to us was just ok. The showers seemed a long walk, there are pit toilets near the camping spots but if you want running water you have to go to the club-house. The "mini-golf" course was in disarray, the "playground" was old and falling apart, and a lot of the camp ground spots were right on top of the other so do your research before reserving a spot. We stayed in site 12 and it felt like it was a little more private and larger.
The weather was great at the end of Aug; not too hot and not chilly, very comfortable for tent camping. The Ferry ride over was an unforgettable experience that my 6 year old thoroughly enjoyed. I will say that we were able to pretty much do everything the Island has to offer in 3 days and I don't know if I can justify coming back here again, but we had fun slowing down and that's what matters.
Scout
I have been coming here since I was a kid. Love the ghost town, beach and the sunsets are amazing!
Traveler
Stayed there in August. The site was nice, campground was not busy which was very nice. Bathrooms are the best we've seen in a long time...super clean with individual shower rooms. Traveled in 28ft Class C towing SUV...Plenty of room for both in our site .
We travel to the U.P. every year from Iowa and stay here every time we can.
Legend
shower and restroom facility in the campground. Site had electricity. Campground has a boat launch for kayaks and canoes. Big rig friendly with a gravel pad. Dump station with potable water fill up station as well.
LegendGeneral: 61 site campground; 11 are 20/30/50 amp pull-thru sites and the rest are back-in 20/30 amp. A surprise was seeing so many seagulls and they were, although annoying, also quite entertaining!
Site Quality: All sites are dirt/grass and level. The sites are close together with very little to no privacy separating them.
Bath/Shower: In addition to men’s and women’s restrooms, there are two all-gender shower rooms and two family restrooms with shower. Except for dead bugs, they were clean. The shower was very nice– spacious and had good hot water, although there was almost always a wait to use one.
Activities/Amenities: We camped here to take a self-guided tour of the ghost town, which took about two hours. There are several short-distance interconnecting trails that are mostly well-marked. Be aware, however, that after about a half mile, the Overlook Trail was no longer maintained – the grass was very tall and there was only a narrow footpath; I ended up turning back after going a short distance and seeing that it was not going to improve. There is also a boat harbor. It was quite a juxtaposition between the historical buildings and the loud groups of people partying on their boats!
Once we explored the ghost town (which was very interesting), one night was just enough time for us to spend here, and it looked like many others were doing the same. The campground was completely full on a Saturday in mid-June but by Sunday morning, it had emptied out.
Traveler
Great open sky site, next to the water. High winds, but local beach trail and historic town a short walk away with additional trails. FYI bathrooms, shower facility, water drops, and water dumpsite closes annually for winterization around Oct. 21. Keep this in mind when booking! Water was shutoff days after. arriving thankfully we filled up jugs before that. Electric and camp wifi on year round. 30A and 20A service at each site, worked fine. We'll be back for the next New Moon!
TravelerThe facilities here are top-notch, with clean bathrooms and showers that visitors rave about. Solar Many campers appreciate the electric hookups available at the sites, making it easier to enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded by nature.
Traveler
Peaceful, quiet, easy to book and well kept! Bathroom was ice cold and only cold water in bathroom. Very nice hot water in shower house. They made us pay for 2 nights when we only stayed for one on a Monday(not a weekend) but I’d absolutely recommend this campground! Very peaceful!!
Legend
General: 41-site campground on a peninsula in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All sites are FHU, and no tents are allowed. The campground is open May-October.
Site Quality: Most sites are back-in but there are about a half dozen pull-through sites. All sites are gravel and there is a varying amount of site size and privacy between sites. Most appeared to be level or at least have a level spot, although Sites 22, 23, and 30 might be a bit challenging. IMO, our site (28) was one of the nicest with an unobstructed view of Garden Bay. There are many trees throughout the campground, so some sites are in full shade. There are also many apple trees.
Bath/Shower house: Our site was located near the top of the loop, so it was a bit of a hike to the bath/shower house, but not unreasonable. Upon check-in, we were given a key so make sure you don’t forget it when you make the trek! The bathrooms and showers were VERY clean. It would have been nice if the building was lighted at night; even with a flashlight, it was difficult to see where the building was.
Activities/Amenities: There is a coin laundry facility on site. There is also a bar/grill, open year-round Wednesdays-Sundays from 12-8. You can walk there from the campground. There are no activities (unless you have a boat) on-site but the office has a list of area sites and activities you can enjoy (note that many are an hour or more drive away). We did go to Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Kitch-iti-kipi, and a few other places in one day. There was zero cell service on Verizon and although free WiFi was offered, it was weak and we often had to reconnect.
The campground was only about a third full and very quiet when we were there mid-week just before Labor Day and we enjoyed our time there with friends.
GuideNew, clean bathrooms and showers. Showers are private and door locks. Campsites are very close together, little privacy. Walking trails that connect the campground to the old Fayette town on the coast are nearby.
GuideStayed here beginning of September for a few days. Site 53 and 54. 53 is nearly at the top of the horseshoe and has trail access to Lake MI. Site 54 starts a series of smaller, back in slot type sites. This stretch of sites was primarily used by overnighters in while we were here, and might be tight for a family to stretch their legs. The campground was pretty quiet, despite being full. The beauty of this campground is the trail access to the beach and lakefront, along with the nice modern bathrooms and showers. One drawback to these particular sites is the wall of invasive cocklebur along the outside, and you would get absolutely covered if you got near them. You can see them in my photo. Note: the lake area near the campground is all rip rap rock, like the white rock in the sunset photo with trees. There is a trail that goes past the boat landing to nice sand beach.
Guide
Restrooms and showers are clean and nicely maintained. There’s a good amount of trees and shade for those hot summer days. There are trails and some fishing areas as well. Traffic noise isn’t too annoying except for the occasional loud mufflers and train horns. No train horns were heard during the late hours though. Overall it’s a decent place to stay
Traveler
This was our first experience with a “bells and whistles” type campground. And we were very pleased with the quality of the amenities that we have previously done without.
The newer playground is now open/free and includes a pickleball court, which was enjoyed by everyone. There is also a nice little convenience store and a bar/restaurant with a patio that overlooks the play area. It’s a great setup for parents who feel comfortable letting their kids play at a distance.
The toilets and showers were just spotless and so clean. That was honestly such a pleasant and welcomed surprise.
We were fortunate to have a more wooded spot within the circle section of the campground but it was not as wooded/secluded as other camping experiences we’ve had. But we knew this going in and were really pleased with the amount of greenery we got along with the amenities.
Would definitely come back!
TravelerWe parked in a river spot , and it was such a wonderful location, bathrooms right across a field, nice big playground, room for our motorhome, jeep, and hybrid van to charge ! Access to fishing right at our site and disc golf across from our camper !
Traveler
The views are beautiful but all the camping spots are grass, we instantly sunk the second we tried to park ! Bring blocks if you want to stay!
Scout
We rented a camper for the first time and decided to go here. We appreciated the facilities and the fact that there was help available if necessary.
The campground is big with lots of sites. Some are in a big field that was really crowded. I’m glad we asked for a wooded site.
The biggest downside was noise. We were there over the 4th of July. There were golf carts that circled the campgrounds blaring loud music on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of July. I get celebrating the 4th but this was pretty annoying.
But overall this was good. It helped me realize I prefer more remote camping. I’m not sure the resort feel of this KOA is for me, but that is a preference. There is a lot to like and a lot to do here.
Scout
Wonderful campground with great friendly service. We will definitely be returning on our trips to door county
Ranger
We were in Site# 14. We had electric/water with a paved pull-through. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
The site was easy to level but the wheels of our motor home were off of the ground.
Check-in is at the hotel. The RV park is not visible from the hotel (it’s back in the woods). There is a phone at the shower house that can be used to request a free shuttle to the casino.
Our site was not shaded with limited trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.
The lot comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
There was not any WiFi (we used our Starlink). They do not offer Cable TV.
There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.
They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.
They do have an indoor Swimming pool at the hotel with a sauna and steam shower.
There is not a Playground. There are not any additional play areas like Bocce ball, shuffleboard, basketball sport court, horseshoe, or volleyball courts.
They have a general store in the parking lot of the casino where you can also get gas.
There are restaurants on site in the hotel as well as a spa. The closest big town with stores is Escanaba (about 20 minutes away).
This is solely an RV park. They do not have any cabins to rent or any tent areas.
They have one shower house. The shower house has individual showers (toilets & sinks are on opposite side of shower house).
The laundry facility is located at the BP gas station (located in the parking lot of the casino/hotel). It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine. It is approximately $2 to wash and $2 to dry a load.
They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs.
Bugs did not seem to be an issue.
Some fun things to do outside of the campground are to visit the Sandy Point Lighthouse or Ludington Park in Escanaba.
The casino is smoke-free. It states that the tables are open from 10am to 2am. Not all tables are available though (for instance, roulette wasn’t always available and if they did open up the one roulette table, it wasn’t until 6 or 7pm). The slot machine options are abundant.
Traveler
Love the campground but very strong gas smell. Hopefully will subside and I won’t get sick…headache etc but smell is in my camper since there is a nice breeze had windows open.
The campground is very nice….other campers friendly.
I am at electric site but not using it. Could not put my rv ambulance in tent spot.
Bathrooms are very clean…showers free!
Right on the water. Very beautiful!
Gas smell is only down side.
Luckily was for only the first night.
GuideGreat views of Lake Michigan! Beautiful sandy beach just a short walk away! Really nice playground for the kids. Overall, one of our favorite places to connected camp!
Guide
Easy to get to. quiet campground. I would suggest smaller campers and tents
LegendBeautiful large but serene campground in the Peninsula State Park. Each site is very private and nicely spaced from the neighbor. Levelness is variable between sites. Some sites have 50 and 30 amp electric, and some have no hookups. There is a dump station and water fill near this campground, which serves all the campground in the state park. There are a ton of dump holes and lanes, it’s like a costco gas station.
This campground has a kayak launch right at the campground, AND it’s an easy walk from this campground to the Nature Center and to the Northern Sky Theater, as well as several walking and biking trails that wind around through this park. It’s also not too far of a walk to Nicolet Beach where there is a boat ramp and a store and equipment rentals.
Cell service is minimal here, both for Verizon and ATT, service would come in and out, very unreliable, though some texts would eventually go through. We got really lucky and got a spot on a Saturday in August- the entire park (all campgrounds within the park) were completely booked, but right before we pulled up to ask if there was any availability, someone had just vacated their site a night early so we were able to snag it. It’s too pricey at $42/night, PLUS the state park fee of $13/day or $38/year (good through the end of that year, not for 12 months).
Showers were nice and free. Wisconsin is great with recycling and there are mixed recycling bins that take everything, even glass (no plastic bags though).
Legend
Nice and quiet, smaller campground within the Peninsula State Park. These sites are non-electric/no hookups. The dump station and water fill is near Tennison Bay Campground.
There are flush toilets and showers that could use a remodel or a deep cleaning. You’re really close to the bay here, and the Sunset Bike Trail goes right alongside this campground.
There’s a host on site, water, trash and recycling. Cell service is weak but there.
Legend
North and South Nicolet Bay campgrounds is where the action is. It felt like spring break out at the beach and boat ramp (no pets allowed on beach).
North Nicolet has no power sites, all are no hookups. There is a dump station and water fill near Tennison Bay campground.
Campground is very close to the beach, and you definitely hear the shrieking children from the beach, especially if you get a site close to the beach like we did, so heads up.
There’s a host on site, flush toilets, and showers. Recycling and garbage here as well as a playground.
Legend
We wanted to stay here on a rainy stormy day, do some laundry, take hot showers, dump and fill, etc. They are in the Passport America program, so rates are discounted 50%, but they’re actually a few dollars higher than what’s listed in Passport America. A FHU site would be $20 with the discount, so $40 full price.
I’d recommend calling them ahead of time and not the morning of the day you’re looking to stay, like we did (and always do). We had a really hard time getting a hold of someone, but I think they had something going on that day so I don’t want to say that’s the norm. We drove to the campground hoping to just talk to someone in the office, but that didn’t work either. The husband finally called us back but by then we were in the mindset to just leave and go stay at Walmart in Escanaba for free.
The campground is really nice and low key, lots of trees, definitely nothing fancy, it’s dumpy in places, but it’s fine for us. You can get a FHU site or electric only (there is a dump station and water fill). There are also tent sites and cabins.
We had good Verizon service there and ok ATT service. There’s lake access from the campground with a $5 fee, not sure if that’s just for putting in boats though.
Note- check in is 3pm and they are really into their policy of charging $10 for an “early check-in.” There are several signs in the office stating this, and the husband made sure he told us over the phone as well, even though it would have been just an hour early.
RangerAgain, we stayed here for one night on our way elsewhere. We have to come back and make it our destination next time. Clean bathrooms… excellent camp hosts. Weekdays in the fall.. so quiet and peaceful.
Ranger
On Lake Michigan not much else to say!
Camping near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, offers a great mix of nature and activities, making it a fantastic spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ellison Bay, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ellison Bay, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 77 campgrounds and RV parks near Ellison Bay, WI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ellison Bay, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ellison Bay, WI is Wagon Trail Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ellison Bay, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ellison Bay, WI.
What parks are near Ellison Bay, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Ellison Bay, WI that allow camping, notably Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
