129 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping on and around Madeline Island near La Pointe, Wisconsin centers on its location in Lake Superior within the Apostle Islands region. Big Bay State Park Campground and Big Bay Town Park provide established camping options with both tent and RV sites, while Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping offers additional accommodations including cabins and glamping opportunities. The island location creates a distinctive camping experience accessible primarily by ferry from Bayfield, with most campgrounds situated within a 6-mile radius of La Pointe, the island's main settlement.
Access to camping areas requires transportation planning, as the ferry service from the mainland is the primary means of reaching Madeline Island. "Big Bay State Park is on Madeline Island in Lake Superior and is one of the Apostle Islands. The only way to arrive is by ferry boat. It is pricey to bring your RV," notes one camper who found the experience worthwhile despite the logistics. The ferry cost varies by vehicle size and passenger count, with RVs incurring higher fees than standard vehicles. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with limited or no services available during winter months. Cell service is generally reliable near developed areas, while more remote sites may have spotty coverage.
Waterfront access and natural scenery represent primary attractions for campers visiting the area. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to Lake Superior as a key feature, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and beach access available at multiple locations. One camper described their experience: "Pretty nice campground that you have to take a 20 minute ferry from the mainland. Then you drive through the small harbor town to the campsite. Nice, clean showers and bathrooms." Beyond the immediate campgrounds, the island community offers additional amenities including restaurants, art galleries, and equipment rentals in La Pointe. Nearby mainland locations like Bayfield provide alternative camping options for those seeking proximity to the Apostle Islands without the ferry crossing, while still maintaining access to water recreation and scenic landscapes.
"Dalrymple was just minutes away from Bayfield, and boat rides away from the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island."
"There are also some primitive tent walk-up sites. Nice campground, $30/night, can pay online when you arrive. Good cell reception. Most, if not all, sites have 30 and 20 amp service."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Apostle Islands is part of a 21 islands chain at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior. On the mainland, the Lakeshore Trail weaves past cliffs and sea caves."
"We liked the easy drive through sites with full hookup. The campsites were tiered into the hill. This helped sound proof the campsites. "
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Late spring Wisconsin weather made its presence felt, but we were undeterred. Its hard to be disappointed when faced with the spectacular views of the Apostle Islands."
"Small but has some decent trails. Lovely to walk by the waters edge and skip rocks."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Then you drive through the small harbor town to the campsite. Nice, clean showers and bathrooms. The tents sites are spacious and they're only a 10 or so minute drive from La Point."
"It was close to the water, just a walk away from a beach and hiking trail. The campsites were fairly private as far as car camping sites go."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The campground was full when we pulled in at 6 pm but the hosts let us stay in an overflow area, right next to the lake. Lots of small rvs and tents, which we prefer to the big rv parks."
"Right on the lake. Great place to stop and tour the towns close by. Mostly closed mid-week, but some brew houses and restaurants open."
"Great campground with swimming hole & great access to Bayside for island ferry’s! Complaints: Park is located on the side of a hill—Spots are small but level, roads are all at a slope."
"Location is great if you're looking to do some exploring. Was very quiet even though it was close to Labor Day weekend, and for the size of the campground."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This campground is oriented towards RV’ers and boaters, the campsite has full RV hookups and is adjacent to a very nice marina for those who are looking for that."
"The lakeside sites have great views though! And nice showers. We were passing thru and the FCFS campgrounds were all full so this was a fine option close to Bayfield!"
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Self registration is nice and love being on the lake and walking distance to town."
"Another great little “city” campground right on Lake Superior. This is a first come first serve campground- no reservations."
"Big Bay State Park is on Madeline Island in Lake Superior and is one of the Apostle Islands. The only way to arrive is by ferry boat. It is pricey to bring your RV."
"Sites are fairly large and have lots of trees and woods surrounding them. You get a handicap picnic table and fire pit with grate at each site. Big rig friendly."
"It's directly on the lake, and it's connected to a bike trail that you can take to downtown or farther north along the lake."
"There was steady traffic of disappointed RVs driving through the grounds till 6-7pm. Water and electric sites only with a dump station on site."
from $45 - $50 / night
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ScoutThis was a great place with lots of sites open due to the road to get in. I would say it’s going to be great help to have AWD but you could probably make it without and a lower vehicle. I had my Subaru Outback and it handled just fine!
ScoutGreat experience, lovely sites although a bit small and on a hills.
GuidePros: Every site is private and level with picnic table and fire pit. A few sites have lake views. Clean pit bathrooms. Nice small craft boat launch.
Cons: No showers. No hookups. 4 mile gravel road to destination. May be difficult to navigate for rigs greater than 30’
GuideIncredibly beautiful scenery, not too far from shore but still a decent paddle. Also if you’re doing dispersed camping the options are limited. The area you’re allowed to camp in large, but finding a good spot to land your kayak and set up camp is not quite as easy as you might assume, but still not a major obstacle. Would recommend for exploring the area in a kayak, lots of cool rock features along the shoreline.
GuideCons: Small campground with cramped, un level sites. Most sites difficult access (narrow road, steep hills) for tall vehicles and/or longer than 20’. No water hookup. No shower. Dirty pit toilets.
Pros: $30 fee includes electric, within walking distance of town, site 24-26 have beautiful lakeview.
GuideVery nice showers and modern bathroom, a much welcome amenity after a few days without amenities. But it is in town, next to the highway, however it was fairly quiet.
GuideNice, clean, secure and safe campground...Lakefront right in city of Ashland....we booked online around dusk and found an open site. Water/30/50amp sites...dump station onsite.....Highly recommend
ScoutInside word is the state wants to make this a model for their campgrounds. Newly built in 2022, a dump station was created last year, with potable water added this year and camper cabins being added for next year. All sites are spread out and easily accessible with the largest rigs, although sparse undergrowth provides little privacy. Great showers/flush toilets in a central location with numerous water faucets and pitt toilets scattered throughout for convenience.
TravelerQuiet but right off of hwy 13. Electric shared. Toilets but not showers. $30 a night. Just staying overnight and meets all my needs.
Madeline Island camping sites near La Pointe, Wisconsin require ferry transportation that operates seasonally from Bayfield, with prices varying by vehicle type and length. The island's climate features cool lake breezes even in summer months, with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than inland areas. The camping season runs primarily from May through October, with limited winter access via an ice road when conditions permit.
Kayaking to sea caves: Explore the distinctive rock formations along the Apostle Islands shoreline. "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," notes a camper at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Beach swimming and relaxation: Access the mile-plus shoreline shared between parks. "The beach in the state park is absolutely gorgeous with access via a nice boardwalk through the forest and along the beach," reports a visitor to Big Bay State Park Campground.
Wildlife watching: Keep your eyes open for native species throughout the island. "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," shares a visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Biking through La Pointe: Rent bicycles to explore the island's main settlement. "Biked around the Island but enjoyed most of time spent at campground. Amazing star-gazing at night," mentions a camper from Big Bay State Park Campground.
Honor system boat rentals: Access affordable watercraft without formal rental procedures. "By the main office, there's a trail that goes down to the beach where you can rent canoes and kayaks on an honor system," explains a guest at Big Bay Town Park.
Free firewood access: Enjoy complimentary campfire supplies at select locations. "The campground is cheap and it includes all you can burn wood. We continue to go back over and over because this is one of our faves," reports a visitor to Dalrymple Park and Campground.
Town amenities within reach: Access shops and services without leaving your vehicle behind. "The island community is full of restaurants and art galleries. We went in July and were able to go to a film fest and do yoga on the beach," notes a Big Bay Town Park camper.
Spacious wooded sites: Enjoy natural surroundings with ample room for setup. "Sites are fairly large and have lots of trees and woods surrounding them, though you may likely still be able to see your neighbors a bit," describes a visitor to Big Bay State Park Campground.
Ferry pricing structure: Budget for transport costs that increase with vehicle size. "It is pricey to bring your RV. Ours is only 26 feet but we had a bike rack and two bikes that brought our total length to 30 feet," explains a camper at Big Bay State Park Campground.
Limited shower facilities: Plan accordingly for shared bathroom amenities. "I recommend waking up early for the showers as they fill up around 8am to 9am," advises a visitor to Big Bay State Park Campground.
Quiet hours enforcement varies: Be prepared for potential noise at some campgrounds. "The only thing preventing me from giving this campground 5 stars is that quiet hours were not enforced. There was a group playing loud music way past midnight when we were there," reports a camper at Big Bay State Park Campground.
Seasonal limitations: Understand access restrictions during winter months. "The ferry cost varies by vehicle size and passenger count, with RVs incurring higher fees than standard vehicles," notes a Big Bay State Park visitor.
Playground options: Take advantage of recreational areas for children. "Nice grounds. It got kinda noisy in the evening with golf carts zooming around. But it was quiet after 1030. Our campsite has a nice view of Lake Superior!" shares a camper at Buffalo Bay Campground.
Bear safety precautions: Practice proper food storage and wildlife awareness. "Remember to use bear safety! It's their home, not ours!" cautions a camper from Big Bay State Park Campground.
Transportation alternatives: Consider renting fun vehicles for island exploration. "Take the ferry to Madeline island and spend a weekend away from it all! Rent scooters to cover the whole island in a fun way!" recommends a visitor to Big Bay State Park Campground.
Water temperature warning: Prepare children for cold swimming conditions. "The swim beach (water is cold!!), Kayak and SUP rentals for bay paddling," mentions a Big Bay State Park visitor.
Length considerations: Verify campground limitations before bringing larger vehicles. "I would not recommend this campground for anything larger than a pop up or teardrop. The sites are close together and hilly. The road to the back area where we stayed in 25 was narrow," warns a visitor to Dalrymple Park and Campground.
Electrical adapters: Pack necessary power connectors for various hookup options. "We had to borrow a 50 amp plug in because we only had our 30," notes a Buffalo Bay Campground visitor.
Site selection strategy: Research specific campsites before arrival when possible. "Our site overlooked Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands but was a tight fit for our 24' van. Good 30amp electric, water spigot nearby but no dump stations at park," shares a camper at Memorial Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Plan ferry crossings for larger vehicles in advance. "RVs generally need a reservation ahead of time depending on size," advises a Big Bay State Park visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near La Pointe, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, La Pointe, WI offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near La Pointe, WI and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near La Pointe, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near La Pointe, WI is Dalrymple Park and Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near La Pointe, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near La Pointe, WI.
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