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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
