Camping near La Pointe offers access to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands archipelago at the northern tip of Wisconsin. The area features over 21 islands with mainland temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than inland locations during summer months. Winter brings significant lake effect snow with accumulations often exceeding 100 inches annually, creating challenging but rewarding cold weather camping opportunities for prepared visitors.
What to do
Kayak the sea caves: Launch from Sand Island where paddlers can explore natural rock formations. "Went kayaking out here and the caves are awesome!!!! So much fun and lucked out having a nice still day!!!" notes a visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Ferry adventures: Take the 20-minute ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island. A camper at Big Bay Town Park reports, "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."
Island lighthouse tours: Several islands feature historic lighthouses open for guided exploration. One camper mentioned, "Camped on Sand Island. Kayaked to the island and the next day got to explore the sea caves on the island. There was a nice walking path to the lighthouse, which we were lucky enough to tour!"
Paddling interior waterways: The lagoon at Big Bay Town Park offers protected paddling options. "Little diy canoe rental in the lagoon," notes one reviewer, making it accessible for novice paddlers seeking calmer waters than Lake Superior.
What campers like
Water access points: Many campgrounds feature direct lake or bay access. At Dalrymple Park and Campground, a camper notes, "This beautiful campground is right on the edge of Lake Superior. I would not recommend this campground for anything larger than a pop up or teardrop. The sites are close together and hilly."
Free firewood supplies: Some local campgrounds provide complimentary firewood. "There is a fire ring, picnic table, electric hook-up, and a stump to cut some firewood at each site. There were plenty of FREE firewood piles near the entrance," mentions a camper at Dalrymple Park.
Artesian well water: Natural drinking water sources are available in the area. A camper at West End Thompson City Park notes, "Artesian well has nationally recognized quality of water on campground."
Boat-in camping options: Several campgrounds accommodate boat arrivals. "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," writes a camper who visited the Apostle Islands area.
What you should know
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report black bear sightings. A Big Bay Town Park visitor advises, "Remember to use bear safety! It's their home, not ours!"
Ferry fees for vehicles: Transporting RVs and vehicles requires planning. A Big Bay State Park Campground camper shares, "Was it worth $162 Round Trip to bring our RV to Madeline Island– Yes! 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."
First-come campgrounds: Several parks do not accept reservations. "This is a first come first serve campground- no reservations. However, campers have the option of staying the entire season if they want to pay up front for it (May to October)," explains a visitor to Memorial Park Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the region. A Big Bay Town Park visitor notes, "One note, little to none phone service," which can affect navigation and communication planning.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. "We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available," reports a camper at Kreher RV Park, highlighting the importance of early arrival during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Beach accessibility: Family-friendly beaches are distributed throughout the region. At Kreher RV Park, one camper notes, "This is a municipal park, right on the shores of Lake superior. A beautiful little park, with a great playground and a boat launch."
Playground locations: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Very clean, good for all sort of rigs and hookup needs. Very friendly and caring hosts. Close to town," reports a visitor to Apostle Islands Area Campground.
Educational opportunities: Interpretive trails provide learning experiences. A Big Bay Town Park reviewer mentions, "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."
Swimming conditions: Lake Superior water remains cold year-round. "There were people swimming in the bay, a little too cold for me. We saw turtles on our hike too!" shares a Big Bay Town Park visitor, highlighting the need for temperature awareness when planning water activities with children.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management. "No dump station at the park. There is a dump station at the airport about 5 miles away where you can dump," advises a Big Bay State Park visitor.
Water fill-up points: Fresh water access varies between campgrounds. "This is the first WI State Park I have seen with hose hook up on the water stations. There is a drinking fountain, bottle filler and hose hook up on each water station," notes a Big Bay State Park camper.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "All sites are well spaced and have a newer picnic table and fire ring/grill. The park is very well kept with 8 trails in distance from .1 to 4 miles," reports a Big Bay State Park visitor.
Dog friendly campgrounds near La Pointe: Most locations welcome pets with restrictions. "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 and will definitely be able to hear them," explains a visitor to Big Bay State Park Campground, one of several pet-friendly camping options in the Apostle Islands region.
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