Most La Pointe camping options center around the Bayfield Peninsula, with elevation ranging from 602 feet at Lake Superior's shoreline to 1,200 feet on inland bluffs. The area experiences summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F during peak camping season, with cooling breezes from the lake moderating humidity levels. Fall camping sees temperature drops to 40-50°F by mid-October when most seasonal campgrounds begin closing.
What to do
Kayaking excursions: Apostle Islands Area Campground offers excellent access to paddling destinations. "Great area near all there is to do in Bayfield," notes a camper who enjoyed kayaking excursions to the islands. Guided tours and rental equipment are available from outfitters in Bayfield from late May through early October.
Hiking trails: Memorial Park Campground provides access to shoreline trails and wooded paths. "Great spot for an overnight or longer stay, especially if you bring a boat or kayak. Well kept grounds and amenities," reports one visitor. The campground connects to lakefront paths with minimal elevation changes, suitable for all skill levels.
Beach access: Dalrymple Park features access points to Lake Superior shoreline. "It's a little more rustic though as there are not flush toilets or showers. You can shower in town at the Rex center or take a swim in the lake," notes a camper. The shallow, rocky shoreline provides wading opportunities during summer months when water temperatures reach the mid-60s.
What campers like
Water views: Buffalo Bay Campground offers prime Lake Superior vistas. "Sites 7 and 8 have a fire pit and table right on the shoreline it's beautiful. You can walk to the casino/hotel the showers and bathrooms are in one side of the hotel big showers," notes a visitor. The shoreline location provides sunset views across Chequamegon Bay.
Wooded settings: Birch Grove Campground features forested campsites with lake access. "There are a few miles of dirt road you have to endure to get to the campground on forest roads but the road is not bad at all," reports a camper who stayed multiple nights. Sites include benches and fire rings with ample spacing between neighbors.
Proximity to towns: Many visitors appreciate the convenient locations near Bayfield and Ashland. "This is a great base camp for exploring the Apostle islands. It's about a mile from Bayfield. There is bike rental at Howl bike shop which is walking distance," notes one reviewer about Apostle Islands Area RV Park. Washburn offers additional shopping and dining options within a 20-minute drive.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many area campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a first come first serve campground, self pay. We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available," cautions a visitor to Memorial Park Campground. Reservations are recommended 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends.
Limited facilities: Kreher RV Park offers more amenities than some other options. "We were able to find a spot before 1pm but the park filled up by 3-4pm. There was steady traffic of disappointed RVs driving through the grounds till 6-7pm," notes a camper. Many campgrounds lack full hookups or have limited shower facilities.
Ferry considerations: RVers planning to visit Madeline Island should research ferry schedules and rates. "Check out the artisan well along the lake on the east side of Ashland and bring some empty containers to get some great water," suggests one visitor to Kreher RV Park, noting local resources beyond camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping includes recreational facilities for children. "Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground," reports one family. The campground offers ice cream sales during summer months.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide lake access with varying amenities. "This park was huge! So many sites for tents and RVs... Swimming, volleyball, GOLFING?!, nice bathrooms with showers," notes a visitor to Memorial Park, describing the recreational facilities available.
Educational opportunities: Many families appreciate nearby nature programs. "We have camped there a few times and love the accessibility to Mtn. Bike Trails and bicycle riding on the Gitche Gami State Bike Trail. Close to world class hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail and a few nice easier hikes right in the park," reports a visitor describing nearby activities suitable for various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers recommend researching specific site dimensions. "Some spots are tight with an RV, I'd suggest walking the loop before driving around," advises one experienced RVer. Campgrounds like Apostle Islands Area RV Park accommodate larger rigs but may have limited availability for premium waterfront sites.
Hookup considerations: Frontier RV Park and Campground provides varying levels of connections. "Very nice park with several new lots that are all grass with water and electric. Several lots are full hookup. There is not a true dump station, only a spot near the bathroom that you can pull up to dump, but then you have to back out of it," explains a visitor, highlighting infrastructure limitations typical of rv campgrounds in La Pointe and surrounding areas.
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the Bayfield Peninsula require leveling equipment. "I think all the sites will require quite a bit of leveling. The sites a small, this campground is best for tent campers or small campers. Some of the roads are very steep," notes a visitor to Dalrymple Park, describing terrain challenges common in the region's rv camping options.
