Most RV parks near Mason, Wisconsin open between early May and mid-October due to harsh winter conditions. The area features extensive forest lands and access to Lake Superior, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, requiring adequate heating systems in RVs.
What to do
Kayaking adventures: The Apostle Islands area offers exceptional kayaking opportunities with routes ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels. At Apostle Islands Area RV Park and Camping, visitors report outstanding kayaking experiences. "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," notes one camper. Another adds, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Black bears and diverse birdlife inhabit the area surrounding many campgrounds. "We had a wonderful weekend there and saw a few black bears. And one even meandered through our camp site," reports a visitor to Apostle Islands Area RV Park. The sounds of loons provide natural atmosphere at Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground, where guests "saw a lot of wildlife and heard the sounds of loons in the AM and evening."
Fishing: Nelson Lake near Hayward offers productive fishing without the crowds of larger bodies of water. "Has a boat launch within the campground and slips to park your boat by your site. The campground sits on Nelson Lake. Fantastic fishing!!" reports a regular visitor to Sunrise Bay Campgrounds.
What campers like
Quiet, natural settings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment of smaller RV parks. "Nice quiet campground. This campground seemed to be mostly filled with RVs. We were tent camping and they had a well shaded, very clean and quiet area for us," notes a visitor to Top O' the Morn Resort. At Birch Grove Campground, a camper noted, "This was a small campground but nice sites on the water with outhouses near by. $15 per night."
Lake access: Waterfront sites are highly valued and often book quickly. "We stayed in site #31 overnight while driving south with our teardrop trailer. The site was so spacious and treed for hammocks or tents or trailers," reports a guest at Top O' the Morn Resort. Campers at Dalrymple Park and Campground note the special lakefront experience: "There is a lower road where all of the sites are right on the lake and you can watch the kayakers, sailboats, and the ferry boat going to Madeline island."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise. "Very clean and well maintained," reports a camper at Top O' the Morn Resort. Even with seasonal challenges, many parks maintain standards: "Bathrooms kept clean except the mold on the shower curtains," notes a visitor to Northland Camping & RV Park.
What you should know
Limited winter access: The majority of RV parks close from October through April due to severe weather conditions. Frontier RV Park and Campground is one of the few that remains open year-round, though winter amenities may be limited.
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. "AT&T signal was very weak," reports a camper at Top O' the Morn Resort, while another notes, "WiFi only worked in the lodge." At Birch Grove Campground, the experience differs: "AT&T signal was amazing! I was able to watch Netflix and also get my work done."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill completely during peak summer months, especially on weekends. "This is a first come first serve campsite, self pay. We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available," warns a visitor to Kreher RV Park.
Bear awareness: Bears are active in the region, requiring proper food storage. Apostle Islands Area campers emphasize the importance of using bear boxes, with one visitor noting, "We had a wonderful weekend there and saw a few black bears. And one even meandered through our camp site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Kreher RV Park, "the shower house is very clean and has private rooms. A code is necessary to gain access to the bathrooms/showers. The best part in my opinion is the trail. You can follow it to cross under the highway and access the downtown area."
Swimming options: Lake swimming areas vary in quality and accessibility. "Lake has swimming area and swim platform, it's a lake so there are small fish, snails and grass in that area," notes a visitor to Top O' the Morn Resort.
Rainy day activities: Weather can change quickly in northern Wisconsin. Top O' the Morn Resort provides "a cute little bar with craft beer where you can buy pizzas and take to the beach" and "a nice game room for the kids on a rainy day."
Biking considerations: The hilly terrain at some campgrounds creates challenges for younger riders. A camper at Apostle Islands Area RV Park reports, "The entire campground is in the side of a mountain and there are no flat roads, which makes biking and walking a workout rather than leisure."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. At Dalrymple Park, "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."
Dump station access: Some dump stations present maneuvering challenges. At Frontier RV Park, "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."
Size limitations: Several parks cannot accommodate larger RVs. "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.
Hook-up variations: Electric service types differ between parks. Frontier RV Park offers "several new lots that are all grass with water and electric. Several lots are full hookup," while a visitor notes the price: "I think the price for 30Amp full hook ups was about $35/nt."
