Port Wing, Wisconsin sits along Lake Superior at an elevation of 689 feet, experiencing cool summers with average temperatures of 70-75°F and cold winters with heavy snowfall. Located in Bayfield County, the region features a mix of forest and lake shoreline landscapes with cabin accommodations typically open from May through October when temperatures are most favorable for outdoor activities.
What to do
Lake activities: Explore the swimming areas at Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground where visitors can enjoy the calm waters and natural setting. "Lake has swimming area and swim platform, it's a lake so there are small fish, snails and grass in that area," reports Beth B., highlighting the natural swimming experience. The resort's lakeside location provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and relaxation.
Hiking nearby: Visit copper falls for exceptional trail experiences about an hour from Port Wing. "Nice hiking trails. Not too difficult. Family friendly," notes Joe N. about the hiking options. The area's varied terrain provides both casual strolls and more challenging routes through forested areas.
Visit Bayfield: Take a day trip to explore the nearby town of Bayfield and access to the Apostle Islands. "This is a great base camp for exploring the Apostle islands. It's about a mile from Bayfield," explains Leah Z. From there, visitors can arrange kayak tours, boat trips, or ferry rides to the islands.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Find secluded cabin sites around the Port Wing area that offer separation from neighbors. "The sites were heavily wooded and though near the main camp road, it didn't feel like a major throughfare," explains one visitor about Copper Falls State Park Campground cabins, which demonstrates the typical wooded settings available near Port Wing. Most cabin properties in the region maintain good site spacing with natural barriers.
Peaceful environment: Enjoy quiet evenings away from traffic noise at lakeside accommodations. "Tucked away campground right in a lake. Spacious sites and quiet...no road or neighbor noise," describes Beth B. The relative isolation of Port Wing cabins makes them ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat.
On-site amenities: Access small bars and food options at select cabin properties. "Owners are awesome! Have a cute little bar with craft beer where you can buy pizzas and take to the beach," says Megan B. about the amenities at one of the resorts, adding value beyond just the cabin accommodations themselves.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book cabins early for summer stays, especially for holiday weekends when vacancies are limited. "We found this gem of a campground while passing thru this area. The owners were quick to return our phone call when trying to make a reservation," notes Patricia about Top O' the Morn Resort & Campground, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
Weather considerations: Prepare for temperature swings even during summer months, with nights that can dip into the 40s near Lake Superior. "We wanted to extend our stay but work was calling. I wish we had a way to connect to WiFi or a hotspot in our camper. The we would have," writes Katherine O., indicating both the enjoyable conditions and connectivity limitations.
Supply limitations: Purchase groceries before arrival as local options are minimal. The nearest full-service grocery stores are in larger towns like Ashland, approximately 45 minutes away. The limited cell service in some areas also means downloading maps or information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose properties with recreation areas for children to enjoy between lake activities. "Very clean and well maintained. We were going to stay 2 nights and decided to stay a week," explains Lynn M. about their family-friendly experience at one campground, demonstrating how suitable facilities can extend planned visits.
Spacing for multiple tents: Verify cabin grounds allow extra tents for larger family groups as policies vary between properties. Some cabin sites can accommodate additional small tents for children while others strictly limit occupancy to the cabin structure only.
Insect preparation: Pack bug spray and netting for evening gatherings, particularly in June and July when mosquitoes are most active in the Port Wing area. "It was pretty buggy and ticks were bad, but that's to be expected," notes Lydia N. about camping in Jay Cooke State Park Campground, which reflects similar conditions found throughout the region.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: Plan to arrive by early afternoon at first-come-first-served properties to secure desirable sites. "We arrived around 6 after changing flat tire and there were no sites available. Park looked well maintained and nice waterfront sites," explains Beth B. about their experience at Kreher RV Park, highlighting the importance of early arrival.
Hook-up verification: Confirm actual hook-up locations at your reserved site before setting up. "The spot we were put in didn't actually have electrical so we had to set up as close to the bathroom building as we could which was a huge inconvenience for our neighbors," warns Paul W. about one campground, emphasizing the importance of checking amenities upon arrival.
Level sites: Request specific site numbers when making reservations for cabins near Port Wing if traveling with an RV. "Some leveling will be required at most sites, but not much," notes Ryan S. about sites at one park, which is typical for many properties in the hilly terrain around Port Wing.
