Camping options near Port Wing, Wisconsin provide access to Lake Superior's southern shore in Bayfield County, where the terrain features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky shoreline with nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Summer temperatures range from 65-75°F with cool evenings around 50°F, while fall brings earlier sunsets and temperatures dropping to 40-50°F. Winter camping isn't widely available as most campgrounds close by mid-October when temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking the Apostle Islands: Visitors to Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping can explore the nearby 21-island chain by water. "Went kayaking out here and the caves are awesome!!!! So much fun and lucked out having a nice still day!!!" reports Jordan L. Another kayaker notes, "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."
Hiking to lighthouses: The Apostle Islands area features several historic lighthouses accessible by trail. "There was a nice walking path to the lighthouse, which we were lucky enough to tour!" shares Haley C. about Sand Island. The mainland offers additional hiking options with varying difficulty levels.
Wildlife viewing: Black bears are common in the area, particularly on the islands. "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," explains James B. Loon calls are frequently heard around lakes and shorelines.
What campers like
Lake Superior access: Many RV sites near Port Wing provide direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline. Kreher RV Park in Ashland offers waterfront camping with views of Chequamegon Bay. "Right on the lake, big sites, very pleasant hosts, very well maintained and clean!!" shares Kelly N. Another visitor notes, "Easy trail around park, to beach and Ore Dock."
Proximity to towns: Campers appreciate RV parks located near local communities. Dalrymple Park and Campground is "an easy half mile walk to downtown Bayfield," according to Amy K. Another camper adds, "We were able to walk to town easily and enjoyed exploring Bayfield and the Apostle Island Lakeshore."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generously sized campsites. Top O' the Morn Resort notes, "The site was so spacious and treed for hammocks or tents or trailers." Even at busier campgrounds, campers find enough space for comfort: "Large camp site with trees and wide open area."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most RV sites near Port Wing operate seasonally. Frontier RV Park and Campground in Saxon is one of the few advertising year-round operation. Other campgrounds typically close between mid-October and early May, with Northland Camping & RV Park operating "May 15 to October 15."
First-come, first-served policies: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "Arrive early to get a spot because even on the weekdays they fill up. We visited on a Tuesday and all spots were gone by 3pm," warns Amy K. about Dalrymple Park. Another visitor advises arriving by early afternoon to secure a spot.
Size limitations: Larger RVs may find limited options. "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 was narrow," notes Stephanie J. about Dalrymple Park. Always check size restrictions before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Top O' Morn Resort & Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Lake has swimming area and swim platform, it's a lake so there are small fish, snails and grass in that area," notes Beth B. The resort also features "a cute little bar with craft beer where you can buy pizzas and take to the beach."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Apostle Islands Area RV Park features "nice playground," according to Nancy S., making it suitable for families with younger children. Some waterfront parks combine playground equipment with beach access.
Nature exploration: The region offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature walks. "Saw a lot of wildlife and heard the sounds of loons in the AM and evening," shares Katherine O. about Top O' Morn Resort. Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and field guides to identify local birds and plants.
Tips from RVers
Water and utilities: Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) provides full hookup sites, which aren't universal in the region. "Full hookups and everything worked as expected. Site was gravel and a little un-level, but nothing extreme," reports Sam C. Another camper adds, "20/30/50A electric in back. Sewer located in back and had a non screw-on fitting. Water was located in back, but on door side."
Leveling requirements: Most campgrounds require some leveling for RVs. "I think all the sites will require quite a bit of leveling. The sites are small, this campground is best for tent campers or small campers," warns Ryan S. about Dalrymple Park. Bring leveling blocks even at developed campgrounds.
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds lack on-site dump stations. "There is not a dump station, only a spot near the bathroom that you can pull up to dump, but then you have to back out of it," notes Jim M. about Frontier RV Park. Some RVers report using facilities at nearby state parks or the Red Cliff casino for a small fee.
