The Port Wing area offers visitors a mix of Lake Superior shoreline and inland camping options within the Chequamegon National Forest. Summer temperatures range from 60-75°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall can bring substantial temperature drops and precipitation. Sites near Port Wing provide direct access to both wooded settings and waterfront locations with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Kayaking adventures: Explore the 21-island Apostle Islands archipelago with guided tours to sea caves and historic lighthouses. According to a visitor at Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in local rivers and lakes for trout and other species. One visitor to Boise Brule Campground noted, "About 22 sites, or so, right on a bend of the Brule River. A Beautiful trout stream with canoeing and kayaking popular sports. Rentals about 1 mi. away in Brule with reasonable prices. Fishing off the pier."
Wildlife observation: Watch for native animals during your stay. One camper at Brule River State Forest shared, "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."
Hiking trails: Explore the surrounding forests on well-maintained paths. A visitor to Wanoka Lake Campground commented, "Typical USFS campground in the Chequamegon NF. First come first served, self pay, no host, very green and lush and private sites."
What campers like
Quiet environment: Many glamping sites near Port Wing provide secluded settings away from crowded areas. A reviewer at Apostle Islands Area Campground noted, "Location is great if you're looking to do some exploring. Was very quiet even though it was close to Labor Day weekend, and for the size of the campground."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. One visitor wrote, "Well maintained and clean campground. The bathroom are spotless. Sites are big and well maintained. We camped in site 64. Would definitely recommend this campground if in the area!"
Ferry access: Proximity to ferry services allows for island exploration. A camper mentioned, "Great area near all there is to do in Bayfield," while another recommended "taking the ferry to Madeline Island."
Affordability: Budget-conscious glampers can find reasonably priced options. At Anchor Inn, one visitor noted, "WiFi wasn't perfect, but worked well most of the time. I wasn't expecting Verizon coverage, but I got 1-3 bars, and was able to use my hotspot most of the time. It is less than a mile to Lake Michigan."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most luxury canvas accommodations and glamping sites book quickly. A visitor to Spirit Mountain Campground advised, "We had so much fun staying at Spirit Mountain, visiting Duluth and Gooseberry Falls. The campgrounds were very private due to tree cover but it rained every night and never dried out because of the tree cover so it's a plus and a minus."
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature steep terrain. One camper at Apostle Islands Area Campground noted, "Park is located on the side of a hill—Spots are small but level, roads are all at a slope. Not a great campground for kiddos to ride their bikes, and not super fun to walk uphill in every direction."
Wildlife precautions: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor mentioned, "We had a wonderful weekend there and saw a few black bears. And one even meandered through our camp site."
Insect activity: Ticks and mosquitoes can be prevalent in wooded areas. A camper at Boise Brule Campground cautioned, "Solid hiking trail and good campsites. The campsites have adequate space and decent amenities. The biggest issue however was ticks. Been an outdoor person my whole life and more ticks than I've ever seen before. Pulling 10 or more off an hour..."
Tips for camping with families
Mini-golf activities: Some glamping sites offer additional entertainment options. A visitor at Apostle Islands Area Campground mentioned, "The campground also charges you $5-7 per person to play mini-golf… which is odd, since it is advertised as a campground amenity on the website."
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with swimming access. A camper at Jay Cooke State Park Campground shared, "Should you find yourself heading to the north shore, take a break and hit the trails of Jay Cooke. A variety of trails awaits you. If you have more time, then reserve a campsite and explore the many wonders of this area."
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites with adequate separation from neighbors. One visitor noted, "Nice hiking trails. Not too difficult. Family friendly."
Weather preparedness: Be ready for rapid weather changes, especially near Lake Superior. A camper advised, "It was pretty buggy and ticks were bad, but that's to be expected. Bog/marsh was beautiful with some wildlife and was generally a very pleasant place to camp."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Check for specific utility connections when booking glamping sites near Port Wing. A visitor to Apostle Islands Area Campground stated, "Very clean, good for all sort of rigs and hookup needs. Very friendly and caring hosts. Close to town. Very reasonable. Quiet. Well be back. This is a great area to go to so much to see and do."
Level site importance: Look for level camping spots, especially for larger rigs. One RVer noted, "Some sites are pull through. A few are level, but most would be difficult for us to get level enough to be comfortable."
Seasonal considerations: Most upscale glamping locations operate from May through October. A camper at Penmarallter Campsite reported, "The campground owner/hosts were very friendly and helpful during our five night stay. Two Harbors is a good provisioning and jumping off point for exploring the North Shore area south of Grand Marais."
Road conditions: Be aware of access road limitations. One RVer noted, "Roads are narrow and the low hanging branches scraped along the top and sides of our rig, but no damage."
