Best Campgrounds near Washburn, WI
Northern Wisconsin's Washburn area features diverse camping options along Lake Superior's southern shore. Memorial Park Campground on the north side of Washburn offers both wooded and open meadow sites with lake access for kayakers, while West End Thompson City Park on the south side provides more open sites suitable for larger RVs. Within a short drive, campers can access the Apostle Islands area with options ranging from mainland sites at Dalrymple Park in Bayfield to island camping experiences on Madeline Island at Big Bay State Park. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with a few year-round exceptions.
Camping permits and reservations are typically required throughout the area, especially during the peak summer season. According to one camper, "This campground is more to my liking as it has all types of sites. There are open meadow sites as well as wooded tree sites." Weather conditions can change rapidly along Lake Superior, with spring bringing potential shoreline flooding and summer featuring occasional biting insects. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals typically available in sites closer to towns. Non-resident campers should note that Wisconsin state parks charge additional entrance fees beyond camping fees, which can increase costs substantially for out-of-state visitors.
Site characteristics vary widely across the region, with tent campers generally preferring the more wooded, secluded options. One reviewer noted that West End Thompson City Park is "not a really desirable location for tent camping. Few trees, small campsites, close together, no privacy." In contrast, nearby state parks like Copper Falls offer walk-in sites that provide more seclusion and natural settings. Lake access represents a major draw for many campgrounds, though boat ramps are limited. The camping season in the Apostle Islands area is particularly short, typically running from late June through Labor Day, as lake conditions become unpredictable in fall. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be prevalent in humid conditions, especially near water.
