Established Camping
Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping
About
Overview
**Camping within Apostle Island National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping. There is no car or RV camping within the park. All campsites within the national lakeshore must be reached by boat or sea kayak, except for the Mainland 1, 2, and 3 campsites, which can be accessed by kayak or by hiking in only.** __ Mainland camping for car & RV camping: There are a variety of state parks and private campgrounds with facilities for car and RV camping in the Bayfield area on the mainland and on Madeline Island. Visit the park's Camping in the Apostles web page and scroll to the "Local Area Camping" section. Madeline Island is not part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Madeline Island Ferry is a car & passenger ferry service to transport visitors to the island.________ Camping within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: The Apostle Islands offer a unique camping experience. There are many campsites within the park, and each have their own unique characteristics to them. There are 57 individual campsites, 9 group campsites, and 17 primitive camping zones.______ NOTE: Visitors who choose to visit the islands and sleep in their personal self-contained vessel do not need a camping reservation. Public docks are available first-come, first-serve on 12 of the islands. You'll pay the overnight docking fee upon arrival. Be sure to download the Recreation.gov mobile app on your mobile device before you visit so that you can complete payment for overnight docking using scan & pay upon arrival.__ Advance reservations for camping permits are required___for camping in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Each camping permit may cover up to 14 consecutive nights.__Permit holders can not have consecutive night stays. Permit holders can only have one reservation for the same nights of camping. Permit holders are responsible for any damages. Camping permits are non-transferable. Individual campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-7 people. Most sites are equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are recommended for first-time primitive campers. It will give a sense of backcountry camping with the pleasantries of the amenities. They are a good way to work up to the primitive zone camping. These sites are $15 per night. Reservations can be made starting 30 days from the start of a trip.______ Group campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 8-21 people. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are great for large families or get-togethers with friends. These sites are $30 per night. These sites can be reserved in March every year during the Group Camping Lottery and remaining sites will open after the lottery is completed.______ Primitive zone camping: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-5 people. These sites are for the truly hardcore backpackers. Primitive zone camping is not a specific site but provides the option of choosing a backcountry area to camp. This type of camping experience has NO amenities. There are specific guidelines on where to camp for this type of experience. Consult the Primitive Zone camping maps for potential landing sites and available areas.____ The following areas are closed to primitive zone camping:__ Areas excluded from primitive camping zones and closed to camping to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources.__ Area posted as closed to protect bird nesting areas and threatened or endangered species.__ Areas in view of any designated trail.__ Areas within 1/4 mile of any building, historic structure, individual or group campsite, or another camping party.__ Areas within 100 feet of a flowing stream.__ Private land or lease holdings.__ For more information or questions about your itinerary, call park staff at (715) 779-3398 extension 2, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily from Memorial Day through September or Monday to Friday from October through Memorial Day.____
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (715) 779-3398.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations made prior to the reservation start date will be given a 50% refund of the use fees. Changes to the reservation will be charged a $15.00 change fee.There is a $10 reservation fee for each permit made. The $10 reservation fee is non-refundable.
Location
Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping is located in Wisconsin
Directions
**Camping within Apostle Island National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping. There is no car or RV camping within the park and no campsites that you can drive to. All campsites within the national lakeshore must be reached by boat or sea kayak, except for the Mainland 1, 2, and 3 campsites, which can be accessed by kayak or hiking in only.**____ Mainland camping for car & RV camping: There are a variety of state parks and private campgrounds with facilities for car and RV camping in the Bayfield area on the mainland and on Madeline Island. Madeline Island is not part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Madeline Island Ferry is a car & passenger ferry service to transport visitors to the island.________
Address
415 Washington Ave
Bayfield, WI 54814
Coordinates
46.9416667 N
90.9691667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Great vibe!
What a great vibe at this campground. The side we were on had sites on a hill, but each site is pull-thru and very level. There’s enough spacing to make each site feel private. The swimming pond is a nice touch. It’s our first time here, but we’re already planning a return trip next spring.
Very big rig friendly with all the amenities
We liked the easy drive through sites with full hookup. The campsites were tiered into the hill. This helped sound proof the campsites. There was a large group a few sites down from us that we didn't hear until we walked past their site. Some sites also had a view overlooking the pond and Lake Superior. We could see the full moon reflecting off of Lake Superior. Our site did not have this view but we saw it on a walk in the campground. The unique looking cabins were on the pond and looked to be very convenient for families with children who want to be in the water most of the time. We loved all the amenities of Water, Sewer, Electric and WiFi. We loved the close access to Bayfield and the water excursions we took from Bayfield. One of the highlights for our group was the excellent golf course close to the campground. I gave my review a 4 star because the day we were leaving the campsites lost water pressure and had no water to get ready to leave. I believe the owners will be addressing this problem. They were working on it while we were there.
Feels Way Too Fake
To start, I’m not a fan of this type of campground. It’s all too chiseled out of a hillside with a fake pond. Looks nice but not my thing. Sites and tables slope.
Cool
The camp ground at our location was new. They are expanding. The facilities are Brand new. There are two side to this CG. We were in the newer area of the CG. Our site is located on the side of the hill and very level. The only thing at that one site is the spacing to accommodate having your camp fire. It was a little close to your neighbor. Not enough space to have full camp chairs around. That one site (79) I would say best for just passing through. The other site are pretty good. Other than that, the owners are awesome!!! Easy to talk with and chat. Great people! I will say great place my kids loved it… and I will go back again.
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Great location
Campground is close to Bayfield easy bike ride. Nice camp store with ice cream. Smaller camp sites. Full hookups. Play area. Apostle islands and shore line is awesome. Reason for 3 stars is campground was loud with people/kids and vehicles.
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Average
Trees could be trimmed around some of the sites. Restrooms and showers were clean.
Great woodsy location close to town
Loved this location. 1.5 miles out of Bayfield, yet great outdoorsy feel with decent privacy. Can bike to the brewery or wineries and bike to town. Common area great for corn hole and a meager playground for the kids. Also super close to the gourmet garage bakery. Yum.
Great Location and Nice Staff
This is a private campground that fills up quick. It is 1 mile from Bayfield town center. It is close to the ferry dock, restaurants, parks and beaches. All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well. The office/store is very clean and stocked with things you may need. 8 flavor ice creams on site! There is a dump station and picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There is free wi-fi and a shower house, bathrooms and laundry.
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Pleasantly surprised!
When we first pulled into the campground, we were somewhat concerned - everyone seemed to be parked on top of each other but after we backed in & got settled in, we were pleasantly surprised. The sites are spacious. We were along the wood side and had a lot of space to roam & it felt private. There is nice soft sand for you to walk on, a nice clean camping area, picnic table, full hookups and a campfire ring. The neighbors to the north of us were very friendly & the campground was relatively quiet. We would stay here again.
Great hosts and location
The couple that runs the campground is the nicest couple and helpful. We travel in a sprinter van and we were able to stay in the “tent” area as we booked late. The other campsite areas were for larger rigs. We actually preferred the tent area as the sites seemed and little more dispersed. The campground was completely full, but each camping area has quite a few trees surrounding to make the campgrounds seem smaller. There is ice and wood available for purchase. There is also a nice playground. The location is great and we rode our bikes into town to take the ferry over to the island for the day. There is also a sporting good store just down the hill if you need to buy or rent equipment.
Really enjoyed our stay!
Very clean, delightful owners. An easy bike ride to town and great restaurants. Sites aren’t huge but staggered enough and many along the woods that offer a nice setting for campfires. It was a refreshingly quiet spot to stay. Definitely will stay again and recommend to others. Lots of beauty in the area to take in.
Nice campground
Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground.
Best spot to explore the Apostle islands
This is the best base camp for exploring the Apostle islands. It’s about a mile from Bayfield. There is bike rental at Howl bike shop which is walking distance. Howl also has a brewery with outside seating. The camp ground itself is quiet and clean. We didn’t go in the bathrooms or use the washers due to Covid. Owners are very accommodating.
Convenient for Bayfield Events
This is a private campground located a few miles south of Bayfield. It is oriented towards RV camping but also has tent sites. It is very family friendly with play areas, small store with necessities and snacks. It would be particularly good for families or groups of events who are attending summer events (lectures, concerts, workshops) at the nearby Chatauqua Event grounds; in fact, the campground has a designated Chatauqua shuttle stop stop so you dont have to deal with traffic and parking. It is convenient to the town of Bayfield too, so you could easily do a variety if day trips in the area. The RV campsite loop is a bit open with only small trees and not much privacy between, but many RV campers like that for socializing and interacting with neighbors. There is a quieter shady loop towards the back of the campground that tent campers and others who want more peace and quiet might prefer. Note: you should call ahead to make reservations as spots fill quickly especially in Chatauqua season. More importantly, note that the entrance and office close by 6pm and NO ONE who is not already registered is allowed in, no late arrivals!
- (10) View All
Picture perfect.
My husband and I stayed at the only shoreline campsite one October. There is a nice privy, bear box, fire pit and picnic table. The hike was a bit more challenging with a lot of up-and-down hills. There were a few times we had to hop a steam on the downswing of a hill while hiking to the campsite. The beginning of the hike is beautiful with views that are worth seeing and the more challenging hike comes after the beautiful views. It would be a great day hike if you were not feeling like camping or hiking the hills.
- (7) View All
Kayaking the Apostle Islands
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. Most of the islands have trails, beaches. Lighthouses can be found on Sand Island and Raspberry Island. The Lucerne shipwreck is just off Long Island.
Amazing place to kayak but you do have to do your research if you aren’t using a kayak guide. A great place to get more information is: National Park Service Website. I recommend using a sea kayak in these waters.
Perfect destination to camp by kayak
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. Bathrooms and picnic tables were at most camp sites, some camp sites were very desolate and rustic. No running water on some islands.
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Bears, Bears, Bears
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.
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Kayak
Went kayaking out here and the caves are awesome!!!! So much fun and lucked out having a nice still day!!!
Beauty & Bugs
Bring bug spray (or better yet, the Canadian-made Original Bug Shirt Elite Edition) if you plan to camp in the spring/summer months! These beautiful little islands are well-guarded by these blood sucking creatures, especially if the island in which you are camping has any inland ponds or lakes where they will breed/hatch (such as Sand Island). While mosquitoes are typically crepuscular creatures, these don’t wear a watch…they are out all day every day. We stayed on Sand Island, York Island, and visited the beautiful historic lighthouse on Raspberry Island during a 4-day kayaking adventure.
The backcountry camping areas are nice, but not much to speak of other than a place to pitch your tent -- though the islands, views of Lake Superior, paddling/sailing/fishing options, and sunrises and sunsets are truly to die for! Each camping area has a fire ring, bear boxes, a pit toilet, and some of the larger islands have picnic tables. Some islands have small docks, while others are anchor only if you are in a larger boat. All of the beaches can accommodate multiple kayaks if you are with a larger group. Coin operated showers are available at the campground by the Little Sand Bay visitor’s center.
Even though you are only a few miles from the mainland, the small number of people/tourists make this place feel very remote and secluded. Safety Note: Bring a chart of the islands for navigation purposes, make sure your paddling skills match the weather conditions as the lake can go from sheer glass to 6 foot waves in an afternoon, and bring a marine radio.
There are camping areas on 19 of the 21 islands in the park. $15 per night plus a $10 registration fee. You can register for backcountry sites online.
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Sand Island
Camped on Sand Island. Kayaked to the island and the next day got to explore the sea caves on the island. There was a nice walking path to the lighthouse, which we were lucky enough to tour!
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Beautiful is an understatement
This place is absolutely beautiful. The camping areas seemed clean and we'll taken care of, we were in a site without trash cans, so we made sure to "pack in, pack out" but this place had soany beautiful rock structures Ali g the lake, and it is fun to bring the canoe or kayak during the summer months, but also adventure around during the winter months as well to see the ice buildup on the cliffs and rocks! I just can't get over how beautiful this place is