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The best camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Apostle Islands adventure.

The best camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Apostle Islands adventure.

Camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

100% (10 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Apostle Islands adventure.

Shipwrecks, sea caves, and sandy beaches provide a spectacular setting for an island camping experience.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

99%
(35)

Twisting Twig Gardens and Orchard

3 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Bayfield, WI
My husband Rob and I own a 40 acre property approximately 10 miles from Bayfield, Wi. We have a micro organic farm with hundreds of wild apple trees and believe in leaving the land better than we found it. Rob loves permaculture, managing soils, pruning apple trees and feeding his community nutrient dense food. I work as a hospice nurse and help out on the farm when I am able and we have 2 boys, Arlo and Owen. We keep busy! We offer 3 rustic rentals onsite, but each is very private and secluded. Consider all 3 for a larger gathering! We look forward to hosting you for a farm visit.
from 
$95
 / night
97%
(94)

Sanctuary at Little Sand

3 sites ¡ Lodging123 acres ¡ Bayfield, WI
Sanctuary at Little Sand is part of Shaner Farms North. We acquired this property from a logging company in 2016 with the goal to have a wedding with a camping experience. We developed the property to provide an eco-friendly rustic camping venue for our wedding the summer of 2015 and now we would like to share the amazing views and serenity of this place with fellow nature lovers. Escape the city and experience the tranquility of nature. Sanctuary at Little Sand enables you to disconnect from things (no cell signal or WIFI available) and reconnect with people and the environment. Try a slice of glamping life in our 12 x 14 Safari tent. Ideal for couples, families and special events. Our eco-friendly camping experience gives you the opportunity to experience nature without roughing it. Our eco-glamping tents are set up for simple and fresh comfort with real mattresses, cotton linens and minimal furniture; however at the end of the day, this is still the Northwoods there are mosquitoes and wood ticks (depending on the season). This may not be for everyone, as there are coyotes that howl at sunset, owls that hoot, flying squirrels, a couple of palliated woodpeckers that stay busy, deer, our resident porcupine that likes to roam around the property, the millions of stars and no major modern facilities. We provide a composting toilet and a solar camping shower, basics for cooking over the fire or a camping stove (bring your own fuel). Camping with us means no electricity or running water (we provide drinking water), so come prepared. We are 2 miles from the beach at Little Sand Bay, 10 minutes from Meyers Beach and the Caves and 15 minutes away from the town of Bayfield with dining and entertainment opportunities.
from 
$95
 / night
96%
(14)

Sailor Springs Glamping

9 sites ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Bayfield, WI
Experience upscale camping–Glamping in the Forested Hills of Lake Superior. Sailor Springs is a small three-site campground located just two miles outside of the picturesque tourist town of Bayfield, WI. 2023 will be our first year of operation and we’re excited to host campers on the property and provide a unique camping experience. The campground is spread out over 5 acres of forest that you’ll hike into from Bresette Hill Road. After parking at the trailhead, you’ll gather your bags and hike into your glamping site. The trail winds through the woods, leading you first to a valley where the seasonal Clark Creek runs through in the spring. The first two campsites are on the other side of this valley. The trail can be steep in spots and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility to reach the secluded campsites. The third site is a bit farther into the forest, the little A-frame cabin, Anchor sits on the edge of the spring-fed Brickyard Creek that flows year-round. We have many plans for the property and depending on when you stay, the campground will be in various stages of development. The campsites, trailhead / parking area, and trails are scheduled to be completed in early spring. We hope to add amenities such as a camp sauna and screened-in gazebo later in the 2024 summer / fall. Thank you for considering joining us on this journey to build a peaceful place to play and stay in the woods. “In every walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
from 
$110
 / night
98%
(297)

Bad River Wilderness

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents60 acres ¡ Mellen, WI
On the upper Bad River, I have a special location that I'd like to share for others to enjoy. I was fortunate to acquire this land 20 years ago and now that I have retired from the United States Air Force, I can dedicate time to create peaceful campsites along the river. This land was originally railroad property as the railroad companies bought much land in the late 1800's to have options to place their railroads. There is still a railroad track nearby but it has been abandoned since 2015 and it makes a nice hiking path along the river for many miles to the north. There are 3 waterfalls nearby and I will have a map at the campsite to find these.
from 
$20
 / night

'Old World' Farm By Lake Superior

1 site ¡ Lodging130 acres ¡ Bayfield, WI
Nestled near the breathtaking Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, our slice of paradise offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by the wonders of nature. Just a stone's throw away lies a stunning beach, where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior beckon you to swim, relax, or simply soak in the sun. Step outside your door and embark on a journey through our private, groomed trails, each winding path leading you deeper into the heart of the forest. With every step, you'll discover the beauty of the natural world, from towering trees to lush undergrowth teeming with life. As you wander, you may encounter our farm-friendly animals, each one a beloved member of our community. From gentle horses overlooking rolling pastures to playful sled dogs ready for adventure in the winter months, our furry friends are sure to bring joy to your heart. In the winter, experience the thrill of a sled dog run, gliding through snow-covered trails with the wind in your hair and the beauty of the winter landscape stretching out before you. When you're ready to explore further afield, the town is just a short drive away, offering a wealth of attractions and amenities to enjoy. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a quiet moment of reflection, our natural and old-world paradise has something for everyone. Come and discover the magic for yourself.
from 
$70
 / night
92%
(6)

Gichi-Gami Christmas Tree Farm

3 sites ¡ Tents29 acres ¡ Ashland, WI
We own a 39 acre property on the east side of Ashland, WI. There are three primitive/walk in (no water available, no facilities, no tables) campsites available and a couple of trails. More trails to come. Enjoy the night sky as many, many stars are visible. The property is mostly wooded and can be wet in spots during the spring. You are allowed walk the site off trail at your own risk. Please park your vehicle as close to one side of the driveway as possible as not to block the driveway so if needed the tower company has access to the tower. Please do not walk in the cleared area near the front of the property to the right of driveway/access road, as this area has been planted with Christmas tree saplings. There is a dedicated campfire square in the site. Please do not burn outside of this area. There is plenty of dead and down firewood to collect in the nearby woods – some may need to cut to size. There are no garbage cans on site, so please pack out what you pack in. Hike to the sites: Campsite 1 – Near County Highway A – just past gate. Large enough for two 4 person tents Campsite 2 – From gate - .10 mile hike – large enough for a 4 person tent Campsite 3 – From gate - .13 mile hike – large enough for a 3 person tent What is nearby? Historic Town of Ashland The Ashland Waterfront Trail The Artesian Well Kiosk at Masalowski Beach in Ashland The Apostle Islands are 40 minutes/26 miles away Bad River Casino is 14 minutes/10 miles away Copper Falls State Park is 38 minutes/28 miles – hiking, Wisconsin State Park admission sticker/daily fee required Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge/Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is 13 minutes/7 miles away - hiking ABC Raceway (Stock Car racing) is 9 minutes/6 miles away Bayfield Ghost Walk is 36 minutes/25 miles away Beyond the Catch Guide Services (fishing charter) 32 minutes/23 miles away So that you are aware: Hipcamp will be adding a "service fee" (15-20%) when you complete the booking to cover their site management and other things. I don't get any of this service fee and they also take an additional 10% from the price I list to cover the $1 million in insurance for you.
from 
$15
 / night
88%
(16)

Stargazer On Superior

1 site ¡ Tent1 acre ¡ Port Wing, WI
We have two properties on the beautiful South Shore of Lake Superior in Port Wing, WI. At our lakefront property, we have 700' of shoreline and access to our private sand beach, perfect for swimming and bonfires! At our forest property, we have 68 acres of private trails weaving through the woods. Over the next few years, we'll be building more sites throughout our property to offer private, secluded lodging in a natural setting. The South Shore offers a bounty of activities and is much less crowded than the North Shore. Nearby, there are hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing, kayaking, paddling, ATV trails, and much more. Port Wing is halfway between Duluth/Superior and Bayfield, so it's the perfect spot to stay and visit all the South Shore sights!
from 
$75
 / night
100%
(3)

Awasishkode Rustic Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging6 acres ¡ Bayfield, WI
This rustic cabin is a great alternative to tent camping. Located on the Red Cliff reservation, 1/2 mile from Little Sand Bay Campground where you can swim, launch a boat, rock hunt, fish, shower and more! It is an easy, 10 minute trip into town but also far enough away to have some peace and relaxation to disconnect for awhile. All while taking in a magnificent view of the stars!
from 
$150
 / night
99%
(115)

Superior Beach Camp

2 sites ¡ Tents15 acres ¡ South Range, WI
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty of 15 private wooded acres abutting an endless sand beach on the world’s greatest lake. We have a beautiful, private and spacious site which we call Agate that you have all to yourself. The site is situated on an 80' bluff overlooking Lake Superior, with lake views and surrounded by birch and aspen trees. A path within your campsite gives you access to a sandy beach on Lake Superior. Superior Beach Camp is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Or, if you choose, stay put and have a beach day! Set up your chair in the sand (or up above at the overlook) and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 10 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the city’s amazing tap room and cocktail scene – only a 20-25 minute drive away. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp? (ask about our fishing guide!) Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). The options are plentiful year round. Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Please note this is a new offering and primitive in nature as we begin our journey to share this special place with others. Please treat this as your own and remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can be greeted by the pristine beauty of Superior Beach Camp.
from 
$69
 / night
Booked 1 time

Cedarwood Hideaway

1 site ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ Two Harbors, MN
This property is nestled in beautiful mixed forest five miles inland from Lake Superior. It includes an off-grid cabin that sleeps 4. There is propane heat and cooking stove/oven, as well as limited solar produced electricity. A wood stove provides additional heat and ambiance. An outdoor fire pit and gas grill (and charcoal grill) are other cooking options. A short trail leads to a vault privy and outdoor games and night sky lounge chairs are available in the shed. Hike the groomed trails on-site, hop on the nearby Superior Hiking Trail or head up to one of the North Shore State Parks. All dishes, cooking supplies and bed linens are provided. Showers are available at the public campground in summer ($5) or Bodies in Balance ($15) in the winter.
from 
$129
 / night
100%
(1)

Off-Grid Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Duluth, MN
A unique, octagon, cedar log cabin, situated on 40 secluded wooded acres. A short hike over the Sucker River on a storybook foot bridge to a generous deck which surrounds the cabin. You will need to be very physically fit to stay here. You must climb a steep ladder to the loft and do a 2ft step to get off the deck to the marshy land below. The cabin has a main room which holds two sofas and an indoor fireplace. There are games, books, binoculars and a telescope available for guest use. To access the sleeping loft, climb a ladder. The sleeping loft holds a Sleep Number bed. Guests are welcome to use any spices, pantry items and cookware that are in the kitchen. There is no running water in the kitchen or bath. There may be well water in the blue/green jerry cans . You could use that for the sauna or washing dishes. Guests need to bring their own potable water. We recommend 1 gallon of water per person each day spent at the cabin. We do usually have a small amount of water in water cooler containers which is from the local grocery, filtered water for you to use in a pinch if needed. ***the sauna DOES NOT get above 120 degrees in the winter, you’re welcome to try a winter sauna, but it’s will not be very hot at all**** ***no running water*** ***no shower, there is a sauna for a sauna bath*** ***do not book this cabin if you need to charge any medical equipment*** ***do not book this cabin if you can not do a 2ft step on and off the deck of the cabin to get down to the ground to build a sauna fire or bonfire. The land is a marsh and it shifts with the season so there are not steps secured to the deck****
from 
$110
 / night
Booked 1 time

Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

3 sites ¡ Tents600 acres ¡ South Range, WI
At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.
from 
$25
 / night

The best camping near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore guide

Overview

About

If kayaking around deserted beaches, rocky coves, and forested cliffs sounds like your kind of adventure, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore checks all the boxes. Rent a boat or kayak to explore the 21 islands that speckle the southwest shore of Lake Superior, paddle by rust-red cliffs, sea caves, and 19th-century lighthouses, or head ashore to hike along forest trails or pitch your tent at secluded, boat-in campsites. Sixteen of the islands offer camping,  including Stockton Island, Devils Island, and Rocky Island. Don’t fancy getting on the water? The lakeshore also has 12 miles of trails and two mainland campsites.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for landlubbers: Sand Point Campsite has one hike-in or paddle-in tent-only site with a picnic table, fire ring, and stump privy.
  • Best for first-timers: Sand Island Campsite has individual and group tent sites within a short paddling distance of the mainland.
  • Best for hikers: Oak Island Campsite has individual, group, and primitive camping, with easy access to the island’s forest trails.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Camping permits are required for all national seashore campsites and must be reserved in advance. 
  2. You can purchase permits for individual campsites up to 30 days in advance and group sites up to 12 months in advance. Permits should be purchased at least five days prior to travel; last-minute reservations are possible by calling the park directly.
  3. You can reserve the park’s campsites via the Recreation.gov website.

When to go

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is open year-round, but most campers come between June and August to make the most of the summer weather. Winter weather can be extreme, and access to the islands is often restricted. However, it is usually possible to explore the mainland area, and the seasonal ice caves are a big draw. Whenever you visit, it’s essential to check the current conditions, as unexpected weather can hamper travel plans even in summer.

Know before you go

  • The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is set along Lake Superior at the northern tip of Wisconsin. The islands can only be reached by boat or kayak, with boat launches along the mainland at Little Sand Bay and Meyers Beach. Sightseeing cruises, boat charters, and water taxis are also available. 
  • It is free to visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, but camping, parking, and boat docking fees apply. Sleeping overnight in your own vessel on the islands is allowed (docking fees apply), but overnight anchoring in the park (away from the public docks) is free of charge.
  • There are no drive-in campsites on the islands, and amenities are limited to vault toilets, picnic benches, and fire rings. Only a few campsites have potable water, so you should bring your own supply. Primitive campsites have no amenities, and you must be 100% self-sufficient. Cell phone service is limited throughout the park.
  • Black bears are found on all of the Apostle Islands, so follow bear safety procedures, and store all food, garbage, and cooking materials in the bear-proof lockers provided at the campsites (primitive campers should hang food and garbage from a tree at least 12 feet from the ground and six feet from the trunk).
  • There are accessible campsites and vault toilets on Stockton Island and Sand Island. The Sand Island-East Bay hiking trail is also accessible.

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