Camping in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.