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 National Lakeshore 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 National Lakeshore 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 National Lakeshore adventure.

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

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Top-rated campgrounds near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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(3)

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****
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$88
 / night
98%
(430)

Bad River Wilderness

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Mellen, WI
Update: This property was just awarded 2nd place for 2024 as the 2nd best Hipcamp in Wisconsin out of 252 Hipcamp's based on reviews and ratings! Thank you to all who have enjoyed this amazing property and provided a review or rating!!! 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 many signs leading to the waterfalls. There are 4 total campsites on the property, 1 site you can drive to (Eagle Pines), and 3 tent sites that require 1/8 mile hike to 2 sites, and a 1/4 mile hike to the other hike-in site.
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$20
 / night
98%
(162)

Superior Beach Camp

2 sites · Tents10 acres · South Range, WI
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand 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 – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. 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. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. 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). 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. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
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$55.20
 / night
100%
(1)

Eagle's Perch

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · La Pointe, WI
Secluded island paradise located on lovely Madeline Island with 300 feet of lakeshore and stunning views of the coveted North Channel. Seven of the 22 Apostle Islands are visible on a clear day and not one electric light is visible from the property at night. Enjoy dramatic morning fog while you sip your morning coffee, frequent sailboat regattas during the day, and stunning double sunsets as they reflect across over 5 miles of open water. (ps. this reflective effect is also in play for the northern lights if you're lucky) Amenities: ZERO! (well, other than two fire pits and propane grill) Expect a nicely mowed lawn with space for up to 8 tents located right on top of a 100 foot cliff leading straight down to lake superior. If needed, showers, bathrooms, etc. are located 1.2 miles away at Big Bay Town Park. (no entry fee required) There you can also find the best beach on the island and canoes for rent if you'd like to explore the massive lagoon behind it chalk full of fish. Pack, pack out. Enjoy!
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$25
 / night
100%
(10)

Rockhound Hideaway on Black River

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Bessemer, MI
An outdoor enthusiasts dream awaits at Rockhound Hideaway, with opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, boating and everything in between. The property is situated on a two acre lot with three other rentals on the edge of the Ottawa National Forest, with my full time residence just a few doors away. Rockhound Hideaway is a short walk to Black River Harbor and Lake Superior, the North Country Trail, the scenic and wild Black River, and so many great outdoor adventures. The Black River is accessible from the property for those adventurous enough for a steep walk down the back of the property, or accessible from one of five parking areas along the stretch of road surrounding the property. Lake Superior is located 1 mile north up the road. Perfect for adventure seekers looking for a comfortable place to lay their head after a day exploring hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing, snowshoeing, and all the natural beauty the Ottawa National Forest has to offer. The property offers guests private space at each site, each site with its own charcoal grill, BYO charcoal, hammock, and fire ring. I provide 1 bundle of firewood per visit and more firewood is available at the common area for $5 per bundle. The restrooms for the property is a two stall outhouse for all guests to share located next to the common, which features a roofed sun room with picnic table, lounging area and fire pit. The common area, Kitchigami Commons is there for all guests to enjoy the outdoors in a different setting or enjoy the outdoors when it's raining. It has a fire pit, playing cards, yard games and two lake tubes for guests to take out and enjoy on the lake. This is also where I keep extra firewood and extra drinking water when the temps are above freezing. Please help yourself to the lake tubes, just return them to the Commons when you are done. There is a path from each site to the common area and outhouse. Kitchigami Commons is also where we cook down sap and turn it into maple syrup during the spring time maple season. I am still making improvements to the Commons to provide a more enjoyable shared space, but you are welcome to use it, explore it and access the floaties and games. Please just be aware I may be present there and actively working on improvements, though I keep anything loud limited to when guests aren't present.
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$65
 / night

Chanterelle Woods Preserve

3 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Bayfield, WI
This property is adjacent to a wilderness area (Pikes Creek) and had been our organic farm for decades. It is pristine, wild and beautiful. We currently have 3 camping sites: a lodge tent for up to 4, a 2-person A-frame tent with cots, and a dry cabin. Both the lodge tent and A-frame tent share a privacy shelter with toilet and shower. They are approximately 50 feet away from each other. You would drive to both sites and park in a designated parking within a short walk from them. The dry cabin is more isolated from the other two and has its own shower and compostable toilet. All three sites are completely off grid. The Chanterelle Woods Preserve has a mix of trees, flora, fauna and wild mushrooms, hence the name "Chanterelle Woods." We ran an organic farm here for decades. When we were farming, we had "woofers" (an international organization of volunteers) who stayed in tents and a camper while here. It was a life changing experience for them....Now we would like to offer this opportunity to "rustic campers." Whether you want to stay exclusively on the land and relax or explore the surrounding area, there is a little something for everyone. We are 3 miles from the city of Bayfield, Wisconsin, which is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We are close to all diverse recreational pursuits: biking, hiking, kayaking and golfing. In case you forgot any outdoor or camping gear, there is Howl Adventure Center, one mile from us, that also has a cidery and a small bar with a food/taco truck and outdoor seating. The Big Top Chautauqua on Mt. Ashwabay hosts all kinds of music, art, and cultural events all summer long. Our property is directly across from Mt. Ashwabay, separated by the Pikes Creek wilderness area offering beautiful mountain biking and fat biking trails. Closer to town, there are quaint local shops and art galleries where you can peruse beautiful pottery, fine jewelry and original paintings made by local artists. Stop by one of the many fine restaurants in town for a taste the best fish dishes freshly caught from the Lake.
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$75
 / night
Booked 2 times

Eagle Ridge Basecamp

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Ashland, WI
Welcome to our Adventure Base Camp in exciting Bayfield County, WI! My wife and I purchased this little piece of paradise close to every outdoor adventure imaginable, so we and our kids have a place to stay while we get out and play! Our shed cabin is completely off grid, so those looking to get away from it all without being far from it all have found the right place! We are conveniently tucked back in the woods on about 8 acres just off U.S Hwy 2 close to Iron River, Brule, Ashland and Chequamegon Bay, Mt. Ashwabay, Cable and many lakes, falls and beaches. At the shed cabin, you will find a large deck off the back with a picnic table, a small bedroom with 2 beds, a loft and a futon in the living space. We have a propane powered heater, mini fridge and stove. We have a drop down table and chairs. The cabin is completely wired up for use with our solar generator or if you have one of your own, it can be plugged right into the cabin using the generator cord. Power is limited as winter draws near so plan ahead. We have 5 gallon water jugs that can be filled in Ashland at the Maslowski Beach Artesian Well. There is no Wi-fi, but we are close enough to U.S. Hwy 2 and Ashland, so we get cell service. There is a fire pit for your use and a picnic table near it. For those bikers, we have a bike stand that can be placed on the ground for convenient storage while you are here. We have a solar lit out house with a composting toilet. Instructions are posted in the outhouse for use and maintenance of the toilet. Please be respectful and use as directed. We still frequent the shed cabin ourselves. We do not have a cleaning service this keeps costs low for everyone. Please be respectful and kind so we can feel good about sharing this space with all guests to enjoy all the amazing things this area of the world has to offer.
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$100
 / night
96%
(35)

Farm Stay Glamping Site

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Mason, WI
Learn more about this land:The Farm Stay Glamping Site was originally my very first greenhouse. As our farmstead has grown, and evolved into a full fledged sheep farm and soon to be market garden, there was an idea to make it into something that we could share the beauty of our homestead with others. As spring breaks through, and the campsite opens, up we have new lambs arriving daily. Baby chicks are hurrying every which way, and the flowers start to emerge. It's a beautiful time of year to visit the farm and enjoy the new beginnings. As summer comes around, our new lambs move to a pasture that you can overlook from the campsite. The glamping site is located on the back side of our yard with a fruit orchard separating our main home from the site. The site has a queen bed, and also has room for an additional tent to be placed in the yard (which is relatively flat), or on the 12'x18' wooden deck. We are 15 minutes from Ashland & 30 minutes from Bayfield with numerous entertainment and dining options. 10 - 15 minutes from numerous beaches along Lake Superior's shore.
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$100
 / 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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