Located just off the shore of Bayfield, Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore isn’t just known for its sea caves and sandstone formations – the area is also recognized for providing some of the best night sky viewing, far away from city lights.
With Apostle Islands camping available on 18 of the Apostle’s 21 islands, one on the mainland, and several in the Bayfield area, the national lakeshore is a dream for anyone looking to get in touch with nature by enjoying a night under the stars.
While the mainland campsite is only accessible by kayak or a 6-mile hike on the Lakeshore Trail from Meyers Beach, Apostle Islands Cruises offers convenient shuttle services to and from Stockton and Oak islands, two of the most popular to camp at. Be sure to reserve your campsite and get a permit before purchasing your Apostle Islands camping shuttle ticket.
Along with its rural charm, here’s why people keep coming back to camp in the Apostle Islands archipelago:
Beaches, Trails & Wildlife: Stockton Island Campsites
Stockton Island offers beautiful sunsets along with miles of hiking trails, a brownstone quarry site, and pristine beaches, which make for great photo opportunities. As you set up in the national lakeshore’s largest campground, you’ll be serenaded the calls of birds echoing through the trees. The island is home to diverse array of wildlife and ecosystems — from lush bogs and windswept dunes to tranquil lagoons and whispering pine forests. It also has the famed “singing sands” of Julian Bay, where the beach’s song can be heard with each footstep.
Stockton Island has 21 campsites and 2 group sites: each site has a picnic table, fire ring, food locker, and tent pads. The boat ride from the Bayfield City Dock to the island is just a short ride. Shuttles are available from June to September.
The Best View of the Apostle Islands: Oak Island Camping
Enjoy the serenity of Oak Island, the tallest of the Apostles. Rich in history, nineteenth-century land surveys note the location of a maple “sugar bush” on the island used by the Ojibwe. Its sandstone ledges, sandy beaches, and dramatic bluffs beckon exploration. Traverse 11.5 miles of hiking trails, take in panoramic views from the northern overlook, or simply relax on the sandy spit at the island’s southern tip.
There are 6 campsites on Oak Island, with 2 group sites. All have picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers. From June to September, campers depart Bayfield on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 2:15 p.m. Oak Island campers are dropped off and picked up on the shuttle’s way to Raspberry Island.
Check Out Madeline Island
Madeline Island is home to Big Bay State Park, where picturesque sandstone bluffs are found along four miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The park also has a one-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, and a 60-site campground. A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island is needed to reach the park. Reserve a camping spot online.
Looking for drive-up camping? Not to worry, here are two local favorites:
Apostle Islands Area Campground & RV Park
Sixty-three wooded and spacious sites with firepits and picnic tables are available at this campground and RV park. The dump station is free to use for guests and hookups for electric, water, and sewer are available.
Dalrymple Campground
Twenty-eight rustic tent and RV sites overlooking Lake Superior can be enjoyed at Dalrymple Campground. Consisting of heavily wooded private sites, Apostle Islands lookout points, electrical hookups, firewood, and more. All sites are first-come, first-served – no reservations allowed.
Please note: There is no drive-up camping available in the Apostle Islands. The islands are only accessible by sea kayak, motor boat, sailboat, shuttle service, or water taxi. Reservations and permits are required for all camping.
Don’t Wait to Plan Your Apostle Islands Camping Adventure
Be sure to make your arrangements ahead of time to visit the islands, as spaces fill up fast. When planning your trip, be sure to consider how you will get to the islands. Camping on both Stockton Island and Oak Island is best down with an Apostle Islands Cruise camping shuttle.