How much does camping cost at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Camping fees at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits are $15 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits first-come first-served or reservation?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits before I book?

Yes! Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits have?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Yes, pets are allowed at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Q: Can I have a campfire at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Fire policies at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits: RULES AND REGULATIONS Group Size: Individual campsites accommodate a maximum of seven people at one time. Children of any age count towards the total number. Group campsites accommodate parties of 8 to 21 people. Parties camping in designated camping zones are limited to a maximum of five people. Tents: Parties camping in individual campsites can have a maximum of three tents (including those used only to store gear). Parties using camping zones are limited to two tents. All tents must be locate. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

174 reviews

415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814

Top 5% in WISummer

CReport Card

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Official Website

Get Directions

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Campsite: $30.00; Individual Campsite: $15.00; Primitive Camping Zone: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

715-779-3397 EXT 2apis_camping@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814

Nearby places

Bayfield (0 miles), Washburn (~12 miles)

Weather at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Current alerts(1)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Trail conditions: Many of the trails may be not be maintained which can make route finding difficult. Booking Window : Reservations for individual campsites and primitive camping zones can be made 30 days prior to the start of a trip.

Best Time to Camp at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable weather for island camping — expect cool mornings in the 40s–50s°F and afternoons typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with brisk lake breezes. This is peak paddling, boating, and sea-cave exploration season when water shuttle services are operating, campsites are fully accessible, and trails are dry; wildlife viewing and late-evening light are excellent for photography. Expect higher visitation on summer weekends and July Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in WI

Summer is best season: reliable access, mildest temps and peak camping season (June–Sept).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits grant access to primitive island campsites scattered across 21 islands in Lake Superior, managed by the National Park Service. Campers reach sites by private boat, kayak, or seasonal water shuttle from Bayfield, setting up at backcountry spots with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The experience centers on paddling, hiking sandstone sea caves, and multi-day solitude in a freshwater archipelago.

The campground offers individual campsites, group sites, and primitive camping zones. Individual sites accommodate 1-7 people, group sites allow 8-21 people, and primitive zones are for 1-5 people. All camping is tent-only, with no car or RV camping permitted. Campsites are accessible only by boat or sea kayak, except for the Mainland 1 site, which can be reached by a six-mile hike.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, most comfortable weather for island camping — expect cool mornings in the 40s–50s°F and afternoons typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with brisk lake breezes. This is peak paddling, boating, and sea-cave exploration season when water shuttle services are operating, campsites are fully accessible, and trails are dry; wildlife viewing and late-evening light are excellent for photography. Expect higher visitation on summer weekends and July Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February

Elevation768 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBillion-year-old sandstone cliffs tower above Lake Superior's shoreline, carved into sea caves that draw kayakers through glowing rock passages. Wind-sculpted beaches meet pockets of old-growth forest where hemlocks and yellow birches create a boreal canopy unchanged for centuries. The archipelago sits at 768 feet elevation, where northern forests collide with Great Lakes coastal ecosystems. Black bears forage along shorelines, bald eagles circle overhead, and loons call across the water at dusk. Lake Superior itself stays near 42°F year-round, a cold presence even on the warmest days.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay for up to 14 consecutive nights per permit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites can host 1-7 guests
group sites can host 8-21 guests.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 21 people and are equipped with fire rings, bear lockers, and picnic tables. These sites cost $30 per night and are reserved through a lottery system.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via phone at the park office.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, vault toilets, and picnic areas are available. Some designated campsites, such as Sand Island 1, 2, and 3, are labeled as handicapped accessible.

Site SizeIndividual campsites accommodate 1-7 people, and group campsites accommodate 8-21 people. Primitive camping zones are limited to 1-5 people.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, with some being highly secluded and others located near docks or other campsites.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites with bear lockers and fire rings for added convenience. Dockside campsites are ideal for kayakers.

Best CampsitesMainland 1 gets mentioned for seclusion and coastal views. Stockton Island earns praise for sunsets and sandy beaches. Some sites near docks sacrifice privacy for easier access. Reviews note that certain campsites can be hard to locate, so download maps beforehand.

Need help booking Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Camping at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping, with no car or RV camping allowed. All campsites, except for the Mainland 1 campsite, must be accessed via boat or sea kayak. The Mainland 1 campsite can be accessed by a kayak or a six-mile hike. The park features several amenities including fire rings, bear lockers, and picnic tables at designated individual and group campsites. Primitive camping zones lack these amenities. Vault toilets are provided at some campsites, with reviews praising their cleanliness and maintenance.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

The Apostle Islands offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and beach-related activities. Visitors can explore scenic trails, sea caves, and historic lighthouses. Cold water temperatures and the possibility of hypothermia are consistent concerns.

Water Sports5.0/5Top 2% in Wisconsin

Sea caves and paddling through glowing rock passages make kayaking a signature, destination activity.

Boating4.5/5Top 6% in Wisconsin

Access to sites is by private boat, water taxi or kayak; boating is central to the experience.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings: bald eagles, black bears, diverse birdlife; wildlife viewing noted in overview.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter camping possible but difficult; cold/snow limit typical winter-sport use.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; only vault-style toilets are available at select sites.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at designated campsites to secure food and other items.

Fire PolicyRULES AND REGULATIONS Group Size: Individual campsites accommodate a maximum of seven people at one time. Children of any age count towards the total number. Group campsites accommodate parties of 8 to 21 people. Parties camping in designated camping zones are limited to a maximum of five people. Tents: Parties camping in individual campsites can have a maximum of three tents (including those used only to store gear). Parties using camping zones are limited to two tents. All tents must be locate

Trash & RecyclingAll refuse must be carried out of the park. Garbage disposal in toilets, burning, burying, or disposing of trash in Lake Superior is prohibited.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is inconsistent; one user review recommends carrying $5 in cash due to a lack of cell service for QR code payments.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

174 reviews

Satisfactory

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, tranquility, and unique camping experience. However, challenges include the reservation system and maintenance issues at certain facilities. Weather and bugs are commonly mentioned factors affecting the camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 174 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, well-maintained trails, clean vault toilets, and the opportunity to experience seclusion and natural beauty. One user described it as 'one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.'

Based on 174 reviews

Common Concerns

Difficulty with the Recreation.gov reservation system, maintenance issues with docks and outhouses, and challenges with overgrown hiking trails. Bugs, particularly mosquitoes and ticks, are also...

Based on 174 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Mainland 1 - Highly praised for its seclusion and scenic views. 2. Stockton Island - Mixed reviews, with some praising the beaches and others noting maintenance issues. 3. Sand Island - Described...

Based on 174 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra food and bug spray, prepare for fluctuating weather, and download maps or resources beforehand due to limited cell service. One visitor advises using a weather radio to plan activities.

Based on 174 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Camping is most popular from June to September due to milder temperatures. Cold weather and snow make winter camping difficult but possible. Bugs are more of an issue in the summer.

Based on 174 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sea caves are beyond words. A must-see.' 2. 'The campsite is perched up from the beach making the view from the tent pad spectacular.' 3. 'Be prepared with an actual sea kayak and proper...

Based on 174 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites such as Sand Island 1, 2, and 3 are highlighted, but no specific feedback on accessibility experiences is provided.

Based on 174 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and waste must be collected. No specific pet-related reviews are noted.

Based on 174 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Campsite: $30.00; Individual Campsite: $15.00; Primitive Camping Zone: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

715-779-3397 EXT 2apis_camping@nps.gov

Go if

You want a multi-day paddling adventure with island solitude and are comfortable navigating to remote backcountry sites.

Skip if

You need drive-up access, developed facilities, or guaranteed dock conditions for boat landings.

Nearby Campgrounds

Wisconsin State Parks, Wisconsin

Big Bay State Park sits on the northern tip of Madeline Island, accessible only by ferry across Lake Superior. The campground offers 66 sites split between electric and non-electric loops, with additional walk-to tent sites tucked into the boreal forest. Cell service is nonexistent. Views of Lake Superior, a long boardwalk through bogs, and miles of shoreline trails draw visitors willing to make the crossing.

Birch Grove Recreation Area

113 East Bayfield St. Washburn, WI 54891

Birch Grove Recreation Area sits between East and West Twin Lakes on the Bayfield Peninsula, offering 22 sites for tent and RV camping. Rates run $7.50 to $15 per night. The campground provides vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to two lakes popular for kayaking and fishing.

$7.50 - $15.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Island Lake is a very small Forest Service campground in Hiawatha National Forest near Munising, Michigan. The remote, low-elevation setting offers direct lake access with a boat launch, spacious primitive and group sites, and vault toilets that reviewers consistently praise for cleanliness. Campers use it as a quiet base for fishing Island Lake and hiking nearby Pictured Rocks trails.

$26.00 - $65.00 / night

Less Visited

3.8

(14)

Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave

Channel Marker Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by private ferry from Munising. Operated by the Grand Island National Recreation Area within Hiawatha National Forest, this primitive walk-in site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for seclusion, wildlife viewing, and access to a quiet stretch of shoreline away from the main trail.

Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island

400 E Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Loon Call Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising. Operated by the Munising Ranger District of Hiawatha National Forest, this primitive campsite offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the island's trails, beaches, and direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline.

Grace Island Campground

800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, USA, 49931

Grace Island Campground sits on a remote island in Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by boat or kayak across Lake Superior. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive campground offers a handful of three-sided shelters with picnic tables, vault toilets, and a dock for small watercraft. Visitors come for backcountry solitude, wildlife watching, and paddling in one of the most isolated wilderness areas in the Great Lakes.

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Hiawatha National Forest

Grand Island sits half a mile off Munising's shore, accessible by ferry or personal watercraft. The 13,500-acre island offers primitive camping, 35 miles of mountain biking trails, and dramatic sandstone cliffs rising 300 feet above Lake Superior. Amenities include vault toilets, bear lockers, and fire rings at group sites.

319.921 km

$8.00 - $30.00 / night

Highly Popular

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit

4.5

(690)

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit

PO Box 40, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit grants access to primitive campsites along Michigan's Lake Superior shoreline near Munising. Managed by the National Park Service, this mid-sized backcountry system offers tent and group camping with vault toilets and fire rings. Hikers explore sandstone cliffs, fall foliage, and remote shoreline stretches, though some sites sit close to day-use trails.

Preservation Point Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Preservation Point Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by seasonal ferry or private boat from Munising. Operated by Grand Island Ferry Service, this primitive site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and a bear pole, with clifftop benches overlooking the water. Campers hike, view wildlife, and fish during the May through October season when the ferry runs.

Little Dune 2 Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Little Dune 2 Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry or private boat from Munising. Operated by the Munising Ranger District, this primitive site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and direct beach access. Campers come for the isolation, clear water views, and shoreline hiking on an island known for its sandstone cliffs and old-growth forest.

Little Dune I Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave

Little Dune I sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising. This primitive campsite is operated by Grand Island and offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings within Hiawatha National Forest. Campers spend their days hiking island trails, swimming in Lake Superior, and exploring the dramatic shoreline cliffs.

Lake Superior State Forest Campground

This 18-site campground sits directly on Lake Superior's cobble-and-sand shoreline, 12 miles from Grand Marais in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula. Sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly in peak season. Amenities are rustic: vault toilets, hand-pumped well water, fire rings and picnic tables.

Gamefence Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Gamefence Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry or private boat from Munising. Operated by Hiawatha National Forest, this primitive site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings beneath a canopy of pines. Campers hike cliff overlooks, bike forest trails, and explore beaches when not closed by staircase repairs.

CRESCENT LAKE, 3236 THE GRADE (FOREST ROAD 170), Tofte, MN, 55615, USA

Crescent Lake sits in the Superior National Forest near Tofte, operated by Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing and boating on the lake, and reviewers consistently praise the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and helpful camp host.

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

231 E. Superior St., Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Grand Island Cabins sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising. Operated by Grand Island Cabins within Hiawatha National Forest, this small seasonal retreat offers a handful of rustic cabins with screened porches, vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the island's trails and beaches during the warmer months when ferry service runs.

Hardwood Campsite On Grand Island

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI 49862, USA

Hardwood Campsite sits on Grand Island in Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry from Munising and operated by Grand Island Ferry Service. This primitive site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings within a hardwood forest that blazes with color from mid-September to early October. The campground is free or very low cost, with a 14-day stay limit and pets allowed.

Two Island Lake Campground

Superior National Forest

Two Island Lake Campground sits in Superior National Forest near Grand Marais, offering mid-sized lakefront camping operated by the US Forest Service. The campground provides both tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors fish, kayak, and use the boat ramp for lake access, while spacious sites near the water deliver privacy and scenic views.

Chippewa Harbor Campground

Isle Royale National Park

Chippewa Harbor Campground sits on the remote southwest shore of Isle Royale in Lake Superior, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Operated by the National Park Service, this primitive backcountry site offers shelters and a three-day stay limit for hikers, paddlers, and anglers exploring one of the least-visited corners of the island. Summer brings mid-50s to mid-60s°F days and calm water conditions ideal for kayaking, fishing, and shore exploration.

Silver Island Lk Rustic Campgd & Backcountry Sites

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Silver Island Lake Rustic Campground offers eight primitive sites along the shore of a glacial lake in Superior National Forest, near Tofte. All sites exceed 21 feet in length and can accommodate both tents and RVs. There's no potable water or electricity. Vault toilets and fire rings are the only amenities.

Porcupine Mountains-Presque Isle Campground

Presque Isle Campground sits between the Presque Isle River and Lake Superior in the western UP, offering 50 sites split between a generator-allowed east loop and a quieter west loop. Sites run $17/night and include vault toilets and hand-pump water. Six walk-in sites perch on the bluff overlooking the lake for visitors willing to carry gear a short distance.

Campgrounds

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 34% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 120 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Belonging
Grade B.Scenery
Grade B.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade D.Bugs & weather
Grade D.Booking
Grade D.Getting there

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Wisconsin grades overall

About Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Context for the broader area surrounding Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Imagine that moment, being in that perfect spot as the sun rises, and everything comes into focus. A rocky shoreline suddenly reflects the world around you. Waiting for you among the water, land, forests, and history is that moment. How will the islands inspire you?

Directions

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features several points of interest with much of it only accessible by water.