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

Camping fees at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits range from $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 20% in WISummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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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)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in WI

June–September peak season: mild days, best paddling, most services and abundant activity.

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

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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?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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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

Activities you can enjoy

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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

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Reviews

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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

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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.

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Campgrounds

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

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.