Apostle Islands Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
At the very tip of Wisconsin in and along Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a Northwoods treasure for campers. Made up of 21 islands ranging in size from nearly 10,00 acres down to just three and a half, the lakeshore was once a major site of trade, shipping, logging, and fishing. As the Great Lakes became less critical to the nation’s economy, inhabitants gradually made their way back to the mainland.
Today, the seashore is a natural wonder, protecting diverse wildlife and providing visitors with many outdoor activities to enjoy in a rugged Northwoods setting. If you’ve always wanted to enjoy our nation’s largest freshwater lake, a visit to the Apostle Islands is a unique way to do so. During your RV trip through the great Dairy State, these islands are likely to produce your favorite memories.
The best, and really the only, way to thoroughly enjoy the Apostle Islands is by boat. Whether that is via kayak, sailboat, motor boat, a rental boat, or a guided tour is up to you. There are 17 different docks throughout the islands for you to make your stops, so you’ll have the opportunity to see just about everything. If you have a particularly large boat, you may want to anchor as the depths are relatively shallow at the docks—as little as two feet of water.
While boating around the Apostles, remember that this is Lake Superior. The massive size of the lake can make for some massive problems for the unprepared or inexperienced boater. Waves in the area can routinely reach four feet and, on particularly windy days, as high as 12. For the safety of you and your group, do your weather research before you do your traveling on the lake.
The islands have long been a fishing hotspot and were once a hub for commercial fishing operations. The ice-cold waters of Lake Superior are perfect for species like trout and salmon to thrive. The geography of the islands also makes for attractive waters to these predatory fish to ambush prey.
If you wish to wet a line, you will need both a Wisconsin fishing license as well as special trout and salmon stamps. Springtime is the best for fishing near the island shores as these large fish seek warmer waters after the ice melts. If you want to take the guesswork out of fishing the area, seek out a guide service for nearly guaranteed results.
Although the majority of hikers use trails that are on the mainland of the lakeshore, the ones on the islands will provide awesome views of the lake and the opportunity to view vestiges of the area’s once bustling commercial center. More than 50 miles of trails are available throughout the area that can bring you right near old lighthouses, former house foundations, historic logging camps, and quarries. Now existing in serene and pure nature, these remnants of industry give of a spooky vibe that is fascinating.
It may be easy to forget that you are in bear territory while you are out exploring the islands. Yep, black bears can swim, and they are indeed regular inhabitants of the Apostle islands. Be prepared to encounter and avoid bears along the trails. Packing an air horn or bear spray for your hikes may not be a bad idea.
Imagine setting up your tent on the beach, making your campfire on the rocky shores of Lake Superior in the Northwoods. Many visitors come to the Apostle Islands for the appeal of this unique and secluded island camping experience. Campsites are available on 18 of the 21 islands, so it pays to do your research and plan out the order of your island visits.
If you wish to partake in this unique camping experience, you must have a tent to bring along as well as some way to get out to the islands. There are a number of boat taxi services available if you do not have a boat of your own. Also, it is a good idea to bring an emergency radio to keep tabs on weather conditions as these taxis will not travel in hazardous conditions.
Don’t people only scuba dive in the Caribbean? Nope. The Great Lakes are a fantastic place to explore the world below the surface. The very clear water allows divers great opportunities to explore underwater caves and old shipwrecks among the islands. There are four shipwrecks nearby that are between 125 and 150 years old, with the largest being a nearly 400-foot freighter that broke in half in rough seas in 1905.
You must have a special diving permit from the national park service to dive in the Apostles. You can acquire one at the park headquarters in the town of Bayfield. If you are new to scuba diving, there are guided services in the area that can help you out.
One of the biggest tourism draws for the Apostle Islands is, indeed, island camping. If you’re looking into them as a potential destination, chances are that you’re aware that you can’t get your RV to these campsites. If you’re willing to pack a tent, you can enjoy some secluded campsites. Stockton Island has the most sites available (20). Due to the limited available spaces, you must make reservations.
At Little Sand Bay Recreation Area, you’ll find 32 RV campsites with electrical service. The campground is pretty basic, but you will find access to potable water, bathhouses, and a dump station. The primary draw is its convenient and scenic location on the shore of Lake Superior, very close to the islands themselves.
Near the coastal town of Bayfield, the Buffalo Bay Campground offers 34 RV sites with some great amenities. In addition to your site having full hookup capability, you’ll love the onsite restaurant, bathhouse, and recreational area. It is also right next to a casino if you enjoy dancing with ‘lady luck.’
Also in the lakeshore ‘gateway’ community of Bayfield, the Dalrymple Campground has electric-only camping for up to 28 RVs. These are very secluded and wooded sites if you’re looking for peace and quiet. You’ll also have a wonderful view of the lake, which makes for incredible sunsets and sunrises. This is a pretty rustic campground with potable water but no flushing toilets or shower facility.
If you’d like to stay in one of the larger towns in the area, try out Kreher RV Park. Choose from 33 RV-friendly sites with water and electrical hookups. Campers have access to a shower facility, dump station, and swimming beach. What makes this campground great is its location within downtown Ashland. Here, you’ll find a bunch of dining and shopping options on the water for some great entertainment.
Believe it or not, there are no restaurants on these secluded islands. Crazy, right? If you plan on hanging out for a while or staying overnight on the islands, you will absolutely need to bring in your own food. Be sure to lock it away in the provided bear-proof boxes at your campsite, if available.
Although it is the largest island in the area, Madeline Island is not included in the Apostle Island Lakeshore protection/designation. The town of La Pointe on its very western tip has an assortment of American cafés and taverns for travelers. On the mainland, Bayfield and Ashland are two of the biggest hubs. You’ll find a lot of sports bars/casual American eateries with fresh local walleye or perch for fish and chips. There are also a number of Italian and pizza places and a variety of standard chains.
No matter whether you take the rustic route and camp on the islands themselves or enjoy the comfort of your RV on the mainland, the Apostle Islands will stand out as one of the more unique places you’ve visited in your RV adventures.