Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

Summary

Apostle Island National Lakeshore offers a unique camping experience with 57 individual campsites, 9 group campsites, and 17 primitive camping zones accessible by boat or sea kayak. There are also car and RV camping options in the Bayfield area on the mainland. Advance reservations for camping permits are required and each permit can cover up to 14 consecutive nights.

Overview

**Camping within Apostle Island National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping. There is no car or RV camping within the park. All campsites within the national lakeshore must be reached by boat or sea kayak, except for the Mainland 1 campsite, which can be accessed by kayak or a 6-mile hike only.**

Mainland camping for car & RV camping: There are a variety of state parks and private campgrounds with facilities for car and RV camping in the Bayfield area on the mainland and on Madeline Island. Madeline Island is not part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Madeline Island Ferry is a car & passenger ferry service to transport visitors to the island.   

Camping within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: The Apostle Islands offer a unique camping expe rience. There are many campsites within the park, and each have their own unique characteristics to them. There are 57 individual campsites, 9 group campsites, and 17 primitive camping zones.  

Advance reservations for camping permits are required for camping in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Each camping permit may cover up to 14 consecutive nights. 

Individual campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-7 people. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are recommended for first-time primitive campers. It will give a sense of backcountry camping with the pleasantries of the amenities. They are a good way to work up to the primitive zone camping. These sites are $15 per night. Reservations can be made up to 30 days before the start of a trip.  

Group campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 8-21 people. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are great for large families or get-togethers with friends. These sites are $30 per night. These sites can be reserved in March every year during the Group Camping Lottery and remaining sites will open after the lottery is completed.  

Primitive zone camping: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-5 people. These sites are for the truly hardcore backpackers. Primitive zone camping is not a specific site but provides the option of choosing a backcountry area to camp. This type of camping experience has NO amenities. There are specific guidelines on where to camp for this type of experience. Consult the Primitive Zone camping maps for potential landing sites and available areas. 

The following areas are closed to primitive zone camping: 

• Areas excluded from primitive camping zones and closed to camping to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources. 
• Area posted as closed to protect bird nesting areas and threatened or endangered species. 
• Areas in view of any designated trail. 
• Areas within 1/4 mile of any building, historic structure, individual or group campsite, or another camping party. 
• Areas within 100 feet of a flowing stream. 
• Private land or lease holdings. 

For more information or questions about your itinerary, call park staff at (715) 779-3398 extension 2, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily from Memorial Day through September or Monday to Friday from October through Memorial Day.  

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