Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits

About

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore provides tent camping on 18 of its 21 islands in Lake Superior plus three mainland sites near Meyers Beach. This is strictly tent camping with no car or RV access; all sites require arrival by boat or sea kayak, except the mainland sites which can be hiked to. The park offers three camping styles: individual sites for 1-7 people at $15/night, group sites for 8-21 people at $30/night, and primitive zones for 1-5 people seeking a true backcountry experience with no amenities. Individual and group campsites are equipped with fire rings, metal bear-resistant food lockers, and picnic tables, with vault toilets nearby. Primitive camping zones have no facilities and require Leave No Trace practices including packing out all trash and waste. There is no potable water anywhere in the park; campers must bring their own water supply. Several accessible campsites are available, including Stockton Island Site 1 and Sand Island Site 3, which feature boardwalks, raised tent decks, and accessible privies. Pets are allowed on a 6-foot leash throughout the park including at campsites. Firewood cannot be brought to the islands to prevent invasive species; only dead wood found on the ground may be burned. Campfires may be prohibited during high fire danger conditions.

Directions

All campsites within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore must be reached by boat or sea kayak, except Mainland Sites 1, 2, and 3 near Meyers Beach, which can be accessed by hiking the Lakeshore Trail. There is no car or RV camping within the park. Island shuttles and kayak outfitters operate from Bayfield, Wisconsin. The park headquarters is located at 415 Washington Avenue in Bayfield.