Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
1 campground in the park · 134 nearby · 65 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo / Billy Flynn
7 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationConstruction Activity at Meyers Beach; Visitor and Kayak Access MaintainedConstruction has begun on the Meyers Beach Access Path Project. Access to the beach and parking lot will remain open, but visitors should expect construction noise and closed lawn areas for staging. Kayak groups should move gear directly to the beach to reduce congestion. The project will upgrade the existing staircase to include a universally designed path, improving access to the beach and kayak launch for all visitors.
- Park closureOuter Island Nighttime ClosureOuter Island is closed to all use from 10 PM to 6 AM due to bear activity and food‑storage concerns. Day use is permitted outside these hours. The closure remains in effect until further notice to protect visitor safety and support ongoing wildlife management.
- InformationStockton Island Trail AccessThe trail between Presque Isle Bay and Quarry Bay on Stockton Island is open, but a footbridge on the western portion of the trail was washed out in a 2024 storm. Visitors must wade through shallow water or take an alternate route.
- InformationOngoing Closure NoticesDevils Island dock and campsites and West Bay Club on Sand Island are closed. These closures affect only a small portion of the Lakeshore. Enjoy your visit.
- InformationConstruction Activity at Little Sand Bay; Boat and Kayak Access MaintainedConstruction for the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project begins May 1. The Town of Russell boat launch and the NPS kayak beach will remain open, with short detours around work areas. Expect reduced parking, delays, and increased noise. The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed in 2026 due to construction.
- CautionBear AlertBlack bears inhabit many of the Apostle Islands. Follow safety guidelines: store food and scented items properly, hike in groups, stay attentive, and make noises if you encounter a bear in a visitor area.
- InformationPrivate Inholdings: Sand & Rocky IslandsThere are privately occupied residences and docks on the southeast corner of Sand Island, as well as just north of Group Site A on Rocky Island. These areas are closed to the public. Please respect their privacy and do not trespass in these locations.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 1 campgroundReserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 134 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 65 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 1
Camping near the park 134
- Aerial viewCampground
Stockton Island Watercraft Group Campsite A
3.7 mi · Bayfield, WI
- Aerial viewCampground
Stockton Island Watercraft Group Campsite A
3.7 mi · Bayfield, WI
Free and dispersed nearby 65
See them on the map- Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20Bayfield, WI3.7 mi
- Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite #1Bayfield, WI9.4 mi
- Kreher RV ParkAshland, WI27 mi
- Camp site (Split Rock State Park)Beaver Bay, MN38 mi
- Round MountainSilver Bay, MN38 mi
- East Palisade CreekSilver Bay, MN38 mi
Services nearby: 2 dump stations · 8 rest areas
About Apostle Islands
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, and is located within the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe people. Established in…
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, located at the northern tip of Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula, features 21 stunning islands, a scenic 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, and is located within the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe people. Established in 1970, the park showcases picturesque sea caves, sandy beaches, and the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park system.
Photos: NPS Photo / Billy Flynn
Things to do
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Group Camping
- Fishing
Plan your visit
Getting there
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in northern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Superior. The Lakeshore has several entrance points, with much of its area accessible primarily by water.
Weather
Lake Superior is renowned for its cold temperatures, rough seas, fog, and sudden squalls. Boaters and paddlers should monitor marine weather forecasts and be constantly alert to changing conditions. Average daytime high…
Plan your visit
Hours
The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
Getting there
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is located in northern Wisconsin along the shores of Lake Superior. The Lakeshore has several entrance points, with much of its area accessible primarily by water.
Weather
Lake Superior is renowned for its cold temperatures, rough seas, fog, and sudden squalls. Boaters and paddlers should monitor marine weather forecasts and be constantly alert to changing conditions. Average daytime high temperatures range from 60 degrees Fahrenheit in May, to the upper 80s in mid-summer, to the mid-60s in September. Average lows vary from 40 degrees in May, to the upper 50s in mid-summer, to 50 degrees in September. Average water temperatures in May and June are only in the 40s.
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