The minute you board the Madeline Island Ferry at Bayfield, Wisconsin, a transformation begins. With every droplet of Lake Superior spray the ferry kicks up, you feel the burdens of the real world wash away. By the time you hit the dock on Madeline Island, you are ready for the slower pace, that island vibe, and the mystical powers hanging in the air.
Camping On Madeline Island
If you want to fully immerse yourself at that slower pace, you will want to grab a tent, van, RV, or whatever you camp with and spend a few days on island time. Sure you can hop on the ferry and spend a day on the island, but camping on Madeline Island will leave an impression on you. You might even pick up a new hobby!
Taking The Ferry From Bayfield
To get to the island you have to hitch a ride on the Madeline Island Ferry Line. If you are towing an RV, it will cost you well over $100 round trip depending on your RV size. Reservations are not accepted, so it’s first come, first served. During peak season, I can guarantee there will be a wait. The first time I took my camper, I was lucky and a torrential storm had just come through and I got right on the ferry and I was one of only three vehicles making the 3 mile trip. On my return trip back to Bayfield, they expertly sandwiched my vehicle and camper with everyone else. It was pretty cool to see how many vehicles they could pack on the small-sized ferry.
Once you are directed off the ferry, go left and head to the airport. There you will find the island’s dump station where you can fill up your fresh water tank, especially if you are camping at Big Bay Town Park. There are no full hook-up sites at either Big Bay Town Park or Big Bay State Park, so you can fill your tank before heading to the campground. It’s easy to miss the dump station and cell service can be spotty for your GPS, so keep watching for it. Remember it, because you will need to return here to dump before you leave the island.
Your Choices For Camping On Madeline Island
You have two places to choose from for camping on Madeline Island. Big Bay Town Park and Big Bay State Park. The entrances to each one are located away from each other, but the properties butt up against each other. There is a wonderful boardwalk trail that runs along Lake Superior and connects the two parks. I can recommend this for a fabulous daily hike!
Camping at Big Bay Town Park
I found Big Bay Town Park a little confusing the first time I camped here. In hindsight, I should have had the campground map in hand when I arrived. It clearly shows the division. I didn’t realize that they split the camping areas. The main check-in area, shower facilities, and entrance to the park are on the right side of the road, with some nonelectrical sites. The rest of the sites, along with bathroom (no showers) facilities, are on the left side of the main road. When I parked and walked up to the check-in window, I voiced my confusion and the person working was a little short with me when I asked him where my site was. Sorry, but it was my first time, dude!
Anyway, Big Bay Town Park has 61 camping sites, 21 of which are electric. Most are secluded, with lots of trees and brush between them. This is the reason I love this park. I enjoy the quiet solitude camping gives me and this campground is perfect. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table. Wi-Fi is available around the park office.
Getting to the beach can be a little challenging if you have mobility issues since there are lots of steps to navigate, but the payoff is spectacular! A wide sandy Lake Superior beach area with plenty of room. There’s also a nice big lagoon for kayaking and canoeing if you would prefer the gentler water versus the vastness of Lake Superior. On a hot summer day, the cool refreshing water of the lake is very welcoming.
There is one shower area attached to the main office and three flush toilet facilities in the campground. The toilet building on the opposite side of the road from the office and park is newer, clean, and modern. Water is also at all flush toilet facilities. I still suggest filling your tank at the airport before you get here.
The park itself is very busy in the summer with visitors using the park shelter and the beach for the day. At night, the beach is quiet and somewhat deserted except for the occasional stargazer.
Winter camping in Big Bay Town Park is also allowed, but the water gets shut off. There are vault toilets available.
Camping rates are $40 per night for electric sites and $33 for non-electric sites. Make sure you make your reservations early (this goes for both campgrounds) because this is a popular summer destination!
Camping At Big Bay State Park
Big Bay State Park has 60 campsites, 21 of which are electric hookup, and seven walk-in sites. There are shower and toilet facilities and vault toilets in the campground. There are nine miles of hiking trails within the park and the connecting boardwalk to Big Bay Town Park.
Rock hunters and beach lovers will love this 1 1/2 mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline with enough room to spread out and dip your toes in the sand and that cool sparkling blue water! Grab your canoe and kayak and paddle the shoreline. The park is spread out and far enough away from the campground. The beach is more accessible here than at Big Bay Town Park.
Electric sites are $30 per night and $20 for non-electric sites.
There are five campsites open during winter in Big Bay State Park.
What rocks are all those people looking for?
Activities While You’re Camping on Madeline Island
Remember, you’re on island time when you are camping on Madeline Island. It’s mostly about relaxation, but there are plenty of things to do and see on this small island. I highly suggest bringing your bike with you as the island is very bike-friendly. You can easily bike into the town of La Pointe from both campgrounds. If you forget your bike or have a need for something faster, you can rent bikes and scooters in town.
You can also rent canoes and rowboats for use within Big Bay Lagoon through Bog Lake Outfitters.
The small town of La Pointe offers shopping and dining options along with the iconic Tom’s Burned Down Cafe, which is a must-see and the center of nightlife on a warm summer night. This is a list of all the things to do while you’re camping on Madeline Island.
Here’s a list of my favorites
- Have a drink (or two) at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe-Enjoy reading all the signs
- Stop at the Madeline Island Library
- Visit the Madeline Island Museum
- Check out all the public art – Map
- Support the local artists by visiting the shops
- Visit the old Ojibwa cemetery by the Ojibwa Memorial Park
- Eat a Friday Fish Fry at the Beach Club
- Go Agate hunting
Camping in Wisconsin is fabulous, but camping on Madeline Island is an experience that is next level. I am still so blown away at all the places there are to discover in Wisconsin. Have you gone camping on Madeline Island? What’s your experience?
Love the depth of information you provide in a great read! Can’t wait to get back up there! Thanks for a travel bucket list adventure! Great job…
Thank you Leon! I really appreciate this comment! You and Linda will have to take the trip this summer!🙂
Looks beautiful & really a nice area. Will put it on my bucket list! Thanks Lori!
Oh you must Gloria! It’s a great place to take it slow!