Apostle Islands Area Campground

The Great Outdoors

The Apostle Islands Area Campground is just 15 minutes’ drive from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It was heavily logged during the early 20th century before being replanted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Maple, oak, beech, and aspen trees now blanket large areas, together with wetlands, pine savanna, and wildflower-filled meadows. There are numerous hiking trails to explore, with white-tailed deer, beavers, and river otters regularly spotted. Birdwatchers may also be rewarded with sightings of pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, and white-winged crossbills, as well as numerous species of thrushes, sparrows, and warblers. The Chequamegon National Forest’s glacial lakes are well stocked with walleye, crappie, and northern pike while the streams are home to brown, rainbow, and brook trout.Also nearby is Copper Falls State Park, which sprawls across just over 3,000 acres along a section of the Bad River as it flows through a waterfall-filled gorge. The region was once mined for copper by Old Copper Culture Indians and early European settlers, with the park now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can cool off with a refreshing swim in Loon Lake, which is also accessible to kayakers and canoeists, while trout fishing is possible in the Bad River and Tyler's Forks. Around 17 miles of hiking trails wind through the park, including a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, with some accessible to cross-country skiers and snowshoeing in the winter months.The Apostle Islands Area Campground is an ideal base for exploring the 21 islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which is renowned for its historic lighthouses and sandstone sea caves. There are public docking areas on many of the islands if you have your own boat or you can rent a kayak to explore at your leisure. Aside from fishing and hiking, the islands are also popular destinations for scuba diving, with some interesting rock formations and shipwrecks to explore. Among the numerous lighthouses you can visit is the Sand Island lighthouse, with boat tours run by the National Park Service during the summer months.

Exploring the City

Bayfield campers can pick up grocery supplies at one of the local supermarkets, with gas stations also available if you need to fill up your RV rental. There’s a good choice of eateries in Bayfield for when you don’t feel like cooking, ranging from casual cafes to gourmet restaurants.While you’re in Bayfield, don’t miss a visit to the Bayfield Maritime Museum, which details the nautical history of the surrounding waters. It’s only open during the summer season, with a range of fascinating artifacts and old photographs that highlight the people and events that have impacted Bayfield and the Apostle Islands. The Bayfield Heritage Association also has a handful of exhibits where you can delve into the local history, and it operates the Old City Jail, where inmates were housed between 1926 and 1942.The Apostle Islands Area Campground is around 90 minutes’ drive from Duluth, which is home to fascinating museums and family-friendly attractions. Browse the vintage locomotives on display at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and get up close to marine species at the Great Lakes Aquarium, then stretch your legs along the Lake Walk. Duluth is also the gateway to the North Shore Scenic Drive, which offers stunning views across Lake Superior along its 141-mile length. Stop to tour the early-20th-century Glensheen Congdon Estate and admire the Split Rock Lighthouse, with plenty of charming lakeside towns to explore along the way.Whether you want to discover the museums of Duluth or get active in the Apostle Islands, book an RV rental in Bayfield County and start planning your next vacation.