RV Rental Big Bay State Park, WI

Surrounding Madeline Island is Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes of the United States. This gigantic freshwater lake is the perfect place to enjoy boating of all kinds, kayaks, paddleboards, and even surfing under specific conditions. When you camp in an RV near Big Bay State Park, you’ll basically be on the shores of Lake Superior, and the large number of boat launches in the area makes it easy to get in the water. For those who prefer to swim, the waters are a bit chilly but refreshing, so long as you are taking a dip during the warmer months of the year.

Big Bay State Park is filled with many hiking trails, and some of them lead to the Big Bay Sand Spit & Bog State Natural Area. This natural area is a bird watcher’s dream, and many diverse and unique species can be spotted under the right conditions. In addition to bird watching, the natural area has many boardwalks that traverse various bogs, and guests can explore the area while keeping their feet dry.

Anytime you are RV camping at state parks you expect to be wowed by natural features, and since the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore isn’t far from Big Bay State Park, you are in for a treat. This national lakeshore is a recreational park that is made up of 21 different islands, many of which have historic lighthouses on them. These islands can be explored by boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or the like, and there are also many sandstone caves that guests can explore.

Because it is on a small island, the camping options at Big Bay State Park are a bit more limited than many other Wisconsin state parks. This shouldn’t be a deterrent, by any means, but instead should offer you an incentive to explore a park that less people get to see. Motorhome camping is possible at Big Bay with a vehicle admission sticker, and the ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe is a majestic way to start your trip.

After you’ve made it to the island, there are at maximum 15 sites that have electric hookups. These sites can be reserved ahead of time, and all of them are back in spots so be sure to practice backing in ahead of time when you choose an RV rental that is bigger than you’re used to driving. All of the campgrounds have access to showers and flush toilets, and dogs are allowed so long as they are kept on leashes shorter than 8 feet at all times.

The biggest perk of camping at Big Bay State Park is the unbridled access to Lake Superior. This access is a dream come true for kayakers since it is possible to wake up in the morning and be in the water before your tea kettle has even boiled. For those who aren’t huge water activity lovers, the morning view from their campsite will be a welcome surprise to start their day.

Near Big Bay State Park, there are many opportunities to learn about the region, enjoy some tasty food, and explore attractions you might not have ever thought to visit. For starters, an RV rental near Big Bay State Park will give you quick access to Chequamegon Bay. This bay has many nice beaches surrounding it, and the fact that it is slightly protected from the wind and currents means the water is typically a bit warmer than Lake Superior.

While you are off Madeline Island, you’ll find food and fuel at the nearby town of Ashland, one of the larger cities in the area. In this town are plenty of diverse restaurants to choose from, so whether you are craving Mexican or Chinese, American, Italian, hot or cold food, or more you’ll probably find a restaurant that is to your liking. There are also many gas stations in Ashland that are large and easily accessible with large RVs, even for inexperienced drivers.

Ashland is also home to the Ashland Historical Museum, a great resource to learn about the county. This museum is filled with interesting artifacts and exhibits, and onsite staff can answer any historical questions you may have. If your interests are more water based, then the Bayfield Maritime Museum, in Bayfield, may be more to your liking. This museum, like the Ashland Historical Museum, focuses on local history with an emphasis on nautical importance.