Washington Island Campground

The Great outdoors

Although only a small island, covering just 35 square miles, there is plenty to see and do when you book an RV in Door County.Rock Island State Park is actually a separate island, just off the northeast coast of Washington Island, and is reached by a small, 20-minute ferry trip from Jackson Harbour. Rock Island is only 900 acres in total, there are no forms of transport allowed here, not even a bike, and so you have to use the trails to explore. Follow the path to the north end of the island, and you can visit the Pottawatomie Lighthouse.Built-in 1836, it is claimed to be the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin and was in operation until 1988. It has now been converted to a live-in museum, where guided tours are available.To the south of Washington Island, as you pass it on the ferry, is Plum Island. Boat trips run regular services to the island from Washington Island, and there is plenty to explore when you arrive. Once occupied by the US Coastguard, the island is now abandoned and returning to nature. This means you need to prepare before coming, as there is no drinking water or shop available on the island.You'll be pleased to know that there are portable toilets, though! While exploring the island, you'll come across the ruins of a stone lighthouse, built-in 1849, plus the tall steel towers of the Plum Island Range Lights. The range lights played an essential role in guiding ships through the narrow strip of water known as Death's Door, and you can still see at least two shipwrecks. The old coastguard buildings are still open to the public, as is the boathouse. Built-in a Duluth Style, these buildings are now listed as historic landmarks.

Exploring the Area

While RV camping at Washinton Island Campground, you can get all your grocery needs from the nearby town of Detroit Harbor, or travel the few miles north to Washington.Should you intend to visit Rock Island State Park, then stop for a while in Jackson Harbor and visit the maritime museum. This former fishing village has memorabilia from the heyday of fishing here and is housed in numerous original buildings. The museum is continually expanding as they restore more buildings to their former glory.The area is known for its cheese making, so a visit to the historic island diary should be on your todo list. The dairy was built in 1916 and has now been converted into the museum to remember the vital role dairy products played in the history of the island. Part of the museum is an art exhibition featuring artwork by the island's artist. Surrounding the dairy is over 5000 lavender plants that bring a massive flush of color and a lovely smell when in full bloom.Don't forget to pay a visit to the Washington Island Farm Museum, which has nine beautifully restored buildings, including a timber frame barn, and exhibits of farming machinery and tools.