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.
Photo: NPS Photo / Billy Flynn
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- LocationBayfield, WI
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now55°F Overcast
- Alerts 6 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Ancient Seas
- Animals
- Arts
- Aurora Borealis
- Birds
- Caves, Caverns and Karst
- Climate Change
- Coasts, Islands and Atolls
27 more topics
- Colonization and Settlement
- Commerce
- Coniferous Forests
- Conservation Movement
- Deciduous Forests
- Endangered
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Industry
- Lakes
- Lighthouses
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Maritime
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Night Sky
- Photography
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Ships and Shipwrecks
- Social Movements
- Trade
- Unique Species
- Wetlands
- Wilderness
Alerts (6)
CautionHunting Season Safety Hunting is allowed in parts of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from mid-September through early January. Wear blaze o… Read more
Hunting is allowed in parts of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from mid-September through early January. Wear blaze orange to stay visible and keep pets leashed and in bright vests. Make noise while hiking so others can hear you. Stay aware and enjoy a safe visit. Click the link below for more information on hunting and trapping in the Lakeshore.
CautionBear Alert Black bears inhabit many of the Apostle Islands. Follow safety guidelines: store food and scented items properly, hike i… Read more
Black 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.
InformationStockton Island Trail Access The trail between Presque Isle Bay and Quarry Bay on Stockton Island is open, but a footbridge on the western portion of… Read more
The 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 Notices Devils Island dock and campsites and West Bay Club on Sand Island are closed. These closures affect only a small portion… Read more
Devils 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 Maintained Construction for the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project begins May 1. The Town of Russell boat launch and the… Read more
Construction 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.
InformationPrivate Inholdings: Sand & Rocky Islands There are privately occupied residences and docks on the southeast corner of Sand Island, as well as just north of Group… Read more
There 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.
Things to Do
27 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Camping Permits
Reservable Campground
**Camping within Apostle Island National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping. There is no car or RV camping within the park. All campsites within the national lakeshore…
Reserve on Recreation.govDetails
Fees: Group Camping Use Fee (Nightly): $30.00 Individual Site Camping Use Fee (Nightly): $15.00 Primitive Camping Zone Use Fee (Nightly): $15.00 Change fee: $15.00
Overview
**Camping within Apostle Island National Lakeshore is strictly tent camping. There is no car or RV camping within the park. All campsites within the national lakeshore must be reached by boat or sea kayak, except for the Mainland 1, 2, and 3 campsites, which can be accessed by kayak or by hiking in only.**
Mainland camping for car & RV camping: There are a variety of state parks and private campgrounds with facilities for car and RV camping in the Bayfield area on the mainland and on Madeline Island. Visit the park's Camping in the Apostles web page and scroll to the "Local Area Camping" section. Madeline Island is not part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Madeline Island Ferry is a car & passenger ferry service to transport visitors to the island.
Camping within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: The Apostle Islands offer a unique camping experience. There are many campsites within the park, and each have their own unique characteristics to them. There are 57 individual campsites, 9 group campsites, and 17 primitive camping zones.
NOTE: Visitors who choose to visit the islands and sleep in their personal self-contained vessel do not need a camping reservation. Public docks are available first-come, first-serve on 12 of the islands. You'll pay the overnight docking fee upon arrival. Be sure to download the Recreation.gov mobile app on your mobile device before you visit so that you can complete payment for overnight docking using scan & pay upon arrival.
Advance reservations for camping permits are required for camping in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Each camping permit may cover up to 14 consecutive nights. Permit holders cannot have concurrent night stays. Permit holders can only have one reservation for the same nights of camping. Permit holders are responsible for any damages. Camping permits are non-transferable.
Individual campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-7 people. Most sites are equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are recommended for first-time primitive campers. It will give a sense of backcountry camping with the pleasantries of the amenities. They are a good way to work up to the primitive zone camping. These sites are $15 per night. Reservations can be made starting 30 days from the start of a trip.
Group campsites: These campsites are designated for groups of 8-21 people. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, bear locker, and a picnic table. These sites are great for large families or get-togethers with friends. These sites are $30 per night. These sites can be reserved in March every year during the Group Camping Lottery and remaining sites will open after the lottery is completed.
Primitive zone camping: These campsites are designated for groups of 1-5 people. These sites are for the truly hardcore backpackers. Primitive zone camping is not a specific site but provides the option of choosing a backcountry area to camp. This type of camping experience has NO amenities. There are specific guidelines on where to camp for this type of experience. Consult the Primitive Zone camping maps for potential landing sites and available areas.
The following areas are closed to primitive zone camping:
Areas excluded from primitive camping zones and closed to camping to protect sensitive natural and cultural resources.
Area posted as closed to protect bird nesting areas and threatened or endangered species.
Areas in view of any designated trail.
Areas within 1/4 mile of any building, historic structure, individual or group campsite, or another camping party.
Areas within 100 feet of a flowing stream.
Private land or lease holdings.
For more information or questions about your itinerary, call park staff at (715) 779-3398 extension 0, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily from Memorial Day through September or Monday to Friday from October through Memorial Day.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (715) 779-3398.Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations made prior to the reservation start date will be given a 50% refund of the use fees.
Changes to the reservation will be charged a $15.00 change fee.
There is a $10 reservation fee for each permit made. The $10 reservation fee is non-refundable.
Facilities & Services
Find passes, visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Permits & Passes
Visitor Centers
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Bayfield Headquarters
Visitor Center
The park's headquarters is located in the Bayfield, WI in the old Bayfield Courthouse Building. This iconic, brownstone building is easy to recognize from Washington…
415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI (715) 779-3397 Directions
Details
The park's headquarters is located in the Bayfield, WI in the old Bayfield Courthouse Building. This iconic, brownstone building is easy to recognize from Washington Ave. Headquarters offers orientation and information, camping permits, museum exhibits, a park film, and the America's National Parks bookstore. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters is open seasonally. -
Little Sand Bay Visitor Center
Visitor Center
The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed throughout 2026 due to construction associated with the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project. We appreciate…
32660 Little Sand Bay Rd, Bayfield, WI (715) 779-3459 Directions
Details
The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center will be closed throughout 2026 due to construction associated with the Little Sand Bay Marina Rehabilitation Project. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve infrastructure and visitor access.
Show 11 more facilities
Permits & Passes
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Entire Park
Hours details
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Entire ParkOpen 24 hours, daily
The park is open 24/7 year-round. Visitor centers are open only in summer, with varying hours.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
415 Washington AvenueBayfield, WI 54814
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
55°F
Overcast · feels like 49°
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Today
60° 48°
Sunny5% rain -
Tomorrow
60° 47°
Overcast68% rain -
Sunday
56° 51°
Sunny44% rain
Updated 2 hr ago
WeatherFreeze Warning Details
Freeze Warning issued October 2 at 11:05AM CDT until October 3 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 expected.
* WHERE...Ashland County.
* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
WeatherFrost Advisory Details
Frost Advisory issued October 2 at 11:05AM CDT until October 3 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...Bayfield and Sawyer Counties.
* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 7 AM CDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
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The first lighthouse in the Apostle Islands was built on Michigan Island in 1856. — NPS Photo / Billy Flynn -
Getting There
Bayfield, WI 54814
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.
Mailing address: 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, WI 54814
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