Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Apostle Islands National Lakeshore adventure.
Shipwrecks, sea caves, and sandy beaches provide a spectacular setting for an island camping experience.
If kayaking around deserted beaches, rocky coves, and forested cliffs sounds like your kind of adventure, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore checks all the boxes. Rent a boat or kayak to explore the 21 islands that speckle the southwest shore of Lake Superior, paddle by rust-red cliffs, sea caves, and 19th-century lighthouses, or head ashore to hike along forest trails or pitch your tent at secluded, boat-in campsites. Sixteen of the islands offer camping, including Stockton Island, Devils Island, and Rocky Island. Don’t fancy getting on the water? The lakeshore also has 12 miles of trails and two mainland campsites.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is open year-round, but most campers come between June and August to make the most of the summer weather. Winter weather can be extreme, and access to the islands is often restricted. However, it is usually possible to explore the mainland area, and the seasonal ice caves are a big draw. Whenever you visit, it’s essential to check the current conditions, as unexpected weather can hamper travel plans even in summer.