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Camp on Madeline Island

La Pointe, Wisconsin

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Description

Added by Joe Whitson

Swim at a rare Lake Superior sandy beach, paddle a north woods lake, and hike a peat bog boardwalk all within a few minutes walk. Camping at Big Bay Town Park is the perfect way to experience Madeline Island. 

The largest of Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, Madeline Island is about the size of Manhattan, but extremely sparsely populated and a great place to explore a north woods ecosystem. The best way to get to the island is by ferry from Bayfield to La Pointe. From La Pointe, it is about a ten minute drive to Big Bay Town Park, the best place to camp on the island. There is a state park with camping, but I suggest the town park for its proximity to the sandy beach and better amenities. 

A short walk from the campsites is a boardwalk that leads to Big Bog Lagoon and the beach. The lagoon is essentially a small lake on the island with dozens of islands to explore by canoe or kayak. It is also a great place to see the endangered sandhill crane. The campground provides canoes for campers. Lake Superior has a predominantly rocky shore, so take advantage of the sandy beach to swim, chill, and watch the sunrise. Finally, the beach is also the trailhead for a short boardwalk through a peat bog and northern wetland forest - two interesting ecosystems that are usually hard to access. 

Named for Madeline Cadotte, the daughter of Ojibwe Chief White Crane, the island has a rich American Indian history. The Ojibwe still have land and connections on the island and consider it an important spiritual place. As you explore, please respect the American Indian heritage. 

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Features

Stand Up Paddle
Canoeing
Chillin
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Running
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Reviews

Even though it's at the very tip of the state, it's worth the travel because this is an incredible place. The hiking alone and scenery is above anything else that Wisconsin has to offer. Being isolated on an island -- albeit with a tiny town nearby -- makes it feel all the more special and unique. Definitely put this on your bucket list. Also, the stars and night skies are AMAZING. Simple as that.

The beach and lagoon is beautiful and conveniently located near campground. Rent a canoe and paddle the lagoon or Lake Superior. $10 an hour/honor system. If you're looking for a more secluded campsite or if you are not an early riser, I recommend reserving one of their secluded campsites. The camp ground can get noisy in the morning.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Bay View Trail, Big Bay State Park

Camp at Big Bay State Park

Kayak at Big Bay State Park

Hike the Point Trail at Big Bay State Park

Kayak around Madeline Island

Camp on Stockton Island