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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

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As of September 2026, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground is a campground in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin with 89 campsites. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground is located at 46.8132° N, 90.8203° W.

people allowed on 57 of 89 sites: 7
people allowed on each of the 9 largest sites: 21

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Sep 30 (78 sites)Oct 1 (79 sites)Oct 2 (75 sites)

78 sites open on Sep 30 at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 05:39 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Mid-stay changes allowed
Group bookings open: 12 Months
Campsites held at once: 1 times
Maximum reservations at once: 80 reservations
Maximum per transaction: 12 reservations per transaction
Book up to: 30 Days

Published by Recreation.gov for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground

Standard 80
Group 9
Accessible 5

At a glance: Setting: Lake.

Things to do: boating, hiking, wildlife, stargazing.

All sites at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Access
Basswood 1	Basswood	Standard	7	-
Basswood 2	Basswood	Standard	7	-
Basswood 3	Basswood	Standard	7	-
Basswood 4	Basswood	Standard	7	-
Basswood 5	Basswood	Standard	7	-
Basswood 6	Basswood	Standard	7	-
Basswood Primitive Zone	Basswood	Standard	5	-
Basswood Site A	Basswood	Group	21	-
Bear Primitive Zone	Bear	Standard	5	-
Cat 1	Cat	Standard	7	-
Cat Primitive Zone	Cat	Standard	5	-
Hermit Primitive Zone	Hermit	Standard	5	-
Ironwood 1	Ironwood	Standard	7	-
Ironwood Primitive Zone	Ironwood	Standard	5	-
Long 1	Long	Standard	7	-
Mainland 1	Mainland	Standard	7	-
Mainland 2	Mainland	Standard	7	-
Mainland 3	Mainland	Standard	7	-
Manitou 1	Manitou	Standard	7	-
Manitou Primitive Zone	Manitou	Standard	5	-
Michigan 1	Michigan	Standard	7	-
Michigan Primitive Zone	Michigan	Standard	5	-
North Twin Primitive Zone	North Twin	Standard	5	-
Oak 1	Oak	Standard	7	-
Oak 2	Oak	Standard	7	-
Oak 3	Oak	Standard	7	-
Oak 4	Oak	Standard	7	-
Oak 6	Oak	Standard	7	-
Oak Primitive Zone	Oak	Standard	5	-
Oak Site A	Oak	Group	21	-
Oak Site B	Oak	Group	21	-
Oak Z1	Oak	Standard	5	-
Oak Z2	Oak	Standard	5	-
Otter 1	Otter	Standard	7	-
Otter Primitive Zone	Otter	Standard	5	-
Outer 1	Outer	Standard	7	-
Outer Primitive Zone	Outer	Standard	5	-
Outer Z1	Outer	Standard	5	-
Outer Z2	Outer	Standard	5	-
Raspberry Z1	Raspberry	Standard	5	-
Rocky 1	Rocky	Standard	7	-
Rocky 2	Rocky	Standard	7	-
Rocky 3	Rocky	Standard	7	-
Rocky 4	Rocky	Standard	7	-
Rocky 5	Rocky	Standard	7	-

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Access
Rocky Primitive Zone	Rocky	Standard	5	-
Rocky Site A	Rocky	Group	21	-
Sand 1	Sand	Standard	7	-
Sand 2	Sand	Standard	7	-
Sand 3	Sand	Standard	7	Accessible
Sand 4	Sand	Standard	7	-
Sand 5	Sand	Standard	7	-
Sand 6	Sand	Standard	7	-
Sand Primitive Zone	Sand	Standard	5	-
Sand Site A	Sand	Group	21	-
Sand Site B	Sand	Group	21	-
Sand Site C	Sand	Group	21	Accessible
South Twin 1	South Twin	Standard	7	-
South Twin 2	South Twin	Standard	7	-
South Twin 3	South Twin	Standard	7	-
South Twin 4	South Twin	Standard	7	-
South Twin Primitive Zone	South Twin	Standard	5	-
Stockton 1	Stockton	Standard	7	Accessible
Stockton 2	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 3	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 4	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 5	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 6	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 7	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 8	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 11	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 12	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 13	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 15	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 16	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 17	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 18	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 19	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 20	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton 21	Stockton	Standard	7	-
Stockton Primitive Zone	Stockton	Standard	5	-
Stockton Site A	Stockton	Group	21	Accessible
Stockton Site B	Stockton	Group	21	Accessible
Stockton Z1	Stockton	Standard	5	-
Stockton Z2	Stockton	Standard	5	-
York 1	York	Standard	7	-
York 2	York	Standard	7	-
York 3	York	Standard	7	-
Zone Z	Zone	Standard	-	-

About Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground

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.

Rules and notices at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

RULES AND REGULATIONS

•

Group Size: Individual campsites accommodate a maximum of seven people at one time. Children of any age count towards the total number. Group campsites accommodate parties of 8 to 21 people. Parties camping in designated camping zones are limited to a maximum of five people.

•

Tents: Parties camping in individual campsites can have a maximum of three tents (including those used only to store gear). Parties using camping zones are limited to two tents. All tents must be located in areas designated by tent pads or signs, where they are provided.

•

Bears: Black bears are found on the islands. All food, beverage containers, garbage, toiletries, and cooking materials must be secured from wildlife. Bear proof lockers are provided for this purpose at all designated campsites. In camping zones, all food and garbage must be hung from a tree at least twelve feet above the ground and six feet from the trunk of the tree. Cookware and dishes should be cleaned as soon as practical after preparation of meals. DO NOT FEED BEARS OR OTHER WILDLIFE.

•

Garbage: All refuse must be carried out of the park. Please do not dispose of garbage in toilets, do not try to burn it, do not bury it, and do not dispose of it in Lake Superior.

•

Fires: Build fires in fire receptacles where provided. Zone campers will need to use a backpacking stove for cooking. Beach and campfires must be less than three feet in height or diameter. Fires are not allowed on beaches at Meyers Beach, on Raspberry Island, Julian Bay and Presque Isle Bay on Stockton Island, on beaches within 150 feet of sites where fire receptacles are provided. Do NOT transport firewood to, or between islands in the national lakeshore. Use dead or downed wood on the ground for firewood. Wood may not be collected from vegetated portions of island beaches. Do not leave fires unattended. Extinguish fires before leaving the area. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more about preventing the spread of tree-killing pests. Chainsaw use prohibited.

•

Soap: Please do not use any type of soap within 100 feet of Lake Superior, or any water source.

•

Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

•

Pets: All pets must be kept on a leash that is six feet or shorter and never left unattended. Pet excrement must be immediately collected and disposed of.

•

Check Out: Campsite check out must be by 11 a.m.

•

Itinerary Changes: If itinerary changes are necessary during a camping trip, please contact park staff by phone (715-779-3398) or in person, if possible. Have your permit available. There is no charge for changes due to severe weather conditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

•Trail conditions: Many of the trails may be not be maintained which can make route finding difficult.
•Booking Window : Reservations for individual campsites and primitive camping zones can be made 30 days prior to the start of a trip. Group campsites can be made at any time after the group camping lottery. Information on the group camping lottery can be found on the park website.
•Camping in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: All island campsites are only accessible by boat. There are three individual campsites that are hike-in or paddle-in sites along the Lakeshore Trail on the mainland. People sleeping on their boat do not need to obtain a camping permit, but must pay an overnight dock fee at the site. You may pay this fee upon arrival using Scan & Pay. Please download the Recreation.gov mobile app before you visit the islands.
•Island Transportation: The cost of transportation to the islands may be much higher than the cost of camping. If you do not have your own boat, find out what it will cost to rent a sea kayak, charter a water taxi, or ride the camper shuttle before paying to reserve campsites.
•Closed to the public: The southeast corner of Sand Island and an area north of Group Site A on Rocky. These areas include cabins (and docks) where previous land owners retain special rights.
•Cold Water: Camping is allowed all year, the demand for camping is greatest from June to September. Temps during this period feature average highs in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s. Annual precipitation averages 33 inches. Lake Superior waters are dangerously cold with an average water temperature of 42F. The threat of hypothermia is real all year.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground have?

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Camping Permits Campground has 89 campsites.

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