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Thompson's West End Park
Overview
Located directly on the stunning shores of Lake Superior, Thompson's West End Park serves as a premier municipal destination for RV travelers visiting Northern Wisconsin. This park offers a serene atmosphere where the sound of the waves provides a constant backdrop for your stay. It is managed by the City of Washburn and maintains a reputation for being a well-kept, friendly location for those seeking scenic Great Lakes camping without the crowds of larger resorts.
Location & Surroundings
The park is perfectly positioned on the edge of Chequamegon Bay, offering expansive views of the water and the distant horizon. The surrounding landscape features mature trees that provide shade and a sense of privacy for many of the campsites. Being in Washburn means you are situated in a quiet community that serves as a peaceful alternative to the busier tourist traffic found in nearby Bayfield, yet you remain close to local services.
Amenities & Park Features
This campground is well-equipped for modern travelers, offering water and electrical hookups at various sites to ensure a comfortable stay for different rig sizes. Visitors have access to essential facilities including a dump station, clean bathhouses with showers, and accessible restrooms. One of the standout features is the protected boat launch and swimming beach, which allows guests to easily enjoy the cool waters of the lake during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
There is no shortage of activity surrounding the park, starting with the Washburn Lakefront Parkway, a walking trail that meanders along the coast and connects the campground to the heart of the city. A short drive north brings you to the gateway of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where you can charter boats or explore sea caves. For those who enjoy hiking, the nearby Valhalla Recreation Area offers miles of trails through the lush Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is an excellent fit for avid paddlers and anglers who want to be steps away from the water for early morning excursions. It is also ideal for families or solo travelers who appreciate a laid-back municipal park vibe and a community-centered environment. If you enjoy a quiet setting where you can watch the sunrise over the lake and enjoy easy access to Northwoods adventures, this park fits your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Gary Heiman
Nice clean camground, but pretty wide open. Great view of lake.
Rebecca Krogwold
Amazing little camping getaway weather your in a tent, RV or a vehicle.......it's perfect and right on Lake Superior. The only downside is yu have to pay quarters to shower.....there is a change machine tho! I really dont understand the need to pay to shower though. Oh another plus tho! There is fresh water running out of pumps at the entrance. So water for jugs and or to fill up portable camping showers nonstop if you dont want to pay quarters to shower. There are power hookups at each site as well and a small playground for kiddos. Not too much of one but none the less a playground. The cost is 50 and under a site as well....actually I think under 50 a night and 240 for a week
B Ragle
What a great campground on Lake Superior! We stayed on site 33 (a pull thru) which is the 3rd row from the lake, but still has lake views. There is a bathroom/shower house which is coincidentally operated (we didn’t use their showers) which had 2 shower stalls. There is a bench outside the showers with separate curtains for each stall, but no place in the shower area to set your shampoo/soap, etc. The campsites are nicely spaced, with gravel driveways & grass/trees. The artisan well is very busy so you may want to consider that when choosing your site. The premium sites ($45 each) along the lakefront are very roomy. There’s a pavilion next to the lake, and benches/picnic tables scattered around. There are various exercise machines outside not far from the campground (by boat launch) and several beach areas. Cost per night is $35 (electric only), but there’s potable water & a dump station available. It is so beautiful looking at the lake & at night you can see lights across the bay.
shanighnigh
I have loved this park since I was a kid. They have decent bathrooms and a big playground but it's dated and needs work. The beach is really good and easy to walk in. Not a lot of rocks. But there are wood chips everywhere from the old Sawmills that used to be down there. The pavilion is nice and the short dock is okay for fishing.
Mark Haskell
Pretty views of the bay, clean showers for 75 cents, nicely spaced sites, and an artesian well for fresh water. Beach, boat launch, and a walking trail along the Lake Superior shoreline are adjacent to the campground. Lots of sites are seasonal, so it can be a challenge to get a site. There is an overflow area if you don’t need power or water. It is an easy walk into town and a laundromat and craft brewery are very close.