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Big Bay
Overview
Big Bay provides a truly unique island getaway for RVers exploring the Apostle Islands region. Situated on Madeline Island, this destination is reached via a scenic ferry ride from the mainland at Bayfield. The park offers a peaceful atmosphere where the sounds of Lake Superior waves replace the noise of highway traffic. It is an ideal spot for those looking to experience the rugged beauty of Northern Wisconsin in a quiet, forested setting.
Location & Surroundings
The park is located on the eastern side of the island, characterized by its dramatic sandstone bluffs and a long, sandy barrier beach. Surrounded by a dense canopy of hardwoods and hemlocks, the campsites feel secluded and private. The proximity to the Big Bay Lagoon offers a distinct ecosystem to explore, while the vast horizon of Lake Superior provides a stunning backdrop for sunrises and stargazing alike.
Amenities & Park Features
RVers will find a selection of sites equipped with electric hookups that cater to various rig sizes. The park features a well-maintained network of trails, including an accessible boardwalk that stretches across the dunes and bog. Facilities are kept clean and include drinking water, vault toilets, and seasonal showers. Guests can enjoy several park-specific features:
- Large private campsites nestled within the woods.
- Direct access to a 1.5-mile crescent-shaped swimming beach.
- Dedicated picnic areas with fire rings and tables.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outside the park boundaries, the charming village of La Pointe offers local shops, museums, and casual dining. For the adventurous, kayaking the Apostle Islands sea caves is a must-do activity, providing a close-up look at the intricate rock formations carved by the lake. Hikers can enjoy the Point Trail, which offers elevated views of the water, while birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse species found in the protected marshlands.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best for outdoor enthusiasts who value natural beauty and a slower pace of life. It is particularly well-suited for families who enjoy beach days and easy hiking, as well as photographers looking to capture the essence of the Great Lakes. While the ferry crossing requires a bit of planning, the reward is a tranquil environment that feels worlds away from the busy mainland resorts, especially for those in mid-sized RVs.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ariel Sánchez
Pretty nice state park with clean trails. There are many overlook areas that offer great views. Wish we had come earlier in the year, the water looked tempting for a swim!
Renee
Love Madaline Island, and Big Bay town park campground is great! Nice clean bathrooms and showers. If you stay at site 28, you are close enough to the office to receive wifi. Perfect for the kiddos tablet at bedtime! Highly recommend!!
RobS
Very good experience. You get to take a ferry from Big Bay to Madeline Island. Cool little town and a beautiful island. Stay a couple of days if you want to explore. Beaches are closed to dogs, didn't really see any dog friendly beaches at all.
Beverly K
It's really the only worthwhile place of interest on Madeline Island worthy of the time and expense of taking a ferry to the island as a tourist. The trails along the coastline were breathtaking. It was also worthwhile to take the boardwalk to the beach and to the bog area. There is just over 1 mile of boardwalk along the coastline. You can walk on a beautiful, level improved path along the coastline for 4 miles one way. One side has turnouts viewing the coastline and the other side is wooded. However, parking areas are situated so you do not need to walk the entire distance there and back to see the highlights. I totally recommend this to be part of your trip to the Apostle Islands. You do need a WI state park pass. So if going to Copper Falls on your way to Apostle Islands, get the annual pass so you can take in Big Bay State Park. Plan on at a very minimum 4 hours to take the ferry there and back and to go on the trails.
Krista Konetzke
Beautiful State Park. The bathroom facilities were clean and well kept. The campground was really well spaced out each site could use a little more tent space but very nice. Biggest bummer was that there was so few dog friendly hiking trails and no beach access for the pups on hot days. Most other places have a dog friendly beach area for families to enjoy.