Dalrymple Park and Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin residents seeking that quintessential Northwoods camping experience with a view that rivals any postcard, Dalrymple Park and Campground in Bayfield is a treasured find. Owned and operated by the City of Bayfield, this small, rustic campground offers a truly authentic camping environment nestled on a scenic bluff overlooking the majestic Lake Superior and the legendary Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This is the perfect base camp for exploring everything the Bayfield Peninsula has to offer, from the ferry to Madeline Island to the sea caves along the mainland shore.

Dalrymple Park and Campground is celebrated by locals for its peaceful atmosphere and heavily wooded, shady sites that offer a welcome sense of privacy, even during the peak summer season. Unlike large, commercial parks, Dalrymple maintains a charming, no-frills character, focusing on providing a clean, quiet, and naturally beautiful setting. Campers often praise the easy access to the waterfront and the overall tranquility, making it a highly desirable spot for those who prefer tents or smaller RVs. It’s a genuine Wisconsin camping spot that perfectly balances secluded nature with immediate access to a vibrant harbor town.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility

One of Dalrymple Park and Campground’s most compelling assets is its fantastic location—a quick, accessible mile north of downtown Bayfield, right on State Highway 13. This proximity means campers are literally minutes away from the town’s shops, restaurants, orchards, and the crucial ferry service to Madeline Island, making day trips incredibly convenient.

The campground is perched on a bluff, affording many sites breathtaking, elevated views of Lake Superior. This location is a genuine rarity on the highly developed South Shore. Accessibility is straightforward via the paved State Highway 13, but visitors should note that the internal campground roads can be steep and the sites themselves may require some leveling, adding to the rustic charm.

The address for navigation is:

86070 WI-13 Trunk, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA

The proximity to Bayfield allows for easy stocking up on supplies, including the necessary firewood, which is generally not provided on-site but is readily available from local vendors in town. This location is the gateway to the "Top of Wisconsin," offering unparalleled access to a wealth of recreational opportunities.

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🛠️ Services Offered

Dalrymple Park and Campground provides essential amenities that support a comfortable yet rustic camping experience, reflecting its city park origins and commitment to simplicity.

• Campsites: The park offers approximately 30 to 34 rustic sites, suitable for both tent campers and smaller RVs (rigs over 25 feet may find maneuvering and leveling difficult).
• Electrical Hookups: The majority of the campsites are equipped with electric hookups (typically 20- and 30-amp service), a valuable convenience that enhances the rustic stay.
• Potable Water: Water is available via water spigots scattered throughout the campground. Campers can use these for filling containers, but there are no direct water or sewer hookups at the individual sites.
• Sanitary Facilities: The campground provides vault toilets (pit toilets), which are regularly maintained. Note: There are no showers on site.
• Shower Access: Campers can access shower facilities at the nearby Bayfield Recreation Center for a small day-pass fee, offering a convenient solution just a short drive away.
• Waste Management: Trash dumpsters are available for refuse disposal.
• Pet Policy: Leashed dogs are welcomed, allowing you to bring your best friend on your Northwoods adventure.
• First-Come, First-Served Policy: The campground operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no advance reservations are taken. This ensures fairness and opportunity for spontaneous travelers, though arriving early—especially on weekends and holidays—is always recommended.

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🌟 Features / Highlights

Dalrymple Park and Campground’s appeal lies in its combination of natural beauty and practical access to Lake Superior’s attractions.

• Stunning Lake Superior Views: Many sites and designated lookout points within the campground offer unobstructed, magnificent views of Lake Superior and the nearby Apostle Islands, a truly spectacular feature of the Wisconsin shoreline.
• Heavily Wooded and Private Sites: The campsites are carved into the woods, offering excellent natural shading and a high degree of privacy from neighboring campers, a frequently praised aspect that enhances the feeling of seclusion.
• Proximity to Bayfield: The campground is only about a one-mile walk or short drive to downtown Bayfield, giving campers unparalleled access to the local shops, restaurants, and the Madeline Island Ferry, which is a primary gateway to the Apostle Islands.
• Lakeside Access: A short trail leads down from the bluff to the water, providing access to the Lake Superior shoreline and the historic Pike’s Creek area, perfect for launching a kayak or simply enjoying the beach.
• Excellent Base for Local Recreation: The campground serves as an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, enjoying nearby orchards, mountain biking, or attending events at the Big Top Chautauqua.

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📞 Contact Information

Dalrymple Park and Campground is owned and managed by the City of Bayfield. The main point of contact for information regarding the campground is the Bayfield City Hall.

Address:

86070 WI-13 Trunk, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA

Phone:

(715) 779-5712

Mobile Phone:

+1 715-779-5712

The staff at City Hall is known to be extremely helpful in clarifying rules and addressing any issues, as evidenced by positive customer feedback regarding their support and commitment to the campground's first-come, first-served policy.

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✅ What is Worth Choosing

Dalrymple Park and Campground is absolutely worth choosing for Wisconsin campers who value a genuine, rustic experience with a million-dollar view, all while being close to essential town amenities. This is a place that celebrates the core of camping: a fire ring, a picnic table, an electric hookup, and the soothing sounds of Lake Superior.

It is particularly appealing for two reasons:

• The Views and Vibe: You are camping on one of the most beautiful bodies of water in North America. The stunning views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands from the heavily wooded bluff are second to none, and the quiet, shady sites feel far more private than typical RV parks. The peace and quiet are unmatched by more crowded or high-amenity locations in the area.
• The First-Come, First-Served Advantage: For the spontaneous adventurer, the no-reservation policy is a significant plus. While popular sites, especially those with the best lake views, go quickly, many sites are available on weekdays. This is a deliberate choice by the city to keep camping accessible and fair for local users and travelers without the stress of months-ahead booking.

While the campground has limited facilities (no showers, vault toilets only), the low cost and the ability to use the Bayfield Recreation Center for modern amenities provides a smart workaround. If you are a seasoned tent camper or have a smaller RV and are looking for a base camp near Bayfield that offers natural beauty, privacy, and incredible value, Dalrymple Park and Campground is the clear choice for your next Lake Superior adventure.