Little Sand Bay Campground

🌲 Introduction / Overview

For Wisconsin residents seeking a quintessential Lake Superior camping experience with direct water access and proximity to one of the state's greatest treasures, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Little Sand Bay Campground is an essential destination. Located just a short drive north of the picturesque town of Bayfield, this facility—operated by the Town of Russell—serves as a primary hub for both land and water adventures on the Bayfield Peninsula.

Little Sand Bay is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a full-service recreation area. The site is uniquely situated, providing immediate access to a beautiful sandy swimming beach, a large boat ramp and harbor, and, most notably, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore's seasonal visitor center. This makes it an invaluable staging area for kayakers heading out to the mainland sea caves or boaters exploring the famous island chain.

The campground offers a practical and functional basecamp for visitors, catering predominantly to the RV and trailer crowd with electrical hookups, while still providing designated spots for tent campers. It’s a busy, family-friendly location that, while occasionally lacking the deep solitude of true backcountry spots, offers unparalleled convenience and access to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the Badger State.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Little Sand Bay Campground is perfectly positioned on the mainland shore of Lake Superior, approximately 15 minutes north of the City of Bayfield. Its location is both remote enough to feel like an escape and central enough to be a convenient starting point for regional tourism.

The official address for the facility is:

34155 State Hwy 13, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA

However, for navigation, it is often noted to be accessed by heading north from Bayfield on State Highway 13 to Old County Road K, and then turning right onto Little Sand Bay Road, which dead-ends at the recreation area. The site is easily accessible by vehicle and is well-signed.

The campground’s accessibility is a key advantage. It sits directly on the lake, with only a small playground and picnic area separating some sites from the beautiful, public sandy beach. Crucially, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center and the large boat ramp/harbor are right next door, making it the premier drive-to launch point for kayaking the famous Meyers Beach sea caves or catching a water taxi to one of the Apostle Islands.

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🛠️ Services Offered

As a town-operated recreation area, Little Sand Bay Campground provides a strong lineup of services designed for maximum convenience, particularly for RV and trailer owners.

• Campsite Types: The campground features approximately 32 RV sites with electric hookups (many are drive-through sites), 13-14 designated tent-only sites, and one large group site with a gazebo, ideal for family reunions or large groups of kayakers.
• Utilities & Sanitation: The property includes essential facilities such as water spigots located throughout the campground for potable water access, and an on-site RV/trailer dump station for wastewater disposal.
• Restrooms and Showers: There are modern restrooms and flush toilets that are generally well-maintained. The facility also provides showers, though past reviews indicate they can be coin-operated and may require maintenance—it is always best to verify the current status (free vs. paid) upon arrival.
• Sales and Supplies: Campers can purchase essential items right on-site, including firewood and ice, which are critical for any successful camping trip.
• Fish Cleaning: The campground provides dedicated fish cleaning facilities, a welcome service for those planning to enjoy some Lake Superior fishing.
• Harbor and Boat Launch: The boat ramp and harbor docking area are part of the recreation complex, offering quick and easy launching for both motorized boats and non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes.
• Reservations: Reservations are available and recommended, especially during peak season, and are typically handled via phone, email, or mail rather than an online booking system.

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🌟 Features / Highlights

The unique features and highlights of Little Sand Bay center around its exceptional proximity to Lake Superior and the region’s main attraction.

• Direct Lake Superior Access and Beach: The standout feature is the beautiful, public sand swimming beach located just across a short drive from the campground. This provides instant, easy access to Lake Superior for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the spectacular sunsets.
• Proximity to NPS Visitor Center: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Seasonal Visitor Center is located immediately adjacent to the campground. This is invaluable for campers, offering essential park information, camping permits for the islands, and kayak safety guidance.
• Kayaker's Launch Point: Little Sand Bay is widely considered the closest and most convenient launch point for kayakers intending to explore the stunning mainland sea caves near Meyers Beach, making it a favorite for paddling enthusiasts.
• Family Recreation Area: The broader recreation area includes a sports field and a playground, making this an ideal choice for families with children who need open spaces and activities beyond the campsite.
• Full RV Support: With 30/50-amp electric hookups, drive-through sites, and an on-site dump station, the campground is particularly well-suited for motorhomes and trailers, offering a higher level of convenience for larger rigs than many other campgrounds in the region.

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📞 Contact Information

As a Town of Russell-owned and operated facility, the campground management handles all reservations and inquiries directly.

Address:

34155 State Hwy 13, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA

Phone for Reservations and Inquiries:

(715) 779-5233

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✅ What is Worth Choosing

Little Sand Bay Campground is an excellent choice for a specific type of Wisconsin traveler, and it is worth choosing for several key reasons that outweigh its minor drawbacks.

You should choose Little Sand Bay if:

• You are an avid boater or kayaker: Its location is simply unbeatable as a launch point for the Apostle Islands. Being able to launch your boat or kayak and then be back at your campsite in minutes makes this campground a functional dream for water-based activities.
• You travel in an RV or trailer: With 32 electric sites, many being convenient pull-throughs, and an on-site dump station, it is clearly set up to support recreational vehicles, providing the necessary utilities often absent in more rustic area campgrounds.
• You want easy access to family fun: The combination of the sandy swimming beach, the playground, and the sports field provides immediate, ready-made entertainment for families, keeping everyone happy and active after a long drive or day of sightseeing.
• You prioritize convenience over seclusion: While some tent sites may feel less private than deep-woods camping—a trade-off noted by some reviewers—the unparalleled convenience of having the Visitor Center, the boat ramp, and a beautiful beach essentially right outside your door is the ultimate benefit that this location provides.

For a fully equipped, well-connected basecamp for your Lake Superior and Apostle Islands adventure, Little Sand Bay Campground provides the practical, friendly, and access-focused lodging you need.