Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite

🏕 **Introduction / Overview: True Wilderness Camping on an Apostle Island**

For Wisconsin residents seeking a profound connection with the wild, undeveloped beauty of Lake Superior, the **Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite** offers an unparalleled adventure. Located within the protected boundaries of the **Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS)**, this is camping in its purest, most authentic form. Unlike drive-up campgrounds on the mainland, this secluded destination is accessible only by watercraft—be it a sea kayak, sailboat, or motorboat—making it a true expedition for those who value solitude and the pristine environment of the islands.

Michigan Island itself is known for its dramatic landscape and, notably, its two historic lighthouses, including the tallest in Wisconsin. The campground is designed for the self-sufficient, Leave No Trace adventurer. It is one of the many individual campsites scattered across 18 of the 21 Apostle Islands, offering a distinct and memorable opportunity to wake up to the sound of Lake Superior waves and explore the rich natural and maritime history of the islands.

Guests must secure a permit and be prepared for variable weather conditions on Lake Superior, reinforcing that this is a remote, wilderness experience. This is the spot where you trade the crowds and convenience for absolute tranquility and the breathtaking grandeur of Northern Wisconsin's jewel, the Apostle Islands.

📌 **Location and Accessibility: Remote Island Journey via Lake Superior**

The Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite is situated on Michigan Island, one of the easternmost islands in the Apostle Islands chain. Its accessibility is its defining feature, as there is **NO drive up car, tent, or RV camping** allowed on the islands within the National Lakeshore.

• **Official Location:** Michigan Island, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA (within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore)
• **Watercraft Access Only:** The campsite is reachable exclusively by boat. Visitors typically use their own private boats, or contract with a local water taxi service, shuttle, or sea kayak outfitter from the mainland gateway community of Bayfield.
• **Landing Area:** The specific campsite is located on the sandspit, approximately 0.9 miles west of the historic light station. Kayakers and small motorboats can land on the sand beach or anchor offshore and dinghy into the beach area.
• **Hiking Approach:** A trail leads from the beach landing, through the dunes, and set back into the trees to the single designated campsite. Another trail connects the campsite to the lighthouse area.
• **Preparation is Key:** Given the remote, island location, campers must be fully prepared to handle all gear, supplies, and waste, as no services are provided once on the island.

🛀 **Services Offered: Primitive and Essential Amenities**

As a National Park Service designated individual campsite in a wilderness setting, the Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite provides only basic, essential facilities to maintain its remote character.

• **Tent-Only Camping:** The site is strictly for tent camping; no RVs, trailers, or other vehicular camping is permitted.
• **Bear-Resistant Food Storage:** A crucial service in this natural habitat, a **metal bear-resistant food locker** is provided at the site. All food, garbage, and scented items must be secured within this locker when not in use.
• **Campfire Ring:** A designated **fire ring** is available for building safe and controlled campfires. Campers are permitted to use dead and downed wood found on the ground for firewood.
• **Picnic Table:** A **picnic table** is provided at the site for meal preparation and dining comfort.
• **Stump Privy:** The campsite includes access to a basic **stump privy** (a rudimentary toilet facility) for sanitary use.

🌲 **Features / Highlights: Solitude, History, and Lake Superior's Power**

Michigan Island is one of the more popular islands for visitors due to its rich history and stunning natural features, even though the campsite itself remains a sanctuary of seclusion.

• **Historic Lighthouses:** The island is home to the **Michigan Island Light Station**, featuring two light towers, including the relocated 112-foot cylindrical steel tower which is the tallest lighthouse in Wisconsin. Visitors can hike to the light station for interpretive information and a sense of maritime history.
• **Ultimate Solitude:** With only one designated campsite on this large island, campers are guaranteed a level of **privacy and quiet immersion in nature** that is nearly impossible to find at mainland campgrounds.
• **Hiking Opportunities:** A one-mile sandspit trail connects the light station area to the campground, offering scenic walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• **Watercraft Paradise:** The island’s location is ideal for water-based activities. The bay provides excellent opportunities for **sea kayaking, sailing, and boating**, with public docking available on a first-come, first-served basis near the lighthouse.
• **Stargazing & Lake Views:** The remote location away from mainland light pollution guarantees some of the most spectacular **night sky viewing** in Wisconsin, coupled with breathtaking views across the vast expanse of Lake Superior and the surrounding Apostles.

📧 **Contact Information**

Since this is a campsite within the National Park Service (NPS) land, direct on-island contact is not available. All reservations and essential information are managed by the park headquarters.

• **Address:** Michigan Island, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA (Apostle Islands National Lakeshore)
• **Reservations / Permit System:** All camping reservations and permits must be obtained in advance through the Recreation.gov platform.
• **Park Headquarters Phone:** (715) 779-3398 (for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center in Bayfield)
• **Essential Note:** Visitors must print and carry their official camping permit, which is obtainable from their Recreation.gov account seven days prior to the start of the trip or at the Bayfield Visitor Center.

🏅 **What is Worth Choosing Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite**

The Michigan Island Watercraft Campsite is unequivocally worth choosing for the experienced outdoor enthusiast, boater, or sea kayaker looking for a premier, **unadulterated wilderness camping experience** in Wisconsin. This is not car camping—it is a self-reliant adventure.

You should choose Michigan Island if you:

• Desire **absolute solitude** on one of the Apostle Islands, away from group sites and mainland crowds.
• Are fascinated by **maritime history** and wish to camp near a major historic lighthouse.
• Value the **pristine environment** of a National Lakeshore and are prepared to adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• Have the necessary equipment and experience to safely navigate the open waters of **Lake Superior** to access the island by watercraft.

For a truly challenging yet deeply rewarding camping trip, Michigan Island offers an intimate look at the rugged landscape and rich heritage of Northern Wisconsin's most treasured natural area.