Camping
Camping is available on 18 of the lakeshore’s 21 islands and at one campsite on the mainland. Permits are required for all camping in the national lakeshore. The permit system allows campers to reserve campsites in advance (see camping fees). Individual campsites (for one to seven campers) can be reserved beginning one month before the start of a trip. Individual campsites are reserved at $10 per night. Group campsites (for eight to 20 campers) can be reserved beginning the second week in January. The fee for group campsites is $20 per night. Camping zones have also been established on 15 islands in the national lakeshore for visitors seeking a remote backcountry experience. See the brochure “Camping in the Apostle Islands” for more information. Pictures and descriptions of Apostle Islands campsites are available on-line on our camping page

Sailing and Boating
The Apostle Islands’ protected bays, public docks, pristine beaches, and natural beauty offer outstanding boating opportunities. Public docks are found on 13 of the islands in the national lakeshore. Space is reserved at some docks for National Park Service (NPS) vessels and excursion boats. The remaining space is available to the public on a first come, first served basis. Overnight docking fees are $10 for boats less than 40 feet in length and $20 for boats 40 feet and greater. Docking fees are in effect from 6pm to 6am.

Public boat launches are located in Ashland, Bayfield, Cornucopia, Little Sand Bay, Red Cliff, and Washburn. The cost is $5/launch in Bayfield, $5/launch at Little Sand Bay. Marinas are in Ashland, Bayfield, Cornucopia, LaPointe, Pike’s Bay, Port Superior, Red Cliff, Roys Point, Schooner Bay, and Washburn.

The use of personal watercraft is not allowed within the boundaries of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Paddling
Sea kayaks have become very popular for travel among the Apostle Islands. Information about kayak outfitters can be obtained by calling Apostle Islands National Lakeshore at 715-779-3397. Two free kayak launch points are located within the national lakeshore’s mainland unit. Meyers Beach is a popular spot to begin a tour to the mainland sea caves. A kayak launch is located to the west of the NPS dock at Little Sand Bay. Temporary parking for loading/unloading equipment is located to the west of the NPS visitor center. Long term parking is located in the parking lot adjacent to the Town of Russell campground. The Apostle Islands Cruise Service will transport a canoe or kayak to the islands for a $20 fee. For more information ask for the brochure “Paddling in the Apostles.”

Scuba Diving
A free dive permit is required to scuba dive within national lakeshore boundaries. Permits are available from Park Headquarters or Little Sand Bay visitor centers.

Fishing and Hunting
A Wisconsin fishing license with a Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp is required for fishermen 16 or older. Sport fishermen are drawn to the Apostle Islands region by the opportunities to catch lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and coho salmon. Summer fishing takes place in deep water with lake trout being the most commonly targeted fish. 

Hunting is allowed in the national lakeshore. Hunting activity may occur from September (after Labor Day) through December. A muzzle loader deer hunt (by permit only) is held on several islands during the month of October. Interested hunters must apply for the permit lottery between June 15 and July 15. For detailed information and an application form write to Park Dispatch, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814 or apis_ resource_issues@nps.gov. All hunting is conducted in compliance with state law.

Collecting
Reasonable quantities of fruit, berries, and nuts can be gathered for personal use only. Collecting other natural objects such as rocks, wildflowers, and driftwood is not allowed.

Island Tours/Shuttles
The Apostle Islands Cruise Service (an authorized National Park Service concessioner) offers a variety of nonstop sightseeing excursions and island shuttles featuring stops at several islands (see getting to the islands). Their office is located in the Bayfield Pavilion near the city dock at the bottom of Rittenhouse Avenue in Bayfield, WI. All cruises depart from Bayfield. Reservations are recommended. For more information call 800- 323-7619 or visit on-line at www.apostleisland. com