Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Apostle Islands
Know before you go
Bayfield and Meyers Beach
Meyers Beach has a dedicated lot that serves the Lakeshore Trail, though it can reach capacity by mid-morning. In Bayfield, multi-day parking is available for island campers near the ferry and cruise docks.
Remote Island Connectivity
Expect limited to no cell service once you leave the mainland docks. Download all maps and reservation confirmations before departing Bayfield, as signals are blocked by high cliffs and distance.
Gateway Fuel Stations
Fuel up in Ashland or Bayfield before heading to the northern peninsula trailheads. There is no fuel available for vehicles on the islands, and marinas for boat fuel have variable seasonal hours.
Summer and Fall Transitions
July and August offer the most stable paddling conditions, though Lake Superior wind can change at any time. September provides cooler hiking weather and vibrant foliage but fewer boat departure options.
Water Safety and Kayaking
Reaching sea caves by kayak requires a sea kayak and experience due to cold water and sudden waves. Check the official NPS marine forecast daily and consider a guided trip for safety.
Check current conditions:National Park Service
2RVs, campervans & cars near DLH
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to DLH
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at DLH
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at DLH
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at DLH
- ✓ Compare suppliers at DLH
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at DLH
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at DLHA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Apostle Islands
- 01
Mainland Cliffs and Shores
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Bayfield
Meyers Beach
Begin your visit at this primary mainland access point for the Lakeshore Trail.
Lakeshore Trail
Hike the forested path toward the cliff-tops for a bird's-eye view of the sandstone sea caves.
Allow 45 minutes; conditions on secondary roads near the lakeshore vary seasonally.
The trail features uneven footing and steep drop-offs; stay on marked paths and away from cliff edges.
Pick up your vehicle at DLH → - 02
Island Lighthouses and History
Suggested: 9 AM from Bayfield City Dock
Raspberry Island
View the historic lighthouse and meticulously kept gardens, often accessible via guided boat tours.
Manitou Island
Explore the historic fish camp to see how early settlers lived and worked on Lake Superior.
Local transfer via boat; allow 2–4 hours for water transit depending on the route.
Lake Superior stays cold year-round; bring a windproof layer even if the mainland forecast is warm.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Gateway Peninsula Exploration
Suggested: 10 AM from Washburn
Big Bay State Park
Take the ferry to Madeline Island to walk the boardwalks and sandy beaches of this non-NPS island.
Houghton Falls State Natural Area
Walk through a sandstone gorge to a viewpoint overlooking the islands in Chequamegon Bay.
Allow 1.5 hours including ferry wait times; check local schedules for Madeline Island ferry.
Madeline Island is the only island accessible by car ferry; all other islands require private boats or water taxis.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Camping Permits and Boat Departure Reservations
Overnight island camping requires a permit via Recreation.gov, while mainland lodging in Bayfield should be booked 4–6 months ahead for summer weekends. Boat tours and water taxis are the primary bottleneck; always verify your transportation booking matches your permit dates. Systems are subject to change; check the NPS site for current water safety status.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
DLHApostle Islands
Duluth International Airport · 3 h 3 min drive
Find flights to DLH
Plan your road trip
From Duluth International Airport
3 h 3 min
about 109 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Apostle Islands on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Apostle Islands on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Apostle Islands
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Apostle Islands
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Apostle Islands
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Apostle Islands
Explore guided activities around Apostle Islands. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Apostle Islands
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Cool-weather stops
Thermal Neck Gaiter · 2-pack
For cold or windy stops. Confirm fabric, fit and the two-pack variant at the store.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
