Big Bay State Park

We travel with our dogs, but we always mind them and follow the rules. That said, I had to ask the camp host to get his dog to stop his incessant barking one afternoon since it was tethered in front of their camper. Tethering usually ain’t even allowed in campgrounds? It was weird. There were also other dogs off leash off course which results in peeps having to yell at their dog to ‘come back’ or ‘get out of there!’ while the dog is wondering off into someone else’s campsite or dog’s space. Would be a lot easier and peaceful just to use a leash. Beautiful shoreline thought, just be well prepared for biting flies.

The highlight of this park is clearly the Lagoon/Boardwalk. Simply beautiful. Hard to imagine the beautiful soft sand and warm calm waters on Superior. The area was like somebody had perfectly landscaped the whole thing. And the crowds are limited because of the limited parking...perfect!

The campsites were OK, but quite small and offered some but not a lot of privacy. Some electric, some not. Overall the park was well maintained by the city. The hosts were helpful upon check in and usually around for ice and firewood. Beware of the firewood though. The price is $5 an armful. It was so wet they should have been paying the campers to take it! Not good. There are other places around to get it.

We were there on some clear nights and the stars are simply incredible!

As you drive around the island you will see many junk yards. Not sure why that is but sure wish the city would do something. It was the same way on our last visit about 10 years ago. Some things never change.

Loris grocery store is a joke. Be sure to do your shopping before hopping on the ferry.

No cell service except the WIFI at the office.

Nice campground with limited # of electric sites. No Sewer or campsite water. They do have several potable water stations. Dump station is available offsite at the local island commuter airport. Park staff was very welcoming and polite. Beautiful surroundings with good hiking trails. Highlight is a boardwalk trail that runs the perimeter of Big Bay and offers stunning views of Lake Superior. Access to the park is a bit of a challenge but is also part of the adventure due to the fact you can only get to the island by ferry boat. You catch the ferry at nearby Bayfield, Wi and the boat ride is about 20 minutes. The Ferry can accommodate any size RV. The cost of the ferry varies depending on the size of your rig. I have a lite camper at 22 ft and it cost me $60 one way. In La Point, I recommend a visit to Tom’s Burned Down Cafe which as the names suggests is a never rebuilt burned down cafe turned into bar. It is a great watering hole with a Key West vibe. You will see many interesting locals there. I would recommend a visit to Madeline Island and Big Bay State Park.

Sites are generous in size but there are only 60. Only a handful have electric. Most have sufficient shade for adequate privacy. Pit toilets throughout but only one bathhouse with flush toilets, showers situated between the two campgrounds. Only two showers/sinks and more than once, I had to wait to wash my hands. The water pump near site 12 did not seem operable. In addition to the cost of the campsite, you also have the cost of the ferry ($52 including vehicle for two people) and you will need your vehicle to get to the park. Campground was quiet on a Sunday night in September but there was a noisy drinking party on Saturday night! You can walk to Big Bay Town Park via a boardwalk but I really recommend taking a small boat tour out to explore some of the other islands, once you’ve come this far!