Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Welcome to the official page for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
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06/10/2026

What is your favorite campsite in the Apostle Islands? The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has camping available on 17 of 21 islands. All camping must be reserved on Recreation.gov or by calling 715-779-3398 and dialing 0.

Individual Sites: For groups of 1-7 individuals – We have 57 individual sites available across 15 of the islands and the mainland unit. These sites become available to book 30 days in advance. Sand Island and Stockton Island (Presque Isle Bay) have boardwalk accessible sites.

Group Sites: For groups of 8-21 individuals – We have 9 group sites across 5 islands. Each year we have a group camping lottery in mid-March. Sand Island and Stockton Island (Quarry Bay) have boardwalk accessible group sites.

If you are interested in camping, be aware that the island campsites can only be accessed from the mainland via boat. The mainland campsites can be accessed via boat or the Lakeshore Hiking Trail. There is no road access or RV camping at any of the campsites.

Primitive Zones: For groups of 1-5 individuals – We have primitive camping permits available on 15 of the islands. These zones are for campers looking for a true backcountry experience as no amenities are provided. Primitive camping may require several miles to reach a suitable location. Check out the primitive camping zone maps to see all the places where you can set up camp: https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/primitive-camping-zones.htm

For more information about camping in the park visit https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/camping.htm

05/29/2026

How would you like to spend part of your summer living on Waabaabikaa‑minis (Sand Island)? Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is looking for volunteers to serve as Sand Island lighthouse keepers and campground hosts. Volunteers meet boaters, hikers, kayakers, and campers while serving as the primary visitor contact on the island.

Positions & Dates
• July 7 – July 28
• August 18 – September 8 (end date may vary with lake conditions)

What to Know
• This is a partner position. Both partners must apply and list one another in the application.
• A background check is required.

Interested? Visit the link below for full details and to apply. These opportunities are only open for a limited time, don’t wait: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000LIlsPYAT/sand-island-lighthouse-keeper-campground-host

05/12/2026

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore covers 69,540 acres across 21 islands. The furthest distance in the park is 40 miles across Lake Superior from Long Island to Outer Island. All that distance can make the park challenging to visit. Many authorized tour operators offer guided services that help visitors make the most of their time in the Lakeshore. For a list of providers, visit: https://www.nps.gov/apis/planyourvisit/commercial-services.htm.

Planning a trip on your own? Visit https://www.nps.gov/apis/index.htm for trip planning information.

04/07/2026

Did you know you can do some limited foraging in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore as long as you pick by hand and only for personal use? These rules come with limits to help protect the park’s plants, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Remember to always forage with caution. There are poisonous plants and mushrooms in the park, and proper identification is essential for your safety.

What you can forage:
• Native fruits and berries — up to 1 gallon per person per week, as long as they aren’t listed as threatened or endangered.
• Apples — up to 5 gallons per person per week.
• Edible mushrooms — up to 1 gallon per person per week.

What you cannot forage:
• Wildflowers
• Non‑edible mushrooms
• Moss
• Sticks and driftwood
• Rocks
• Leaves
• Branches

These rules and foraging limits help protect the natural resources and biodiversity that make the Apostle Islands so special. Removing plants or other natural materials beyond what the park allows is not permitted and may result in penalties.

For full regulations, visit the Superintendent’s Compendium:
https://www.nps.gov/apis/learn/management/superintendents-compendium.htm

04/03/2026

Government Services Administration (GSA) Auction Alert

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has three federal surplus items currently listed on GSAauctions.gov. GSA auctions are one way the federal government sells surplus items that agencies no longer need. When equipment finishes its service life at a park, it is offered to the public through open bidding on GSA Auctions.

Bidding for these items is open Friday, April 3, through Friday, April 10:
Auction 1: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid — pick‑up only. More information and to bid: https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/359050.
Auction 2: Paddling and outdoor gear. More information and to bid: https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/359075.
Auction 3: Roland SP‑5401 sign printer — pick‑up only. More information and to bid: https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/359076.

Please note: All bidding and questions happen on GSAauctions.gov. We’re unable to answer auction questions in comments or messages on Facebook.

03/31/2026

Hiring Local Residents — Seasonal Park Ranger
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is hiring Seasonal Park Rangers (General), GS 5 for Summer 2026. This job is open to people who live within 90 miles of Bayfield, WI.

Pay: $19.52–$25.37/hr
Season: May–November
Application Closes: April 10, 2026

Much of the work will take place at Meyers Beach, with opportunities to assist at other park locations.

What you’ll do:
• Welcome visitors and provide safety/orientation information
• Support preventive search and rescue efforts
• Spend time on trails and at access points connecting with visitors
• Assist kayakers with safety information and trip preparation
• Support wildlife education and resource protection messaging
• Help with simple admin tasks and light maintenance
• May assist with kayak or small boat operations

Email your application materials to: [email protected]
Please review the full job details before applying: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/862791200

03/23/2026

Planning to camp or dock a boat in the Apostle Islands this summer? Here’s what you need to know before you go.

All camping and docking reservations and payments are made through Recreation.gov.

Camping requires an advance reservation. Cell service is unreliable in the park, and you may not be able to make a reservation once you arrive.

Docking is first-come, first-served. Download the Recreation.gov app before your trip—you can scan the QR codes at park docks and make payments offline.

If you’re new to Recreation.gov, now is a great time to create an account. If you already have one, take a moment to update your information. Recreation.gov now allows you to store digital payment methods, making paying for camping or docking even easier.

02/18/2026

Ice Caves Update – February 18, 2026: In under 16 hours, the ice shelf near Meyers Beach at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was broken up during last night’s winter storm.

We**am images from https://wavesatseacaves.cee.wisc.edu/ show the dramatic change between 4:00 PM on February 17 and 8:00 AM on February 18. The power of Lake Superior is humbling.

We extend our gratitude to the community, partners, and visitors who celebrated and supported this fleeting natural wonder.

Will the ice caves open again this winter? The stretch of sub-zero temperatures and calm winds that formed stable ice is unlikely to return before spring. For updates, visit https://go.nps.gov/IceCaves.

02/17/2026

Ice caves update: Ice caves will be CLOSED 2/17. A strong winter weather system will impact the region tomorrow, and with today’s heavy crowds and transportation congestion, the ice caves will be closed starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to ensure public safety during the winter storm.

The caves may remain closed for several days while rangers evaluate ice conditions after the storm.

If you paid the NPS Ice Cave Fee but couldn’t get out to the caves, your purchase will be honored for a future date.

Conditions can change quickly—check official sources for updates: https://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm

02/16/2026

Fog clearing this morning as visitors embark from Meyers Beach to the Apostle Islands ice caves.

How to stay safe: slush and glare ice near the caves increase the risk of falls and injuries, please use caution and walk carefully. Waterproof boots and traction devices are recommended. Dress for exposed winter conditions. Avoid standing under hanging ice. Watch for cracks and pressure ridges.

Shuttle wait times can be long and parking is congested. Bayfield County has added extra shuttles, but delays may continue. Plan ahead for possible wait times. Note: dogs are not permitted on Bayfield County shuttles.

Address

415 Washington Avenue
Bayfield, WI
54814

Telephone

+17157793397

Website

http://www.nps.gov/apis

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