Long Island Campground

- P6G9+QM, La Pointe, WI 54891

For Wisconsinites yearning for a unique and truly secluded island camping experience, Long Island Campground near La Pointe offers an unparalleled opportunity within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This isn't your typical crowded campground; it's a testament to the serene beauty of Lake Superior, designed for those who seek to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in a more rustic, pristine natural environment. If the thought of falling asleep to the gentle lapping of Lake Superior waves and waking up to untouched island sunrises appeals to you, Long Island Campground could be your perfect escape.

As Wisconsinites, we cherish our beautiful lakes and the opportunities they provide for outdoor recreation. Long Island Campground, despite its primitive nature, consistently appeals to those among us who prioritize peace, quiet, and genuine immersion in nature. The allure of having no electricity or running water, and the very limited number of campsites, contributes to a profound sense of seclusion that is hard to find elsewhere. It's a place where the "bliss" of being completely free from phone reception is a highlight, allowing for true relaxation and connection with the stunning natural surroundings.

While access requires a bit more planning, involving a ferry to Madeline Island and then onward to Long Island (often by private boat or kayak), the effort is richly rewarded. This campground truly embodies the spirit of a genuine wilderness getaway, offering clean basic facilities and an unforgettable backdrop of Lake Superior's grandeur. It's an ideal choice for those looking to experience the Apostle Islands from a unique, tranquil perspective.

Long Island Campground is located at P6G9+QM, La Pointe, WI 54891, USA. More specifically, it is situated on Long Island, which is a unique sand spit within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This geographical placement is key to understanding its accessibility and appeal.

To reach Long Island Campground, you typically embark on a journey that begins with a ferry ride to Madeline Island from Bayfield, Wisconsin. From Madeline Island, access to Long Island itself is by private boat, water taxi, or kayak. The island is composed almost entirely of sand, and water depths are very shallow at all approaches, meaning most visitors beach their boats. This implies a more adventurous and self-sufficient approach to reaching your campsite.

It's important to note that Long Island is currently part of a peninsula, not entirely an island, and has been since the mid-1970s. However, its access methods and remote feel still give it an island-like quality. The campground is located about one half mile southeast of the LaPointe light station. No maintained trails exist on the island, contributing to its untouched wilderness feel. A significant aspect of its accessibility is the complete lack of phone reception, emphasizing its commitment to an "unplugged" experience.

Permits are required for camping on Long Island, and these are obtained through the National Park Service (NPS) for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, often involving online reservations and check-in at a visitor center before heading to the island.

• Primitive Campsites: Long Island Campground offers a limited number of rustic, primitive campsites. These sites are designed for a minimalist camping experience.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups available at the campsites, requiring campers to be self-sufficient for power needs.
• No Water Hookups: Campers should be prepared for no direct water hookups at individual sites. While some sources might mention potable water availability at designated areas within the larger Apostle Islands system, it's best to confirm and bring your own supply.
• Vault/Composting Toilets: The campground is equipped with vault or composting toilets (privies), which are noted for being clean, providing essential sanitation.
• Animal-Safe Food Storage: Each site includes a bear-resistant food locker to ensure proper food storage and protect against wildlife.
• Fire Pits: Campsites are provided with fire pits, allowing for campfires for cooking and warmth, although specific rules on fire height and firewood sourcing should be observed (e.g., "Don't Move Firewood" principles).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Garbage Disposal: While not explicitly stated for Long Island specifically in the provided snippets, other "outpost extension camping areas" within the broader Porcupine Mountains Wilderness (which shares similar management principles as NPS wilderness areas) often have garbage disposal facilities. It's best to confirm with the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore office.
• Permit System: Camping on Long Island requires a permit obtained through the National Park Service, which involves an online reservation process and potentially a visit to a visitor center for papers.

• Profound Seclusion: The primary highlight is the campground's extreme seclusion, with only a few campsites, offering a peaceful and private outdoor retreat away from crowds.
• Complete Digital Detox: The explicit lack of phone reception ("No phone reception anywhere near here so beware! No phone use the entire weekend. It was bliss!") is a major feature for those seeking to fully disconnect.
• Stunning Lake Superior Views: Being on Long Island provides direct access to Lake Superior's shores, offering breathtaking views, opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and watching sunrises and sunsets.
• Pristine Beaches: The island boasts wide, undisturbed beaches, attractive for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural shoreline.
• Unique Geological Features: Long Island's composition of almost entirely sand, without obvious bedrock, makes it a fascinating geological site.
• Endangered Piping Plover Habitat: The island is critical nesting grounds for the endangered Piping Plover, offering a unique opportunity to observe wildlife (while respecting protected areas).
• Clean Vault Toilets: The cleanliness of the basic toilet facilities is a significant advantage in a primitive setting.
• Bear-Resistant Food Lockers: The provision of secure food storage is a crucial safety and convenience feature in a wilderness environment.
• LaPointe Light Station Proximity: The campground's location near the historic LaPointe light station adds a touch of maritime history to the natural setting.
• Unique Access Experience: Reaching the island by private boat, water taxi, or kayak adds an adventurous element to the camping trip.

As Long Island Campground is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a unit of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), it operates under federal regulations and does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private business might. Camping fees are standardized and are subject to change by the NPS. Discounts are generally applicable to specific federal pass holders, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass or Access Pass, which may provide a reduced rate on camping fees.

For the most current information on camping fees, required permits, and any applicable pass discounts, visitors should consult the official National Park Service website for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore or contact their headquarters directly. Reservations for Long Island Campground, due to its limited number of sites and popularity, are typically made online through the recreation.gov system well in advance. The focus here is on preserving the wilderness experience and ensuring equitable access, rather than offering commercial deals.

For information regarding Long Island Campground and camping within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the primary point of contact is the National Park Service (NPS) unit responsible for the park. While there's no direct phone for the campground itself (due to its remote nature), you can reach the main park office or the general reservation system:

Address: P6G9+QM, La Pointe, WI 54891, USA (This is the general geographic coordinate for the island location).

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Headquarters/Visitor Center Phone: (715) 779-3397 (This number is typically for park-specific inquiries, conditions, and permit information).

National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov): For making reservations for campsites within federal lands like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, you would typically use the centralized recreation.gov website or their phone line, which is usually 1-877-444-6777 (check recreation.gov for the exact number). It's crucial to confirm reservation procedures directly with the NPS.

Please remember that phone reception is generally not available on Long Island itself, so all planning and inquiries should be completed before your arrival at the island.

For us Wisconsinites, Long Island Campground offers a rare and deeply appealing experience – true island wilderness camping right in our own backyard, within the magnificent Apostle Islands. We're fortunate to have access to such a unique natural treasure, and this campground allows us to fully immerse ourselves in its raw beauty.

Its suitability for locals lies in its promise of an ultimate escape. The deliberate lack of electricity, running water, and particularly cell phone reception, isn't a deterrent for those of us who genuinely seek to unplug. Instead, it's a profound invitation to embrace the simplicity of nature, to be lulled to sleep by Lake Superior's waves, and to witness the unfiltered beauty of island sunrises and sunsets. The clean vault toilets and bear-resistant food lockers show that essential comforts and safety are still considered, even in this primitive setting.

The journey to Long Island, involving a ferry and then potentially a private boat or kayak, adds an adventurous layer that many Wisconsin outdoors enthusiasts relish. It makes the destination feel earned and all the more rewarding. For those who yearn for true seclusion, pristine beaches, and a profound connection with one of the Great Lakes' most spectacular regions, Long Island Campground is an unparalleled local gem, promising an unforgettable, back-to-basics wilderness adventure.

Long Island Campground

P6G9+QM, La Pointe, WI 54891, USA