Overview
A brief introduction to Big Bay State Park
Big Bay State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, United States, on Madeline Island, the largest of 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The 2,350-acre (951 ha) park has picturesque sandstone bluffs and caves and a 1.5-mile-long (2.4 km) sand beach. It encloses unique habitat types including lakeside dunes, sphagnum bogs, and old-growth forest. Bald eagles return annually to the park to nest and rear offspring.
The park, established in 1963, has picnic areas with tables, grills, water and toilets; a campground with drinking water, showers and toilets; an indoor camp for nonprofit groups; an outdoor group camp; and more than 9 miles (14 km) of trails, including nature trails. The park is open year-round, though winter visitation is mostly limited to hunters, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
All vehicles are required to purchase an admission pass, though pedestrians and bicyclists may enter free. To reach the park, visitors must take a 20-minute ferry ride from Bayfield, then travel approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) east on Highway H. Big Bay State Park is 1 of 3 Wisconsin State Parks that one would have the best view the Milky Way from, in regards to available Wisconsin State Parks.
ARE Big Bay State Park campsites SOLD OUT?
We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at Big Bay State Park, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!
Scan for cancellationsContact Big Bay State Park
- Wisconsin State Parks
- Booking site: https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com
Spotted an error?
Whoops! Sometimes we make mistakes. Want to help improve the Big Bay State Park listing? Please suggest a correction.
Other nearby parks
Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Copper Falls State Park
- Chequamegon Nicolet Nf
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Tettegouche State Park
- Brule River State Forest
- City Of Two Harbors Burlington Bay Campground
- George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
Reviews
Camper reviews for Big Bay State Park
Be the first to post a review of Big Bay State Park!
How was your visit to Big Bay State Park? Share your review of Big Bay State Park and help fellow nature-lovers make an informed decision.
Post a reviewMap
View a map of Big Bay State Park
UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?
Get notified when a sold-out campground has availability
Tell us when, where, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll notify you (via SMS) when a suitable spot opens up at that campground—so you can nab that sold-out campsite reservation!