Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite: Experience Apostle Islands Camping

Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite Introduce

For those of us in Wisconsin who yearn for a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience, far removed from the sounds of traffic and the glare of city lights, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers an unparalleled opportunity. And nestled within this stunning archipelago is the Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite, a destination that epitomizes the raw beauty and peaceful solitude of Lake Superior island camping. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a special place reserved for adventurers who arrive by water, whether paddling a sea kayak or navigating a motorized boat, ready to embrace a more rustic yet rewarding connection with nature.

Basswood Island is one of the 21 islands that make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a designated area of exceptional natural and cultural significance managed by the National Park Service. The South Watercraft Campsite, specifically, offers a chance to experience the island's unique blend of forested tranquility and historical intrigue, with remnants of its logging and quarrying past. For Wisconsin locals, it represents an accessible slice of true wilderness adventure, demanding a bit more planning but delivering an unforgettable reward. It's a place where the fresh air, the vastness of Lake Superior, and the quiet rhythm of island life combine to create an escape like no other. Let's explore what makes this watercraft-accessible campsite a must-consider for your next Northwoods journey.

Location and Accessibility

The Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite is located on Basswood Island, within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with its official mailing address listed as Bayfield, WI 54814, USA. It's crucial to understand that this campsite is an island destination and is not accessible by car or RV. True to its name, "Watercraft Campsite," access is exclusively by boat or sea kayak. This inherent characteristic defines much of the camping experience here.

For sea kayakers, accessing the south end of Basswood Island requires careful consideration of Lake Superior's ever-changing conditions. While experienced paddlers might find it possible to land at a rock ledge near sites 1-4 on a calm day, it's noted as a difficult area to navigate. A flight of approximately 15 steps leads from this rock ledge to the blufftop campsites. For all other boaters, including those arriving by motorboat or water taxi from Bayfield, landing at the main Basswood Island dock (located midway up the west side of the island) is the primary access point. From the dock, campers then hike to their reserved campsites, which can be up to 1.5 miles away, depending on the specific site on the island. This boat-in nature is a significant part of the adventure and requires campers to be self-sufficient and prepared for packing in all their gear. Various water taxi services operate from Bayfield, offering convenient drop-off and pick-up services to Basswood Island's dock, making island camping accessible even without owning a personal boat or sea kayak. The island's proximity to mainland harbors like Bayfield makes it one of the more accessible islands in the Apostle Islands for boat-in camping.

Services Offered

As a watercraft campsite within a National Lakeshore, Basswood Island South offers essential, yet minimalist, services designed to support a responsible and immersive wilderness experience. Campers should anticipate a more rustic setting compared to developed drive-up campgrounds, requiring a greater degree of self-reliance.

Vault Toilets: For the comfort and sanitation of campers, vault toilets are available, typically shared among a cluster of campsites. For example, sites 1-4 on the south end of the island share a vault toilet.
Picnic Tables: Each designated campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
Fire Rings: Campers will find a designated fire ring at each site, allowing for responsible campfires. It is crucial to adhere to all fire regulations and burn only dead, fallen wood found within the park.
Tent Pads: Many sites, particularly the designated ones, feature tent pads (sometimes raised wooden decks) to provide a level and durable surface for pitching tents, minimizing impact on the natural ground.
Bear-Resistant Food Lockers: Given that black bears are present on the islands, each campsite is equipped with a bear-resistant food locker. Proper food storage is mandatory to protect both campers and wildlife.

It is important to note that campers are responsible for packing in all their water, food, and other supplies, and for packing out all trash and waste, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles. There are no potable water sources, showers, or electricity at these watercraft campsites.

Features / Highlights

Basswood Island, and specifically its South Watercraft Campsite, offers a myriad of features and highlights that draw adventurers seeking a unique Lake Superior experience.

Historic Significance: Basswood Island is rich in history, featuring remnants of a historic brownstone quarry and the McCloud-Brigham farm site. Exploring these historical elements adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural beauty. A 5.5-mile loop trail connects these sites with the dock and campsites.
Secluded Island Experience: Being an island campsite accessible only by watercraft provides a profound sense of isolation and solitude. This remoteness allows for a deeper connection with nature, far from the crowds found at mainland parks.
Stunning Lake Superior Views: Campers are treated to breathtaking vistas of Lake Superior, with opportunities to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the expansive waters. The sounds of the lake provide a constant, soothing backdrop.
Diverse Ecosystems: The island features varied terrain, including low cliffs of brown sandstone, banks of broken stone and red clay, and dense forests. This diversity supports various wildlife, including numerous bird species, and offers unique opportunities for nature observation.
Opportunities for Water Activities: The primary draw for many is the direct access to Lake Superior for sea kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The island serves as an excellent base for exploring the famous sea caves (when conditions permit) and other islands within the Apostle Islands archipelago.
Wildlife Viewing: Black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, can be spotted on the island, providing exciting wildlife viewing opportunities (remember to observe from a distance and store food properly).
Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: The limited accessibility inherently filters out casual visitors, ensuring a quieter and more serene camping environment where the sounds of nature prevail.
Gateway to Apostle Islands Exploration: From Basswood Island, campers can launch further explorations into the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, accessing other islands, lighthouses, and unique geological formations.

Contact Information

For all inquiries regarding the Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite, including camping permits, reservations, and current conditions within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, you should contact the National Park Service directly.

Address: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield, WI 54814, USA (This is the general park headquarters address, as the campsite itself is on an island)

Primary Contact Phone: While not directly associated with the specific campsite, general park information and permit assistance can be obtained by calling the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore headquarters. The main phone number for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is (715) 779-3398 (often extension 2 for camping inquiries). Please note, there is no specific phone number for the Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite directly.

Reservations for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore campsites, including those on Basswood Island, are typically made through Recreation.gov. It is crucial to obtain a permit in advance, as camping is by reservation only and is required for all overnight stays. Plan your trip well in advance, as popular sites can book quickly, especially during peak seasons. Always check the official National Park Service website for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for the most up-to-date information on fees, regulations, closures, and weather advisories.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For us Wisconsinites, the Basswood Island South Watercraft Campsite offers a truly quintessential Northwoods adventure, elevating the traditional camping experience to an unforgettable island expedition. It’s particularly suitable for locals who already have a love for Lake Superior, an appreciation for wilderness, and perhaps some experience with watercraft. This campsite is a fantastic opportunity to deepen that connection with our state's most iconic Great Lake. Its unique boat-in access, while requiring more planning than a drive-up site, is precisely what preserves its remote charm and ensures a less crowded, more authentic wilderness encounter.

Being able to paddle or motor to your campsite, set up your tent with a view of Lake Superior, and then explore the island's natural and historical treasures truly embodies the spirit of adventure that many Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts seek. The presence of essential amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and crucial bear-resistant food lockers provides just enough comfort while maintaining the rugged feel of island camping. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to hone their sea kayaking skills, enjoy a peaceful fishing trip, or simply unwind amidst the stunning natural beauty that defines the Apostle Islands. This experience, available right here in our backyard, is a powerful reminder of the incredible natural resources we are fortunate to have, offering a challenging yet immensely rewarding escape that fosters self-reliance and a profound appreciation for Wisconsin's wild heart.