Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20

apostle islands national lakeshore camping

For adventurous Wisconsinites yearning for a truly immersive wilderness experience on the pristine waters of Lake Superior, Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20 offers an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled within the breathtaking Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, this unique campsite isn't your typical drive-up affair. It’s a remote, boat-in site designed for those who embrace self-sufficiency and the profound beauty of a secluded natural environment. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves on a sandy beach, surrounded by the whispering pines of a dense forest, with the vast expanse of Lake Superior as your backyard. Stockton Island provides that authentic, back-to-basics camping adventure, perfect for paddlers, hikers, and anyone looking to truly disconnect and reconnect with the wild heart of Wisconsin.

Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20 is located on Stockton Island, WI 54850, USA, as part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Its address is inherently descriptive of its remote nature; this is not a roadside campground. Stockton Island itself is one of the largest and most popular islands within the Apostle Islands archipelago, situated off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin, in Lake Superior.

Accessibility to Campsite #20, like all island campsites within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, is exclusively by watercraft. This means you’ll need to arrive via private boat (kayak, canoe, sailboat, or motorboat) or utilize a commercial ferry or water taxi service from the mainland, typically from Bayfield. Stockton Island is approximately 14 miles from Bayfield, with a shuttle duration of about 40 minutes for those using commercial services. Once on Stockton Island, specifically at Presque Isle Bay where many campsites are located, there may be a walk from the main dock to individual campsites. For Campsite #20, a reviewer notes it’s "on the beach, in a bay," implying direct water access, but also mentions "a bit of a walk to the vault toilets" and walking on sand. This emphasizes that while accessible by water, campers should be prepared for some physical effort and the unique terrain of an island environment. The isolation afforded by this water-only access is a key part of its appeal, ensuring a true wilderness experience.

Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20, like other individual campsites within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, provides basic, essential services designed to support a primitive camping experience while minimizing impact on the natural environment. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient trip, bringing most of their own supplies.

• Individual Campsite: Campsite #20 is an individual site, accommodating up to seven campers (all ages) and three tents. It offers a private setting for your group.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a designated space for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A fire ring is provided for campfires, allowing for cooking and warmth, though campers are advised to bring their own firewood or adhere to park regulations regarding collecting dead and down wood.
• Food Locker (Bear Resistant): Given that Stockton Island has a notable black bear population (historically one of the highest densities in the National Lakeshore), each campsite includes a bear-resistant food locker. This is a critical service for safely storing food and scented items to protect both campers and wildlife.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets (privies) are spaced throughout the campground areas on Stockton Island. While Campsite #20 is noted to be "a bit of a walk to the vault toilets," their presence provides essential sanitation.
• Potable Water (Seasonal/Limited): Potable water is sometimes available near the main Presque Isle dock area (near site #1) on Stockton Island during peak season. However, campers should always confirm availability and consider bringing their own water or purification methods.
• Camping Permits Required: A camping permit is mandatory for all overnight stays. Permits must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore headquarters. There is a $15 per night fee for individual campsites and a $10 reservation fee per trip.
• No Drive-Up Access: It's crucial to reiterate that there is no drive-up access, RV camping, or car camping available on Stockton Island. All gear must be transported by hand or cart from your watercraft.

Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20 offers a truly unique set of features and highlights, primarily centered around its stunning natural setting and the immersive wilderness experience it provides within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

• Beachfront Location: As noted by a reviewer, the campsite is "on the beach, in a bay," offering direct access to the sandy shoreline of Lake Superior. This provides incredible views and the unique opportunity to camp directly adjacent to the water.
• Stunning Views: The location "in a bay" implies picturesque surroundings, and reviews highlight that "Can't beat the view." This offers a visually rewarding camping experience with panoramic lake vistas.
• Secluded and Private: Being a watercraft-accessible site on an island within a National Lakeshore, Campsite #20 offers a high degree of seclusion and privacy, allowing campers to truly escape the crowds.
• "Singing Sands" Beaches: Stockton Island is famous for its "singing sands" at Julian Bay, a phenomenon where the sand emits a musical hum when walked upon. While Campsite #20 is on a beach, it's not explicitly stated if it's Julian Bay, but the island offers this unique natural marvel.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Stockton Island boasts 14.5 miles of trails, providing extensive hiking opportunities through diverse ecological backgrounds, including dunes, savannas, pine forests, and lagoons. This allows campers to explore the island's interior.
• Wildlife Abundance: The island is home to abundant wildlife, notably black bears (requiring the use of food lockers). Campers also have opportunities to spot various bird species and other forest animals.
• Sea Caves and Rock Formations: The island features sandstone formations, leading to beautiful sea caves and majestic rock ledges and towers, which can be explored by kayak or on foot in certain areas.
• Immersive Wilderness Experience: The need for boat access and the primitive nature of the site ensure a genuine wilderness experience, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection with nature.

For reservations, permits, or comprehensive information regarding Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20 and other camping opportunities within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, all inquiries should be directed to the National Park Service, which manages the area.

Address: Stockton Island, WI 54850, USA. Please note that this is the island's general location, not a physical mailing address for the campsite itself.

Phone: For camping permits and general information about the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, contact the park headquarters at (715) 779-3398 (select option 2 to speak with a park ranger for trip planning help). Reservations for campsites can also be made by calling Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777.

It is highly recommended to visit the official National Park Service website for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (www.nps.gov/apis) and Recreation.gov (www.recreation.gov) for the most up-to-date information on camping regulations, permit requirements, current conditions, safety guidelines (especially regarding bears and weather), and specific details about individual campsites, including #20. Planning well in advance is essential for a successful island camping trip.

Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20 is an exceptional choice for locals in Wisconsin, especially those living in the northern part of the state or those who embrace adventurous, self-sufficient camping. For Wisconsinites, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a celebrated natural treasure, and camping on Stockton Island offers a rare opportunity to truly immerse oneself in its unique beauty. The "on the beach, in a bay" location of Campsite #20 provides unparalleled access to the pristine waters and sandy shores of Lake Superior, a highlight for anyone who loves paddling, swimming (if brave enough for the cold temps!), or simply relaxing by the water.

While a reviewer rightly points out the need for "lots of mosquito repellent" and the difficulty of walking on sand, these are common aspects of a true Wisconsin wilderness experience that many local outdoors enthusiasts are accustomed to and even embrace. The challenge of a boat-in site adds to the sense of accomplishment and ensures a highly secluded and peaceful retreat away from the crowds found at more accessible campgrounds. The presence of well-maintained vault toilets and crucial bear-resistant food lockers demonstrates the National Park Service's commitment to visitor safety and environmental preservation, even in remote locations. For Wisconsin residents seeking a profound connection with nature, an active outdoor adventure, and the serene beauty of the Apostle Islands, Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20 provides an unforgettable and authentically "Wisconsin" camping experience that will create lasting memories.

Stockton Island Watercraft Campsite #20

Stockton Island, WI 54850, USA