A Secluded Campground Near the Apostle Islands Is One of Wisconsin’s Best Kept Secrets

Are you planning a trip to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore this year but dreading the crowds of Bayfield and the packed National Park Service Campgrounds? I have good news for you: There's a secluded campground in Wisconsin in the middle of the Bayfield Peninsula that's just minutes from all the action, but as far from the throngs of park visitors as you get. If this sounds appealing, you'll definitely want to check out the Birch Grove Recreation Area campground in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Where This Campground Is and How Close It Is to the Apostle Islands

Birch Grove Recreation Area is located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, about 8 miles west of Washburn. Located off the main highways and down a few miles of unpaved forest roads, the campground feels remote and secluded. However, the famous Meyers Beach Sea Caves are only 25 minutes away, and all the dining and shopping options of Bayfield are just 35 minutes from your campsite.

What Makes This Campground So Secluded

What really keeps this campground under the radar is its relatively remote location and the fact that it's not within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore itself. There are only 16 campsites here, so you're not likely to encounter large groups or heavy traffic. Which means, you'll only have to share this gorgeous spot with just a few fellow campers. The sites sit along a narrow stretch of land between East and West Twin Lakes—which do not permit motorized boats; hence, no outboard motor noise. Keep in mind, though, the sites aren't reservable: everything is on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you plan on going, I recommend arriving on a weekday to secure a spot.

What To Expect When You Camp Here

The setup at Birch Grove Campground is pretty rustic, so don't expect much in the way of amenities. You'll pay $15 a night to pitch your tent or park your rig, and while all sites are non-electric, a few can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Most sites are wooded, with plenty of shade for warm afternoons. Every site comes with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a designated parking pad. Several sites sit on a slight rise with excellent views of West Twin Lake. You'll find accessible vault toilets and a hand-pump for drinking water in the campground, but keep in mind there isn't a dump station here. The local bird life is also incredible, so you'll likely wake up to the sounds of songbirds—not bad, eh? If you're looking for more hidden gem spots, like this one, you'll definitely want to check out our picks for the best campgrounds in the U.S.

Things To Do Nearby

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is, of course, the main draw here, but you'll find plenty of other things to do on the Bayfield peninsula, like exploring the towns of Bayfield, Washburn, or quirky little Cornucopia. The truth is, though, you don't even have to leave the national forest to have a good time. East and West Twin Lakes both have boat landings, making them perfect for a paddle or dropping a line, and the 8.5-mile Mount Valhalla and Twin Lakes Loop trail runs right through the campground. If you're visiting in late summer, you can even pick blueberries in the nearby Moquah Barrens. For more information on the Birch Grove Recreation Area, check out its official Forest Service webpage.

Pitching a tent at some of the more secluded campgrounds in Wisconsin is one of my favorite ways to experience the Badger State's natural beauty. (Of course, there are plenty of other incredible things to do in Wisconsin—even when you're not camping.) Next time you're heading for the Apostle Islands and looking for a spot away from the crowds, though, be sure to keep the Birch Grove Recreation Area campground in mind.