Big Bay State Park
Located on Madeline Island, the largest of Lake Superior's 22 Apostle Islands, Big Bay State Park is a picturesque park with plenty to see and experience. With gorgeous scenery, myriad recreational activities, and a campground where pets are more than welcome, it's well worth checking out if you're planning a pet-friendly camping trip in Wisconsin.
For many visitors, the highlight is the park's 1.5-mile beach, which is the perfect spot to do a bit of sunbathing or take a dip in the cool, clear waters. There's also a 1.3-mile boardwalk which is great for a scenic stroll; however, the unfortunate truth is that pets aren't allowed on the beach or the boardwalk.
This drawback aside, there's still plenty for you and your pet to enjoy in Big Bay State Park. There are seven miles of hiking trails to explore. Pets are allowed on most trails, so you and your pooch can take a closer look at the park's varied habitats.
Other park features include excellent boating, canoeing, and kayaking; the chance to fish for northern pike and trout; scenic picnic areas and a variety of winter sports activities. There's also a campground boasting electric and non-electric sites, as well as showers and flush toilets.
An $8 vehicle entrance fee applies for vehicles with Wisconsin plates, but this increases to $11 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Camping fees vary depending on the type of site you select.
Please note that pets must be on a leash no longer than eight feet and attended to at all times while visiting the park. As always, it's essential that you show courtesy to other park users and clean up after your dog.
The state park is accessible only by boat -- you'll need to get a ferry from Bayfield, so be sure to look up the ferry operating times and fees when planning your visit.
Big Bay State Park offers a relaxing getaway in a beautiful part of Wisconsin. If you're searching for a pet-friendly campground where you can get back to nature and maybe enjoy a few water sports, add this park to your shortlist of destinations worth a closer look.
