Photo: Wisconsin DNR
On the eastern side of Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands archipelago, Big Bay State Park features picturesque sandstone bluffs along 4 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The park also has a 1-mile boardwalk, sandy swimming beach, hiking trails, large family campground and a group camp. A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island is needed to reach the park.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Big Bay State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in September–October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Big Bay State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Big Bay State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Big Bay State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Big Bay State Park in winter?
Yes. During winter, Big Bay State Park has five plowed campsites (sites 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30) available by reservation only; all sites have electric hook-ups and camping fees apply.
What state parks and trails are near Big Bay State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Copper Falls State Park (30 mi), Brule River State Forest (47 mi) and Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (55 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 2402 Hagen Rd. La Pointe, WI 54850
- Phone: 715-747-6425
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Adaptive equipment: Beach wheelchair
- Universal trail: Boardwalk Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Copper Falls State Park (30 mi)
- Brule River State Forest (47 mi)
- Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (55 mi)
- Amnicon Falls State Park (59 mi)
- Chippewa Flowage (65 mi)
Closures and alerts for Big Bay State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.