Big Bay State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, United States, on Madeline Island, the largest of 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The 2,350-acre (951 ha) park has picturesque sandstone bluffs and caves and a 1.5-mile-long (2.4 km) sand beach. It encloses unique habitat types including lakeside dunes, sphagnum bogs, and old-growth forest. Bald eagles return annually to the park to nest and rear offspring.
The park, established in 1963, has picnic areas with tables, grills, water and toilets; a campground with drinking water, showers and toilets; an indoor camp for nonprofit groups; an outdoor group camp; and more than 9 miles (14 km) of trails, including nature trails. The park is open year-round, though winter visitation is mostly limited to hunters, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
All vehicles are required to purchase an admission pass, though pedestrians and bicyclists may enter free. To reach the park, visitors must take a 20-minute ferry ride from Bayfield, then travel approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) east on Highway H.
Winter Camping
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. Camping is not allowed on any other sites. The picnic table and fire ring will likely be snow-covered. A vault toilet is available near the campground entrance. The rest of the campground is closed. Campers can contact the park office to confirm if conditions allow for snow plowing.
Seasonal Water Systems Notice: At Big Bay State Park, showers and drinking water are unavailable from approximately Oct. 1 to Memorial Day weekend, depending on the weather. Campers can find water at the dump station located at the Madeline Island Airport.
