Island Camping in Wisconsin? Big Bay State Park - Slim's Roadtrip Part 7

While random traveling the Midwestern US, I try something on a whim. On Madeline Island, Wisconsin, I explore the trails, campground and shores of Big Bay State Park. This video includes hikes, kayaking, wildlife and natural wonders. But was it worth the expense? Part 7 in the series.
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[@karenebarker9244]

Your photography and editing skills are phenomenal! Thank you for the efforts you go to producing these very fine videos. I never feel like I'm wasting my time when I watch. No click bait, no nonsense. Just refreshingly real and honest views of the camping life. My husband and I RV full time and always share the ups and downs of our lifestyle on my blog. My skills are not up to your quality but it gives me and my family a lot of pleasure. You rock Slim!

[@brianwalter687]

As a Wisconsin resident I agree with your assessment of the state park fees. Even as a resident I find them excessive for what you get. The explanation is simple politics as funding for state parks was drastically cut back under conservative leadership a few years ago and the state park system was basically told it must support itself with its fees. Which makes no sense as the state park system generates millions and millions of dollars in tourist dollars. Anyway if I was a non-resident I would seek out the national forest areas in the northern part of the state. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forests have some great affordable campgrounds especially in the Eagle River area. Franklin Lake NF Campground to name one. Might want to try some of those out next time you come through our state. Thank you for the easy going, tranquil and high quality videos.

[@steveleonard5206]

Ontario is the same for camping fees and I know from experience that they are the highest in Canada. Thankfully we are over 65 & get the senior discount. In Newfoundland, that same campsite is almost half the cost. Need to do the Great Lakes circle route one day.

[@RandomThoughts65]

At 65 a seasonal pass drops to $11 and I don't think $28 is too unreasonable for Wisconsin residents.. For one night $11 is a bit much.

[@carmentavarez7584]

You're in my State!! How cool that is! Welcome and if you go close of Oak Creek, stop by for a cup of coffee. You can park in my long driveway.

[@TwoBassholesandaKaren7107]

Tent camping is cheaper on the island being the fee is less on ferry. I buy an annual pass so I have never had to pay the daily park pass fee. Few years back the State cut funding to the parks. They now have to generate their costs. Park fees went up. I would suggest the tiny little village of Upson- little city campground. 10.00 per night. It’s near Hurley. Has pit toilets but water and electric. Small campers or tents only. Montreal River is nearby for kayaking. Washburn has a couple of campgrounds on Lake Superior. Not as scenic, but cheaper than Madeline. Then going up past Bayfield through Red Cliff Reservation you will come to Cornucopia. There is the National Park there with fine campgrounds as well. BTW…State sticker is good for getting in State Forest campgrounds as well. There is also the Chequamagon forest with many camping areas.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I appreciate the camping tips! Yes, municipal parks don't charge "vehicle fees" and the money goes back to the community. Thanks! SP

[@janicem4382]

I think I noticed you get considerably calmer the longer you paddled. I love being on the water.

[@williamwilliam728]

"Gitche Gumee" will always be my favourite lake. The legend of the "Edmond Fitzgerald" never gives up her dead. Good call not to kayak that inland sea Slim. Another great video Slim. Attenborough would be pleased with you.

[@cathyjay2569]

That rocky shoreline is spectacular. And your videography is amazing! Throw in the impeccable narrative and it’s an extremely enjoyable video. Thank you! I love your travels! ❤TN Nana

[@TheRoadLessPaved]

We were at the county park last year. A terrified paddle boarder had just returned and reported he'd found a dead body floating in the back of the lagoon. The little park quickly turned into a crime scene. The beach is glorious on a hot day, and they allow dogs ... something most Wisconsin SP beaches do not. Our state parks system also include state forests campgrounds. We prefer the state forests, most have lake, river, or pond side rustic sites. Wisconsin has an amazing hidden system of bat houses to keep down the insects. In seven years of camping here we've only had a couple of horrid bug sites. The northern half of the state is much preferred IMO, the southern end gets way too crowded. Door County would also be a great kayak spot, (caves, etc.) but again, being on Lake Michigan it's weather dependent. We were in Door County camping, it was 31 degrees our first night - probably the same day as you. Come back soon!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I don't think they allow dogs on the beach here, nor should they. There is a dog walking area by the Point. Thanks for the Door County tip! SP

[@TheRoadLessPaved]

@@SlimPotatohead Most dog swim areas in Wisconsin are about four feet wide. I understand and agree for the dog ban. The handful that do allow them are cherished. One lovely asset to having a waterside campsite is the dog access for those that need it (although ours hates water, lol).

[@Mark-zo4ys]

Again a great video. You knocked it out of the park.

[@teresaforsyth6185]

I LOVE your editing and voiceovers. Some of the others I watch seem almost frantic in their pacing of editing and narration.

[@NoFeeArea]

Or. Get to Grand Marais Minnesota and take the Gunflint Trail into the BWCA. Plenty of cheap camping and beautiful country.

[@bigmac3006]

Slim, you put in A LOT of work in this video and I so appreciate it. THANK YOU for taking me along with you.

[@shelbykeefe971]

Agreed!

[@ellythompson4055]

Oh my, you are just miles from one of your loyal viewers while driving up my Merrill. Humid? Welcome to Wisconsin where it’s a crap shoot what the weather will be day to day! Going to the island in August ourselves for the first time. Now we know what to expect. Better get my knees ready for walking.

[@carriemainquist757]

Copper Falls State Park is phenomenal better yet Potato Falls is a county park up the road - rough camping but a great waterfall hike.

[@MikeandLisasExcellentAdventure]

Hey, Wisconsin guy here. Nice video!

[@loriegreene9375]

I always say, “this is one of your best videos” but this one takes the cake. I am so glad that you paddled out to see the wildlife. This video is worthy of National Geographic! Thanks for letting us ride along.

[@SarahGraymatter]

I don't know about Nat Geo but... Slim you are truly a delight. Peaceful, creative, and appreciative. Not bad for a vegan eater

[@DaveK84]

A few years ago Wisconsin added additional fees to people who don't live in the state on top of the vehicle fee. I used to go often, but haven't been up to Wisconsin in quite some time because the fees add up, I know Indiana also does the same type of fees for out of state and for vehicle. In Illinois I can still find un-serviced campsites for $8 a night! Our favorites in Wisconsin are Devil's Lake, Kettle Moraine South Unit, Pike Lake/Holy Hill, Peninsula State Park/Washington Island.

[@ladikmk]

The waters of Lake Superior are very beautiful. At least you were able to get in a nice paddle and enjoy the lagoon in your kayak. Not all was lost. :) Thanks for sharing Slim. Stay well.

[@CarrieMtn]

Nice to see you kayaking so much. If I remember you’ve had to work in your fear of the water. Well done- Pat in the back! Thumbs up 👍🏼

[@kimclark3931]

And I’m sure we all appreciate your self-knowledge, when it comes to embarking into new unknown waters. It’s a wise man who knows & respects his limits. Love you, SP!

[@bafergs]

Good memories for us as we spent many summers along the shores of the Apostle Islands just north of Bayfield. Loved kayaking and exploring the chiseled features of the shoreline. We always found the water cold and didn’t swim, but the clearness is exceptional. Paddle Mawikwe Bay Sea Caves, Bark Bay, and there is a small municipal campground in Herbster, WI, and another state park in Little Sand Bay. Thanks Slim.

[@josephpattison6913]

Cutters bug spray works well.

[@judyabernathy80]

Mr National Geographic, you’ve done it again! Nice paddle on the Lagoon. Glad you are enjoying yourself! ♥️🙏🏼🐾🐶♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@maritescajulis4692]

Hi.. Im from the philippines.. My husband always watched your videos.. Sadly.. He passed away 2yrs ago.. Your one of his fav.. Now i will continue watching you..

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Marites, sorry for your loss but happy to hear my videos entertain you. Thanks

[@maritescajulis4692]

Thank you for replying.. I'll continue watching you.. Im sure my husband is happy to see me continue watching you.. Stay safe always.. 🙏

[@gail2616]

Slim, I know your pain with the mosquitoes! We’re from northern Wisconsin, and they have been horrific! To top that off, the flies came out last week. We’re in southern Wisconsin visiting with our kids…no mosquitoes! Crazy pricing on the ferry. We haven’t been to Madeline Island for about 40years. I can tell you, no vehicle fee then. It is a beautiful area though. I always enjoy your videos!

[@garybrach4220]

Hi Slim, Welcome to Wisconsin.

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY! Good morning Slim and of course thumbs UP to you!!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good morning!

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Well done again SP. Wonderful video at a wonderful campground, although too expensive between the ferry ride and vehicle fees. Beautiful place, but not worth it. Thank you SP for working so hard on these videos and showing us these wonderful places that we would otherwise never see. Thank you for mentioning the cost also.👍

[@johndewey6358]

I agree about the very expensive ferry and vikicle fee.

[@AS-xi9df]

Looking forward to this iv been watching your channel for a while now from across the pond 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 👍

[@hopeheavenonplanetearth1417]

The dumplings are Slim approved! They are my favorite!

[@aerobiotic]

It's a state park vehicle fee. If you plan to stay more days, you can pay a bit more and save, (Vehicles with out-of-state plates $38, Vehicles with WI license plates $28) for an annual sticker. The 2023 annual vehicle admission stickers are valid through Dec. 31, 2023. You have to stick the sticker on your windshield, like an inspection sticker. Which is a pain to get off.

[@danrandall794]

My old stomping grounds. Spent a lot of time on that pond boating and diving shipwrecks. Just for information unless you find a secluded bay the water doesn't ever get warm. Might go up a few degrees but will still take your breath away. I don't think there is a five degree swing from dead of winter to the heat of summer in water temp. I am sure it is not your thing but Tom's Burned Down Café is interesting. To bad you didn't take the tour boat out the see some of the other islands. Not sure of the cost but the islands are fun to see especially if you get out to the sea caves.

[@cherlgolja5402]

Born raised in Wisconsin, sorry don’t miss the humidity and the winters ! I love Northern California 🍷 🇺🇸

[@ryanroads7748]

Lake Superior never gets warm

[@zachlafond2652]

I've gone up along Lake Superior north of Duluth in August and the water was still freezing. It really doesn't ever warm up except in the shallow areas on the south end of the lake and that is if the wind isn't blowing. It was 40Fs today around Superior.

[@joanscotto5822]

Awesome video ... !!!!

[@raysboatingandadventure1277]

The season is so short, 15 weeks of income. Very popular area. They can charge, people pay. Nice area. Happy trails.

[@tnxjesus]

Slim living it up lol i love it. Yes. Yes upper penninsula will be amazing i see you heading that way finally ive wanted you to visit the u.p for years

[@douglasarmstrong7011]

You're right across the lake from my neck of the woods,if you make it to Michigan definitely kayak the Platt river at sleeping bear dunes ,you will not be disappointed

[@scottbailey5964]

Slim this island is a great place to camp OR picnic. Around Labor Day in 1976 my first wife and I ferried to Madeline Island for a picnic. It was a clear blue sky day but windy. We carried our picnic gear and blanket over the leeward side of the nearest sand dune. Hunkered down out of the wind. After 2 hours we headed back to the ferry terminal and a drive back to our motel in Bayport Wisc.

[@originalsixx]

Good Morning, Slim

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good morning!

[@rhondalyn100]

Always appreciate your final thoughts and reviews on the places you stay, Slim. I might not ever go to those places but it's a nice comparison to the campgrounds within my reach to camp. Thanks! 🙂

[@ShawnPatterson402]

looks like a beautiful spot, but man that is expensive for a short ferry ride. I like the Ocracoke Island Ferry in NC price much better :) Great video....as always, safe travels

[@davidzittel5725]

Hey slim if you ever make it back to Wisconsin I highly recommend door county area lots of nice camp grounds and lots of places to explore!!

[@RoamingRoadJunkie]

Sir, I so much enjoy your videos, that I’ve been binging for the last week. Thank you for your amazing ideas, I have an A frame camper like your old one and I’m planning to steal some of your useful ideas. Great videos. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@anitamitchell3452]

Already subed .... what happened to the camera? I do hope it was waterproof. Loved the video, every second of it.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I sometimes leave the side door open for charging, but fortunately it was closed when it tumbled into the black abyss. I was lucky it snagged on the roots and the glass of the monitor reflected a little sunlight. A few inches deeper it would have been gone forever! SP

[@soniayoung7531]

Hi Slim It's beautiful there so tranquil I enjoyed seeing the animals and birds, you looked so peaceful kayaking, the moon was beautiful, thanks for sharing be safe as you continue your journey

[@darleneanglin3651]

Slim your channel is so beautiful and easy to love ! I really enjoy your travels and experiences, and your thoughts and opinions ! So glad you didn’t lose your camera 😊

[@gordaro2828]

Oh Slim...B.C. Ferries would far exceed $98 USD. 🤣 great to see you embracing the kayak life!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Actually, distancewise BC is a lot cheaper! I payed about $35 Cdn per kilometer at Madeline Island! SP

[@gordaro2828]

@@SlimPotatohead dang

[@jeffschneider1610]

@@SlimPotatohead And the inland ferries are free in BC!

[@MrTechRat]

Another beautiful look at parts of my own country that I have yet to experience. Thank you for another great video.

[@carriemainquist757]

Loved your take on Big Bay State Park. Cornucopia, not too far from Bayfield WI, has a marina you can camp right on Lake Superior.

[@cindyjohnson6656]

Really great video as always. Love kayaking. Loved all the natural scenery.

[@HoosierOutdoor]

Your videos never disapoint. Very pricey. But that paddle made it worth the cost. You ever come back though indiana. I would be happy to show ya the good spots

[@lancerevell5979]

Near 90s with high humidity.... sounds like here in sunny Florida! 😄

[@57WillysCJ]

Ah you drove right by me. The campground in Washburn's Thompson's West End Park would have been a better deal plus the fresh artesian water for free is wonderful. Plus you would be right on the lake. Another spot is Little Sand Bay less than 10 miles beyond Bayfield. During off times when the tribal commercial fishermen come in you can usually buy a fresh lake trout. Bayfield is a destination for the well heeled crowd. Madeline Island has many affluent homes and as it is seasonal business well they charge a lot. People from the area around don't go there unless they have too. Madeline Island was an early fur trading spot where most of the French explorers started south from. When you went through Ashland you went by a city park with a log house where Groseilliers and Radison built a hut. Madeline Island had a French fort on it. The brown sandstone that you saw was quarried in large amounts after the Chicago fire. By the way in the hottest part of summer, if you tip your kayak over in the waters of Superior you have about 10 minutes to get rescued before hypothermia over comes you. More than a few don't make it.

[@user-jc9eo3vg1y]

Like the big grin that came on your face right after you launched into the lagoon.

[@rasch760]

Thanks slim, love your vids, take care and stay safe, cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@maritescajulis4692]

Thank God i found your youtube..

[@d14551]

I enjoyed your tour of Big Bay State Park. I have fond memories of a day trip I took there, including a hike on that same boardwalk.

[@cheryllundholm8779]

Thank you for the wonderful trip back home. It's been 50 years since I've been there.

[@Judy-fi7ce]

Hi Slim, enjoyed your video. I live in northeast Wisconsin for 45 years now. I've been to Big Bay State Park, but haven't camped there. I had no idea they charged $11/day for vehicles. I'd agree with you that they need to get rid of that charge. I camp exclusively in state parks here and none of them have ever had a vehicle fee. The boardwalk was very nice. I hadn't discovered it when I visited the Island. I'd enjoy that. The sunset was gorgeous. Here are my recommendations for Wisconsin State Parks which I've camped at and very much enjoyed: Clear Lake State Park. Mirror Lake State Park, Peninsula State Park. You were wise not to attempt Lake Superior with your kayak, but rather to stay in the lagoon. Superior waters can change in an instant and become treacherous. And yes, the ferry boat ride is quite expensive. But glad you enjoyed the parts that you enjoyed and beautiful Wisconsin. Take care.

[@davidbudzynski2449]

Hello. Most state parks in Wisconsin have a entrance fee. If you have a state park sticker that covers the entrance fee. Even non-residents can get a sticker. You just need to figure out how many days you will be in any state park and see what is less expensive. Wisconsin seniors only pay 13.50 for an annual sticker.

[@mikejablonski1495]

@@davidbudzynski2449 right entrance fee I'm a vehicle. They'll let you walk in for free. Big deal! Too high for the sticker if you are just passing through for a day or two. Many states charge only for camping in the state parks.

[@josephsee8761]

Chequamegon National Forrest near the area you were in has very nice primitive campsites. Unless they recently raised their prices they only charge 15 dollars per night. I have a senior life time pass and only pay half price of 7.50. The Perch Lake unit has beautiful campsites right on the lake. I go there in the fall when the crowds and bugs have thinned down.

[@wsk38]

You were 1 1/2 hours north of portage Wi where I live. COOL. Sorry about the bugs. Yikes!

[@Tom-In-Ga]

It's unfortunate that many (especially state) parks charge extra to park besides the camping and other fees. It's not just a Wisconsin thing. Many even have a reservation charge, an out of state charge, city, state, local taxes, etc., etc. Just charge a camping fee and include all the extra fees in that one price. This way we can quickly see if it's overpriced. Oh, wait. If they did that, we wouldn't go. Sneaky SOBs, huh? Well, that's my rant. Thank goodness Slim's videos are always calming and entertaining.

[@KnittinDebsKnook]

Welcome to Wisconsin! We were wondering if you'd ever come here. Should have let people know you were coming. We have National forests also, our favorite is Boulder Lake in the Nicolet National forest. We live near High Cliff state park, part of the Niagra escarpment. Waupaca has Hartman Creek state park with a chain of lakes to kayak thru. June is still pre-season in the touristy places. Door county is beautiful but gets touristy. We love your channel!

[@bonilsson3161]

Seened like you were pretty much alone there in the lagoon? Must be really nice for birdwatchers. Beautiful video, love to see the bush and birds from that low level.

[@kaykaykayak9368]

Very much fun seen birds and nature fa kayak.

[@Orion9856]

My wife and I did a 5 day kayak trip through the Apostle Islands (including Madeline Island). Once you get out onto the smaller islands you get the entire island to yourself and it is truly amazing. Just south of where you are is Moquah Barrens State Natural Area which is a no cost boondocking area where we stayed the night before out trip and it was beautiful but also basic.

[@mexica78]

Hey slim and everyone, been to a few parks in Wisconsin. Heck I'm at one now, black water falls state park. Nice areas for kayak in this state park. Wyalusing is beautiful, hikes and kayaks. Kettle moraine more for quick hikes. Buckhorn is nice as a retreat but more into end of season bugs are crazy.

[@silverbreezeRn]

Love the video, especially the talking squirrel. Beautiful video. ❤ The moon reflection, oh my goodness ❤️😯 and I always love the frog serenade.

[@fernandsimard4112]

You're in shape man... Bravo... Keep it like that...... I like to follow you since years....

[@wthurman5910]

Awesome video paddling on the lagoon. Been to Wisconsin once . They have great cheese. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is very beautiful. Safe travels Slim. 🙏❤️🥾🥾✌️☕Thank you for sharing with us 😊

[@PlanetEarth3141]

Frank Turtle 🐢 1: "Hey Fred, look! Look! It's Slim Potato Head 🥔." Fred Turtle 🐢 2: "Frank, don't be silly. That's a cartoon character and he's not slim." 😮

[@shelbykeefe971]

Yeah, the Island is better in the summer!! :)

[@pamhutzell8268]

It was very beautiful ! Great video!

[@graphicventures]

Amazing photography, excellent narration. God bless from the UAE

[@TerryX2Explore]

Hey Slim!! We are only 25 miles from Merrill! We are getting back on the road on Sunday! Can't wait... Bugs here can be bad!! Really enjoy your traveling adventures!! 💙Terry and Terri

[@danfried9498]

Your nature photography Is magnificent…I feel like I’m there with you. Thank you.

[@morg52]

Glidden Wisconsin has a beautiful park where camping is free. There is a round barn dance hall and some buildings with the past towns people portrayed on them. One way to avoid vehicle fees is to arrive by bicycle like I do. I just finished a tour that started at my home in the Twin cities and bicycled to Ashland WI, then the upper peninsula of MI, across the Mackinack bridge to the west shore of Michigan to Indiana and to Chicago where I took AMTRAK back home to Saint Paul and Minneapolis. If you are planning to tour the north shore of Lake Superior, I'd recommend Kadonce river wayside. The kadonce is a slot canyon. Spelled many different ways for google. LOL. It's up in the Grand Marais area.

[@SarahGraymatter]

Now that sounds like a great ride

[@bobmanzi7712]

great stuff thanks

[@laurastewart2418]

Loved the squirrel ' speaking up'...very cute....there's never any question that your video is going to be informative and entertaining 😁

[@Maddiehere89]

I love all the nature you film! Thanks!

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@user-sl5wb8wd5b]

Loving your channel!

[@desmondcooper3590]

Nice camp and video. Thanks Slim.

[@leethebee1560]

Fun trip, great info and video. If you make it to Arizona i will take you kayaking on the Colorado river.

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

Outstanding❗🏆🥇 As always 🙏🚙🌲🌲

[@marielinejuillard9495]

Thank you for your amazing videos!!❤

[@rajanikumari3672]

Another great Slim production. Lovely video work.

[@garylange2426]

As always, we appreciate your excellent videos! Some of the Wisconsin state parks we like are: Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo Devils Lake State Park also in Baraboo

[@chuckvoss9344]

thanks for taking us along.

[@LordUSABless]

So beautiful and serene. Another lovely video, Slim, thank you.

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Beautiful location! Thanks for sharing the adventure!

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks Slim

[@user-hv9ks2hf6f]

That was breath taking 😍

[@zazubombay]

I loved hearing the spring peepers!

[@mazwt44]

Thanks Slim.... love your art..

[@mediumtraceylockwood]

I just love this particular video. You are fearless!

[@campfirerob1089]

thank you for sharing, this helps me with my daily life to see you out and about.

[@tia2211]

Thank you once again, Slim!

[@Ritterkritterz]

Yay!!!! You're in my state! ❤

[@lindabonnieul]

this video was of beautiful photography can't wait til next week thank you Slim

[@duaneulman9915]

Good to see you camping again 😊