Little Sand Bay - Mainland

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Green islands on blue water with the Little Sand Bay called out in orange

About this Location

Little Sand Bay is part of the mainland unit of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, 13 miles west of Bayfield. It is the gateway to nearby Sand Island along the park’s western boundary and is within the Red Cliff Reservation. You’ll find interactive exhibits outside of the seasonal visitor center, which offers orientation and information, camping permits, kayak safety guidance, and the America’s National Parks bookstore. Camping is available nearby.

The historic Hokenson Brothers fishing dock and facilities are currently being restored. If you’re planning a visit to the national lakeshore, we recommend Apostle Islands Water Trips by John C. Frank. Buy a copy here.

Proceeds benefit Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the park.

Fast Facts

NPS map showing the Little Sand Bay location and features

NPS Map – Click image to enlarge

Hiker walks the beach at Little Sand Bay

A hiker walks a narrow strip of sand at Little Sand Bay. Click image to enlarge. – Photo: Jeff Rennicke

Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Location:  46.9468 N, 90.8879 W

Features: 

  • Seasonal Visitor Center
  • Accessible kayak launch
  • Overnight boat slips
  • Sand Island is 2 miles off-shore
  • Accessible viewing stand, restrooms, interactive displays
  • Pavilion, beach, boat launch, and the Little Sand Bay Campground operated by the Town of Russell

Little Sand Bay Information:

Where would you like to go next?

Basswood Island

Basswood Island

Bear Island

Bear Island

Cat Island

Cat Island

Devils Island

Devils Island

Eagle Island

Eagle Island

Gull Island

Gull Island

Hermit Island

Hermit Island

Ironwood Island

Ironwood Island

Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Little Sand Bay – Mainland

Long Island

Long Island

Manitou Island

Manitou Island

Meyers Beach – Mainland

Meyers Beach – Mainland

Basswood Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, popular

Bear Island - Camping

Cat Island - Camping

Devils Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

Eagle Island - No amenities

Gull Island - No amenities

Hermit Island - Camping

Ironwood Island - Camping

Little Sand Bay: Mainland - Accessible features, dock, mainland, popular, visitor center

Long Island - Dock, hiking, lighthouse

Manitou Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Meyers Beach: Mainland - Camping, hiking, mainland, popular

Michigan Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

North Twin Island - Camping

Oak Island - Camping, dock, hiking, popular

Otter Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Outer Island - Camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse

Park Headquarters: Mainland - Accessible features, mainland, popular, visitor center

Raspberry Island - Dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

Rocky Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Sand Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, lighthouse, popular

South Twin Island - Camping, dock, hiking

Stockton Island - Accessible features, camping, dock, hiking, popular, visitor center

York Island - Camping