Campgrounds

The city of Washburn has two municipal campgrounds, both located along the shore of Lake Superior:

Memorial Park

and

Thompson's West End Park

Memorial Park

Memorial Park is a shaded recreation area and campground of majestic pines on a bluff overlooking Chequamegon Bay. Given to the City by the DuPont Corporation, Memorial Park has served as the jewel of the municipal park system for much of the last century.

Campers will find a pleasing setting under the shade of a large old growth pinery on a bluff overlooking Chequamegon Bay. Fifty-one campsites are provided in the park, the majority located on uunpaved, all-weather gravel access roads. Several sites are located on the bluff overlooking Chequamegon Bay. Large ravines, bridged by pedestrian trails, traverse the park.

The majority of sites have been provided with electric service. Some have CATV service available (with prior arrangements between site occupants and Charter Communications). All sites have access to drinking water, flush toilets, and pay showers. Seventeen seasonal camping sites are permitted within the park.

Access to the beach is provided by steps down the bluff. Visitors to the park may occasionally witness the silent passage of a freighter headed for the Port of Ashland or Washburn's commercial dock. Every evening visitors will experience the twinkling lights of Ashland Across the Bay.

The campground is provided with:

Please note:

• Campsites are first-come, first-served. The city does not take reservations for individual campsites.

• Memorial Park is best suited for smaller RV's and tent camping due to the maneuvering required among the pines for accessibility to campsites.

• Although Memorial Park offers lakeside recreation opportunities, the park does not provide boating access to the lake. Boaters desiring more direct lake access should visit Thompson's West End Campground.

Thompson's West End Park

The newer of the two campgrounds operated by the City, Thompson's West End Park is located at the foot of Eighth Avenue West. Camping opportunities at the park are provided by 51 RV and tent sites off paved access roads. Named after a turn-of-the-century lumber concern that occupied a large portion of the site, Thompson's West End Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The park offers 27 acres of gradually slopping shoreline to the waters edge.

The park offers campers mostly sunny sites as an alternative to the heavily shaded Memorial Park Campground. Campsites at West End Park are more suitable to large recreational vehicles and motor homes and is more suitable for campers with large vehicles.

Seventeen seasonal camping sites are permitted at West End Park. All sites have a view of Chequamegon Bay. The campground is provided with:

Campsites are first-come, first-served. The city does not take reservations for individual campsites.