Washington Island
Camping Retreat

Washington Island, WI

Washington Island Camping Retreat is a much under-used gem of a campground. It's a very woodsy and pleasant place to hang out for awhile. It's also a great place to call base camp while you leisurely explore the island.

Overall Washington Island is one of the best places to go in Door County mostly because of its quietness. Let's face it, catching a ferry ride over to the island is a hassle--so that keeps the majority of the tourists away (which can be a good thing sometimes).

But, that probably allows the locals to feel more at ease about visitors knowing they made an effort to come this far. I was taken aback by all the waving to me as I drove around the island last time (6/07). I can see coming back to this island someday to settle for awhile. There's even an airstrip for my Dad and brother to land at if they wanted (believe me, they find any excuse to go flying!).

Back to the campground: There are several activity centers in the campground to help pass your time. Tennis courts, mini golf, a metal playset, and a very large open field for ... being creative.

Unfortunately, the camp office is a bit of a hike through the hot open field from the campsites. This is where the showers, laundry, games, and lounge are. The bathhouse was wonderfully clean! There was no one at the desk when I came in... just a note.

There are also some very nice, very new, camping cabins to rent.

Also, the signage from the ferry dock directly to the campground is missing at one or more points. I got terribly lost. But, I figured that, being a smallish island, I couldn't get too lost.

There is no WiFi at Washington Island Camping Retreat. And as far as I could figure out it's only available at the local library. The signal there extends well out into the parking lot of the library, so you can go there after hours and still get an internet connection.

Additionally, if you're looking for a new home (or maybe a vacation home) you'll find a lot to pick from around the island. There were many "for sale" signs around.

How Do They Rate?

2) Cleanliness of bathrooms & showers: 10

3) Organization & cleanliness of main camp office & store: 9

4) Cleanliness & maintenance of pool: NA

5) Safe & updated playground: 7

6) Clean & updated game room: 7

7) "Spaciness" of sites: 10

8) Availability of WiFi: NA

9) Friendliness & congeniality of staff: 9 (based on user feedback!)

10) Ease of access to amenities away from camp: 9

11) Overall "ambiance" of the place: 9

See my rating system.

Contact Info for Washington Island
Camping Retreat

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