BAYFIELD KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle, Hike, Sleep Under the Stars: A Beginner’s Island Overnight off Bayfield
A two-day, one-night, beginner-focused kayak camping trip in Bayfield that crosses open water to an inner island — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
Paddle, Hike, Sleep Under the Stars: A Beginner’s Island Overnight off Bayfield.
This overnight outing in Bayfield is a compact introduction to kayak camping: cross open water to a treasured inner island, hike among forested trails, swim in clear water and spend a night beneath expansive skies. The trip is designed for beginners and delivers an immersive, elemental experience across two days and one night.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Open-water Crossing to a Hidden Island
The trip’s defining moment is the paddle across open water to a sheltered inner island — the approach sets the pace and frames the rest of the outing with wide water views and coastal wind.
Simple Island Camping and a Night Under the Stars
Participants camp on the island for one night in tents (you may bring your own); the itinerary is built to let you disconnect and sleep to the rhythm of the lake and woods.
Paddling, Hiking and a Swim
Beyond paddling, the trip includes short hikes through forested terrain and opportunities to swim in clear waters — a mix of active movement and time to linger at camp.
What the day feels like
What the two-day rhythm feels like
Over the course of two days and one night, the outing moves from a shore-side launch into an open-water crossing, followed by island exploration and an evening camp setup that centers quiet, simple comforts — cookware, a tent and a sleeping system — before returning the next day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two days and one night.
Rain jacket; warm sweater or down jacket (not cotton); long underwear top & bottom; sun hat and warm hat; several pairs of wool socks; quick-dry shorts and pants; footwear that can get wet; non-cotton T-shirt; toiletries and prescriptions; sleeping bag and sleeping pad; sunglasses, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent or bug net hat; flashlight/headlamp; snacks; old tennis shoes or sandals for hiking and camp.
Kayaks (including spray skirt, paddle, PFDs, paddle float, bilge pump, wetsuits); tents (you may bring your own); first-aid kits; food; stoves; all cookware and kitchenware; camping permits.
Paddlers must be at least 14 years old. One adult (18+) must be present on all trips involving minors.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to join?
Paddlers must be at least 14 years old; any trip including minors requires an adult (18+) to be present.
How long is the trip?
The outing runs two days and one night.
Are tents and camping permits provided?
Tents are provided (you are welcome to bring your own) and camping permits are included.
Is food and cooking equipment supplied?
Yes — food, stoves and all cookware and kitchenware are provided as part of the trip.
Are wetsuits and paddling gear included?
Yes — the operator supplies kayaks with paddles, PFDs and wetsuits, along with spray skirts, paddle floats and bilge pumps.
What should I bring for warmth and sleep?
Bring a warm sweater or down jacket (not cotton), long underwear, several pairs of wool socks and a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.