Charming lighthouses and dramatic bluffs. Fish boils and cherry orchards. Cape Cod? No, this unforgettable location is in the heart of the Midwest. Welcome to Door County, Wisconsin.
Where is Door County?
Nestled at the eastern edge of Wisconsin, Door County occupies the full length of the Door Peninsula. It separates Green Bay from the open waters of Lake Michigan.
The county seat, Sturgeon Bay, sits roughly 45 miles northeast of Green Bay. You can access the peninsula via Highways 42 and 57. Both follow much of the shoreline.
Door County covers about 482 square miles of land and boasts nearly 300 miles of shoreline. RVers can expect ample waterfront vistas at every turn in the road.
“Cape Cod of the Midwest”
Much like its Massachusetts namesake, Door County is famous for its:
• Scenic coastline: Limestone bluffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves invite kayakers and beach‑lovers alike.
• Historic lighthouses: Ten working 19th‑century lighthouses, including the iconic Cana Island and Eagle Bluff lights, dot the shores.
• Quaint villages: Ellison Bay, Ephraim, and Fish Creek each offer boutique shopping, art galleries, and waterfront dining.
• Culinary traditions: Door County is renowned for sweet cherry orchards and unforgettable fish boils (a centuries‑old cooking spectacle).
These features mirror Cape Cod’s blend of maritime history, coastal scenery, and small‑town charisma. Best of all, Door County is within easy reach of major Midwest metro areas.
Top things to do and must‑see spots
• Peninsula State Park. Bike or hike the 9.5-mile Sunset Trail, ascend Eagle Tower for panoramic views, and tour the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Don’t miss the park’s sand beach at Nicolet Bay—perfect for cooling off on warm summer days.
• Cana Island Lighthouse. Take the rustic causeway to this 1873 beacon. You can climb its 97 steps and soak in Lake Michigan vistas from the lantern room.
• Fish boil experience. Witness the dramatic flare‑up as kerosene ignites the boil over. Classic venues include White Gull Inn and Old Post Office Restaurant. A hearty spread of whitefish, potatoes, melted butter, and cherry pie awaits afterward. Yum!
• Cherry and apple orchards. U‑pick cherries in summer at Door County Cherries in Sturgeon Bay or sample freshly pressed cider at Larsen’s Orchard & Cider Mill.
• Washington Island and Rock Island. Hop the ferry from Northport for quiet beaches on Washington Island. Or visit Rock Island State Park for challenging trails and beautiful, rare orchids.
• Historic Fish Creek. Stroll past the 1875 Alexander Noble House and shop for handmade crafts. Then catch a sunset from the Fish Creek Marina.
RV parks and campgrounds
Peninsula State Park Campground
• Location: 9462 Shore Drive, Fish Creek, WI 54212
• Sites and amenities: 468 family campsites (electric hookups at Nicolet Bay and Tennison Bay), flush toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, dump station, camp store, boat rentals, playgrounds, and easy access to 8 miles of shoreline.
Potawatomi State Park
• Location: 3740 County Highway PD, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
• Sites and amenities: Family campsites with electric, water, sewer hookups; accessible cabin; hot showers and restrooms; dump station; two miles of Green Bay frontage; hiking and biking trails including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Door County KOA Holiday
• Location: 9245 Lovers Lane, Brussels, WI 54204
• Sites and amenities: Full‑ and partial‑hookup concrete patio sites (50/30 amp), picnic table, fire ring, propane grill, deluxe patio furniture; playground; pool; miniature golf; camp store; planned activities; dump station; laundry facilities; pet‑friendly areas.
Fish Creek Campground and RV LLC
• Location: 3709 County Road F, Fish Creek, WI 54212
• Sites and amenities: 83 sites equipped with water, electric hookups, picnic table, fire pit; three rustic cabins; clean bathhouse; camp store; Wi‑Fi access; one mile to downtown Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park.
You should go!
With stunning shoreline views, historic charm, and campgrounds tailored for every RVer’s interests, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” awaits you. Isn’t it time to make some great memories beneath Wisconsin’s coastal skies?
Have you RVed in Door County, Wisconsin? Tell us about your trip in the comments below.
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RVT1219
We took our honeymoon to Door County 54 years ago and next month we plan on visiting there again. We will camp in our 38’ motorhome at the Kewaunee Campground and take day trips in our car into Door County.
We have traveled to Door County in the fall for the last 10 years. The fall colors can be incredible. Usually stay at Wagon Trail Campground in Rowleys Bay. This fall will probably be our last trip to the Door as we have found that it has gotten way too crowded and too expensive. We love the area but it is time to move on.
Thank you for the suggestions and descriptions, Gail! Sounds very nice. Have a great week and safe travels!