Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles along Michigan's northern coast. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes. In addition to boating and kayaking on the lake, the park's backcountry offers nearly 100 miles of walking and hiking trails and opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, renewal, and camping. Access to Pictured Rocks' backcountry is primarily along the 'Lakeshore Trail', a part of the 42-mile long North Country National Scenic Trail where you can experience forests, dunes, beaches, waterfalls and wonderful panoramic views. 

Please download the Backcountry Camping Planner form the park website for complete details. The backcountry campgrounds are accessed by hiking or kayaking only. A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips into the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore backcountry. Permits are not required for day hiking. To assist in planning an overnight backcountry trip into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, take time to carefully plan and prepare for your adventure. Pictured Rocks offers fourteen backcountry campgrounds, that are located at two to five mile intervals along the Lakeshore Trail. Private shuttle services are available.  

The permit holder must print and retain one copy of the permit when hiking to the campground; permit must be visibly secured to tent at campsite. You will be assigned a campsite number at every backcountry campground. Permit holder may have only one permit reserved at one time. Camp only in designated sites and follow permit itinerary. You must camp within 15 feet (4.5 m) of the numbered post at your chosen campsite. Individual campsites are available for groups of 1-6 people (2 tents or hammocks maximum, or 1 tent and 1 hammock). Groups of 7-20 people and up to a 10 tent max. must camp in designated group sites. Each campground has a specific capacity; campsites within each backcountry campground are identified by a numbered post.

• Backcountry camping is spread across the National Lakeshore. Facilities are entirely primitive and located in the most remote regions of our park.
• There are 72 available backcountry campsites. 7 of these campsites are group campsites. Only one of these sites are a designated "boat-in" campsite.
• All campsites have food storage boxes on-site. Please store all food in these containers to protect from wildlife.
• All campsites are located along the North Country Trail, spanning only a small portion of the entire trail length.
• Pack in, pack out. There are no designated trash disposal areas at these campsites.
• There is no electricy or hookups located along the North Country Trail and backcountry campsites.
• There is no potable water located along the North Country Trail. A reminder to bring items to sanitize any lake or stream water for safe consumption.
• Certain parts of the North Country Trail are located along frontcountry camping. These campgrounds will have vault toilets for public use.

Need to Know

• Backcountry Camping Regulations:

  Tents or hammocks must be within 15 feet of numbered site post.

  Maximum of two tents or hammocks, or combination thereof, per numbered individual site. Maximum 10 tents per group site.

  All trash MUST be carried out.

  Glass bottles and containers, and axes are prohibited in backcountry campsites.

  Maximum party size permitted at each site in a designated backcountry campground is 6 persons, and 20 persons at a designated group campsite.

  Organized groups of more than six persons who wish to split up in order to utilize regular sites may do so but must camp at separate campsites.

• Conditions for all camping:

  Camping is limited to 14 days per calendar year within the Lakeshore.

  Permits are required for all camping.

  Camping is only allowed at designated locations.

  A campsite must be occupied by the person in possession of the permit for the campsite on the date(s) of occupancy.

  The campsite must be vacated by 11:00 am of the following day. Quiet hours are from 8pm to 8am. 

• Backcountry Planning and Preparation: It is important to plan the appropriate amount of hiking each day when in the backcountry. The park recommends hiking no more than 10 miles (16 km) each day. Understand your limits and check the amount of mileage between each campsite on your itinerary. Factor in bugs, temperature, changing weather conditions and time. Pack the appropriate amount of water, food and gear for your trip. Cell phone service is extremely limited in these areas. You must adhere to your permit's trip itinerary. Download the Backcountry Camping Planner (PDF) from the park website.

• Parking: Parking for one or more days at designated parking lots/areas is permitted, but you will need to pay the entrance fee or have a National Park Pass.

• Passes: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore charges an entrance fee separate from camping fees. You may pay the fee upon arrival at the visitor center or purchase in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.).

• Permit Holder: Permit users are repsonsible for following all rules/regulations. The permit holders must print and retain one copy of the permit at all times during the stay.

• Shuttle Service: Altran in Munising, MI https://www.altranbus.com/backpacker/

• Required Viewing: Leave No Trace Video or Leave No Trace Video with Audio Description.  

• No pets are permitted in any portion of our park's backcountry. No exceptions.

• Campfires: 

  Fires are permitted only in fire rings at the campgrounds. Fires or hot coals cannot be left unattended. Beach fires are not allowed.

  Fires are not allowed at Mosquito River and Chapel Beach backcountry campgrounds. 

  Use only dead and down wood. No cutting of standing trees or limbs. Ash firewood is prohibited

• Food Storage / The following conditions for the storage of food are in effect in the entirety of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:

  All food items, lawfully taken fish and wildlife, garbage and equipment used to cook or store food must be kept sealed in a camping unit that is constructed of solid, non-pliable material, in government provided receptacles or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk or other object.

  This is bear country! Proper storage ensures safety for you and members of your party when enjoying the natural resource.

• Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows:

  Where toilet facilities are not provided, human wastes will be disposed at least 200 feet from a trail, campsite, or water source; in a hole at least six inches deep; and covered with earth or packed out of the park.

  Where toilet facilities are provided (park campgrounds), human waste shall not be disposed of in park trash cans. Tent style enclosures for campsite portable toilets and/or showers are prohibited.

• Weather and Insects: Be prepared for extreme weather, sun exposure and a variety of insects. Ticks, no see-ums and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months.

• Backcountry Kayaking: If you plan to access the backcountry overnight by kayak , a backcountry camping permit is required. The park recommends kayaking no more than 8-12 miles each day. A sea kayak must be used. Be prepared to bring the following when kayaking: Personal Flotation Device (PFD); whistle; bilge pump; wet suit/dry suit; spray skirt; paddle float; marine radio; signaling device; and float plan. When possible, kayak with a partner and check current weather conditions.

Natural Features

Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound!

Recreation

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers 100 miles (161 km) of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, forest wilderness, cultural sites, and breathtaking cliff-top views of Lake Superior. Whether you have only a few minutes, hours, or days to see a portion of the lakeshore, one of these hikes may be for you.

Lake Superior's rugged shoreline invites individuals to explore the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with its miles of colorful sandstone cliffs and long stretches of sandy beaches. Watch the weather carefully while on the lake. The weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Just because it's calm in Munising Bay or Grand Marais Harbor does not mean it is calm along the more distant shores. The Pictured Rocks cliffs rise 50 to 200 feet (15 to 61 m) directly from the lake, offering precious few protected places if the wind and waves increase.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellation Policy:
Prior to printing your permit, you may cancel any time before your reservation date and receive a 50% refund of all backcountry camping permit fees ($5 per person, per night). The $15 reservation fee is non-refundable. If you have printed your permit, there are no refunds.
Change Policy:
Prior to printing your permit, you may make changes to your permit before your reservation date. Changes may be made to the group size, campground, and the duration of your trip. An additional $15 non-refundable fee will be charged for changes.
Changes may be made to the group size through your Recreation.gov account or through the Call Center and may incur additional backcountry camping permit fees or be refunded these fees depending on whether you increase or decrease your group size. If decreasing your numbers, you will receive a full refund of the backcountry camping permit fees for the numbers you are decreasing only.
A change to the duration of the trip or campground may only be made through the Call Center. For changes to the duration of the trip, you may incur additional backcountry camping permit fees or be refunded these fees depending on whether you increase or decrease your number of nights. If decreasing your numbers, you will receive a full refund of the backcountry camping permit fees for the numbers you are decreasing only.
To change your entry date, you must cancel your permit and reserve a new permit. All fees apply.
No Show Policy:
If you do not print your permit by 11:59 p.m. on the first day of your scheduled trip, your entire backcountry camping permit will be canceled. No refunds. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it to open space for others.

Contact Information

Default

PO Box 40 Munising MI 49862

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 906 387 3700 MUNISING FALLS VISITOR CENTER EMAIL: INFORMATION_PIRO@NPS.GOV

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Available Campsites

• Site Coves 2, Loop Coves, Type Hike To
• Site Pine Bluff 2, Loop Pine Bluff, Type Hike To
• Site Benchmark 3, Loop Benchmark, Type Hike To
• Site Beaver Creek 4, Loop Beaver Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Chapel Beach 1, Loop Chapel Beach, Type Hike To
• Site Trappers Lake Group, Loop Trappers Lake, Type Hike To
• Site Potato Patch 1, Loop Potato Patch, Type Hike To
• Site Benchmark 4, Loop Benchmark, Type Hike To
• Site Masse Homestead 1, Loop Masse Homestead, Type Hike To
• Site Trappers Lake 1, Loop Trappers Lake, Type Hike To
• Site AuSable East 6, Loop AuSable East, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River 6, Loop Mosquito River, Type Hike To
• Site Beaver Creek 3, Loop Beaver Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Coves 4, Loop Coves, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River 2, Loop Mosquito River, Type Hike To
• Site Sevenmile Creek 4, Loop Sevenmile Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Chapel Beach 2, Loop Chapel Beach, Type Hike To
• Site Benchmark 5, Loop Benchmark, Type Hike To
• Site Coves 1, Loop Coves, Type Hike To
• Site Cliffs Group, Loop Cliffs, Type Group Hike To
• Site Lowney Creek 2, Loop Lowney Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Cliffs 1, Loop Cliffs, Type Hike To
• Site Lowney Creek 1, Loop Lowney Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Benchmark 1, Loop Benchmark, Type Hike To
• Site Chapel Beach 5, Loop Chapel Beach, Type Hike To
• Site Trappers Lake 2, Loop Trappers Lake, Type Hike To
• Site Masse Homestead 3, Loop Masse Homestead, Type Hike To
• Site Lowney Creek 3, Loop Lowney Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River 4, Loop Mosquito River, Type Hike To
• Site Trappers Lake 5, Loop Trappers Lake, Type Hike To
• Site AuSable East 3, Loop AuSable East, Type Hike To
• Site AuSable East 2, Loop AuSable East, Type Hike To
• Site Coves Group, Loop Coves, Type Group Hike To
• Site Sevenmile Creek 1, Loop Sevenmile Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River 3, Loop Mosquito River, Type Hike To
• Site Benchmark 2, Loop Benchmark, Type Hike To
• Site Beaver Creek 5, Loop Beaver Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Chapel Beach 4, Loop Chapel Beach, Type Hike To
• Site Sevenmile Creek 3, Loop Sevenmile Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Trappers Lake 3, Loop Trappers Lake, Type Hike To
• Site Masse Homestead Group, Loop Masse Homestead, Type Group Hike To
• Site Lowney Creek Group, Loop Lowney Creek, Type Group Hike To
• Site Chapel Beach 6, Loop Chapel Beach, Type Hike To
• Site Pine Bluff 3, Loop Pine Bluff, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River 5, Loop Mosquito River, Type Hike To
• Site Cliffs 2, Loop Cliffs, Type Hike To
• Site Beaver Creek 2, Loop Beaver Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Pine Bluff 4, Loop Pine Bluff, Type Hike To
• Site Sevenmile Creek 2, Loop Sevenmile Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River Group, Loop Mosquito River, Type Group Hike To
• Site Beaver Creek 6, Loop Beaver Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Sevenmile Creek Group, Loop Sevenmile Creek, Type Group Hike To
• Site Coves 5, Loop Coves, Type Hike To
• Site Mosquito River 1, Loop Mosquito River, Type Hike To
• Site Cliffs 3, Loop Cliffs, Type Hike To
• Site Potato Patch 3, Loop Potato Patch, Type Hike To
• Site Trappers Lake 4, Loop Trappers Lake, Type Hike To
• Site Potato Patch 2, Loop Potato Patch, Type Hike To
• Site Masse Homestead 2, Loop Masse Homestead, Type Hike To
• Site Pine Bluff 1, Loop Pine Bluff, Type Hike To
• Site AuSable East 1, Loop AuSable East, Type Hike To
• Site AuSable East 4, Loop AuSable East, Type Hike To
• Site Sevenmile Creek 5, Loop Sevenmile Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Pine Bluff 5, Loop Pine Bluff, Type Hike To
• Site Beaver Creek 1, Loop Beaver Creek, Type Hike To
• Site AuSable East Group, Loop AuSable East, Type Group Hike To
• Site Lowney Creek 4, Loop Lowney Creek, Type Hike To
• Site Chapel Beach 3, Loop Chapel Beach, Type Hike To
• Site Benchmark 6, Loop Benchmark, Type Hike To
• Site Boat In, Loop Grand Sable Lake, Type Boat IN
• Site AuSable East 5, Loop AuSable East, Type Hike To
• Site Coves 3, Loop Coves, Type Hike To

Photo Gallery