Overview
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 2 to 5 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, and 3 tents or hammocks maximum (or a combination thereof). Group sites are available for groups of 7-20 people, and 10 tents or hammocks maximum (or a combination thereof). Group campsite reservations must camp in designated group sites. Each campground has a specific capacity; campsites within each backcountry campground are identified by a numbered post.
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.
Facilities
- 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.
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!
Charges & 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.
Camp Observer
