Michigan / Alger County / Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Federal Unit) / Beaver Basin Wilderness

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit

Open — Open year-round with permits required for all overnight backcountry trips. Reservations available via 6-month rolling window through Recreation.gov. Water systems and toilets at drive-in facilities shut down after mid-October. Winter access via snowshoe or ski only; most park roads unplowed.

About

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore's backcountry camping system provides access to primitive wilderness camping along Lake Superior's rugged coastline. The park offers 14 designated backcountry campgrounds positioned at 2-5 mile intervals along the Lakeshore Trail, part of the North Country National Scenic Trail system. These remote campgrounds are accessible only by hiking or kayaking, offering solitude and stunning views of sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and forest. Each campground contains numbered individual campsites for groups of 1-6 people with a maximum of 2 tents or hammocks, plus designated group sites for 7-20 people with up to 10 tents. Campers must stay within 15 feet of their assigned numbered post and follow their permit itinerary. The permit system operates on a 6-month rolling reservation window and requires a reservation fee plus per-person, per-night camping fee. Permits must be printed and visibly secured to tents at campsites. Winter backcountry camping is permitted year-round at the same designated sites, though conditions are challenging. After mid-October, water systems and toilets at drive-in facilities are shut down. Winter campers access sites by snowshoe or ski through deep snow, and most park roads except Sand Point Road remain unplowed. Some roads become designated snowmobile trails December 1 through March 31. Winter camping requires careful preparation as the park has reduced staffing and extended emergency response times during winter months.

Directions

Access backcountry campgrounds by hiking or kayaking only. West side access via M-28 and M-94 to Munising. East side access via M-77 to Grand Marais. Alger County Road H-58 runs through park providing trailhead access.

Nearby Campgrounds