Au Sable East Individual Backpacking Sites
Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping by reservation only. A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays and must be reserved through Recreation.gov. The fee is $5 per person per night plus a $15 reservation fee per permit. Winter access is via hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing only.
Munising Falls Trail Closed Until Further Notice
The Munising Falls Trail within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is closed until further notice. Approximately 75-feet of the paved trail was washed out April 28th from recent heavy rainfall and seasonal snow melt.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 19 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Moderate to heavy snowfall rates and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Alger County. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and very difficult to near impossible travel at times, especially near Lake Superior. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:44AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 27 below expected. * WHERE...Alger, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, and Southern Schoolcraft Counties. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
About
Au Sable East Individual Backpacking Sites is a designated backcountry camping area within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located near Au Sable Point along Lake Superior's south shore. The campground features six campsites scattered throughout dense forest, providing a secluded wilderness experience. Despite being adjacent to Au Sable Point East Group Campground, the thick forest makes the neighboring site invisible. Campers share a single fire ring and seasonal vault toilet. Water must be sourced directly from Lake Superior and treated before use. The sites include seasonal food storage lockers to protect provisions from wildlife. Lake Superior access is available for sea kayakers arriving by water. This is a true backcountry experience requiring self-sufficiency. Campers must pack in all gear and supplies via hiking trails or by paddling. Winter camping is permitted with proper preparation for challenging conditions including deep snow, extreme cold, and limited access. All overnight stays require a backcountry camping permit reserved through Recreation.gov year-round.
Directions
From Grand Marais, Michigan, head west on H-58 for approximately 12 miles to the Hurricane River Campground. Park here and hike 1.5 miles east along the North Country Trail to reach the Au Sable East Individual Backpacking Sites.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Au Sable East Group Backpacking Site 0.1mi
- Hurricane River Campground 1.5mi
- Masse Homestead Group Backpacking Site 2.4mi
- Masse Homestead Individual Backpacking Sites 2.6mi
- Benchmark Individual Backpacking Sites 3.5mi
- Twelvemile Beach Campground And Cabin 4.4mi
- Grand Sable Lake Boat-in Site 5.2mi
- Sevenmile Creek Group Backpacking Site 6.8mi
- Sevenmile Creek Individual Backpacking Sites 6.8mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (906) 387-3700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| NPS Campground Website |
Photos
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