Au Sable East Individual Backpacking Sites
Open year-round for backcountry camping with a valid permit. Permits are reservation-only through Recreation.gov. Maximum three consecutive night stay. Vault toilets operate seasonally.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 14 at 3:02PM EDT until July 14 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values between 98 to 105. * WHERE...Portions of central Upper and western Upper Michigan. * WHEN...Until 10 PM EDT /9 PM CDT/ this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 10:41AM EDT by NWS Marquette MI
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday July 15, 2026 for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. Pollutants are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with the potential for Unhealthy, especially north. This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert. Plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires are expected to move into the region this week. The plumes will reach the Upper Peninsula this evening, sinking into the northern Lower Peninsula overnight. Models are showing the smoke plumes will reach the Michigan/Indiana border Wednesday evening. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing,coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in the nose, throat, and eyes. You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as outdoor burning or use of residential wood burning devices. Tips for households: Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan, visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir For fup-to-date air quality data nationally, visit EPA's Air Now site: https://www.airnow.gov For further health information, please see MDHHS' Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury- prev/environmental-health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke. Air Quality Alert Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy July 14 2026
About
Au Sable East Individual Backpacking Sites is a primitive backcountry campground located 0.2 miles west of the historic Au Sable Light Station within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The six individual campsites are dispersed throughout a dense forest, providing natural privacy from the adjacent Au Sable East Group Campground. The area offers direct access to Lake Superior with views of the Grand Sable Dunes. This is a hike-to or paddle-in campground along the North Country Trail. Campers share a single communal fire ring and a seasonal vault toilet. Food storage lockers are provided to protect against wildlife. Lake Superior is the only water source; all water must be treated before consumption. There is no potable water, trash service, or other amenities typical of developed campgrounds. Backcountry camping permits are required year-round and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. The fee is $5 per person per night plus a $15 non-refundable reservation fee. Stays are limited to three consecutive nights. Pets are prohibited throughout the backcountry. Campers must pack out all trash.
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
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!