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

Cliffs Group Backpacking Site

Open — Open year-round with required backcountry permit through Recreation.gov. Winter access requires hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing as most park roads are snow-covered and not plowed from December through March. Vault toilets are seasonal.

About

Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Cliffs Group Backpacking Site is a designated backcountry camping area positioned high above Lake Superior and inland from the North Country Trail. The site lies approximately one mile east of the individual Cliffs Campground. While lake views are obscured by vegetation during summer months, hikers can find vantage points along the North Country Trail near the campground to glimpse Grand Island and the expansive waters of Lake Superior. This remote site accommodates groups with one shared fire ring and a seasonal vault toilet. No water is available on-site, so visitors must pack in all water needed for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The location's elevation and position along the trail system make it suitable for experienced backpackers seeking solitude in the backcountry. Access requires hiking in from trailheads, and in winter months, snowshoeing or skiing is necessary through potentially deep snow. A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight stays at this site, with reservations handled through Recreation.gov. The permit system helps manage visitor use in this protected national lakeshore while ensuring backcountry campers are prepared for the remote conditions and limited amenities.

Directions

Access via North Country Trail, one mile east of Cliffs Campground. Trailheads accessible from Alger County Road H-58. In winter, most park roads are snow-covered; snowmobiles can access main parking lots where hikers then snowshoe or ski to the site.

Nearby Campgrounds