Cliffs Group Backpacking Site

About

Cliffs Group Backpacking Site offers a remote wilderness experience for larger hiking parties exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Situated one mile east of the individual Cliffs Campground and elevated above Lake Superior, this backcountry group site sits inland from the famed North Country Trail. While views of the lake are obscured by summer foliage, nearby vantage points along the trail offer glimpses of Grand Island and Lake Superior. The site is designed for groups of 7-20 people and features one shared community fire ring with metal containment, a pit toilet, bear-proof food storage boxes, and cleared areas for tent camping. No potable water is available on site; all visitors must bring their own water supply. Fires are permitted only within the designated fire ring. A backcountry camping permit is required year-round and must be obtained through Recreation.gov prior to arrival. Permits cost $5 per person per night plus a $15 non-refundable reservation fee. Maximum stay is three consecutive nights at any backcountry campground, with a 14-day annual limit within the lakeshore. Pets are strictly prohibited in all backcountry areas.

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.