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

Cliffs Individual Backpacking Sites

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping. A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight stays and can be reserved up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov. Maximum 14-day stay per calendar year.

About

Cliffs Individual Backpacking Sites sits in a remote section of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, positioned inland from the North Country Trail high above Lake Superior's shoreline. This primitive campground offers three individual campsites designed for parties of 1-6 people, with a maximum of two tents or hammocks per site. The sites occupy an open area with minimal cover between them, providing limited privacy but a sense of shared wilderness experience. During peak summer foliage, direct views of Lake Superior are obscured from the campground itself, though hikers can access scenic overlooks along nearby trail sections to view Grand Island and the vast lake. The campground provides basic amenities including one shared fire ring for all three sites, seasonal food storage lockers to protect against wildlife, and a seasonal vault toilet. Backcountry campers must pack in all water and pack out all trash, as no water source or waste disposal is available. Access to Cliffs requires hiking along the North Country Trail, part of the 42-mile Lakeshore Trail system that connects fourteen backcountry campgrounds across the national lakeshore. The primitive nature of this site appeals to experienced backpackers seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience along one of the Great Lakes' most dramatic coastlines.

Directions

Access via hiking on the North Country Trail within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The campground is located along the Lakeshore Trail section between Munising and Grand Marais. Trailhead parking requires a park entrance fee or National Park Pass. Shuttle services are available from private operators in Munising.

Nearby Campgrounds