Coves Group Backpacking Site
Open — Open year-round with advance reservations required through Recreation.gov. Vault toilets are seasonal. Winter access requires snowshoes or skis due to heavy snow. Maximum three consecutive nights at this campground.
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 Weather Advisory issued December 29 at 12:46PM EST until December 30 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Alger County. * WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
About
Coves Group Backpacking Site offers a wilderness camping experience within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Michigan's Upper Peninsula coastline. Located three miles east of Chapel Beach, the campsite sits on the cliff line where the North Country Trail begins its descent toward Twelvemile Beach. The remote location provides solitude and stunning Lake Superior scenery. The group campsite features one shared fire ring and a seasonal vault toilet. Water access requires approximately a quarter-mile hike east on the North Country Trail to reach a small cove and beach on Lake Superior, where non-potable water is available and must be treated before use. The site is designed for groups of 7-20 people and allows a maximum of 10 tents or hammocks. Due to the quarter-mile portage required, this site is not practical for kayakers. Backcountry camping permits are required year-round and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. Campers can stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at this campground, with an annual limit of 14 days per calendar year in the lakeshore. Winter camping is permitted at designated backcountry sites, though conditions are challenging with large snow accumulations requiring snowshoes or skis for access. The best season for backpacking is June through October.
Directions
From the Chapel/Mosquito trailhead, hike east on the North Country Trail for approximately three miles to reach the Coves Group Backpacking Site. The site is situated on the cliff line, beginning the descent towards Twelvemile Beach. A quarter-mile east on the trail leads to a small cove and beach on Lake Superior, providing water access.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Coves Individual Backpacking Sites 1.2mi
- Little Beaver Campground 1.6mi
- Chapel Individual Backpacking Sites 2.3mi
- Beaver Creek Individual Backpacking Sites 2.4mi
- Lowney Creek Group Backpacking Site 2.4mi
- Lowney Creek Individual Backpacking Sites 2.7mi
- Pine Bluff Individual Backpacking Sites 3.6mi
- Trappers Lake Individual Backpacking Sites 4.2mi
- Trappers Lake Group Backpacking Site 4.2mi
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 | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| Regulations |
Photos
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