Coves Group Backpacking Site

About

Coves Group Backpacking Site is a primitive backcountry group campsite accommodating 7-20 people along the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Situated three miles east of Chapel Beach, the site remains on the cliff line but marks the beginning of your descent toward Twelvemile Beach. The location offers a wilderness experience in the Beaver Basin Wilderness area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Facilities are minimal as expected for backcountry camping: one shared community fire ring, a seasonal vault toilet, and a bear box for required food storage. Water access requires hiking approximately a quarter mile east on the North Country Trail to reach a small cove and beach on Lake Superior. All water must be treated by boiling for one full minute or filtering through a one-micron filter before use. There is no potable water, trash service, or other amenities. The site is accessible only by foot. Kayakers cannot access this group site due to the quarter-mile portage required. Pets are strictly prohibited in all backcountry areas of the park. Camping is limited to three consecutive nights at any single backcountry campground and 14 total days per calendar year in the backcountry.

Directions

From the Chapel parking area, hike east on the North Country Trail (Lakeshore Trail) approximately three miles past Chapel Beach. The group site is on the cliff line before the descent to Twelvemile Beach. The trailhead at Chapel requires a drive on Chapel Road from H-58.