Mosquito River Group Backpacking Site
Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Permits are required for all overnight stays and cost $5 per person per night plus a $15 non-refundable reservation fee. Reservations are available on a 6-month rolling window. Winter access requires hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing to the site. Camping is limited to 14 days per calendar year within the Lakeshore.
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 February 8 at 2:29PM EST until February 10 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...Alger, Northern Schoolcraft, and Southern Schoolcraft Counties. * WHEN...From 4 PM Monday to 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will start out as freezing rain late Tuesday afternoon and transition to snow late in the evening. Untreated surfaces and particularly secondary roads that are already snow packed could become very slippery. For the far eastern parts of Alger and Schoolcraft counties mainly snow is expected.
About
Mosquito River Group Backpacking Site is situated on the west side of Mosquito River along the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This primitive backcountry site accommodates groups of 7-20 people with a maximum of 10 tents. The campground features a nearby bluff that provides panoramic views of Lake Superior and easy access to both Mosquito Beach and the river, making it an ideal location for kayakers and backpackers exploring the lakeshore. The site includes a shared seasonal vault toilet and food storage boxes to protect supplies from wildlife. Water sources include Mosquito River and Lake Superior, but all water must be treated before consumption as there is no potable water available. Campfires are strictly prohibited at this location. Campers must pack out all trash and camp within 15 feet of the numbered site post. Access is by hiking or kayaking only, with the site reachable via the North Country Trail that runs through the park. Winter camping is permitted year-round at this designated backcountry site, though visitors should expect large amounts of snow and challenging conditions from December through March. The site is part of the 14 backcountry campgrounds spaced at two to five-mile intervals along the Lakeshore Trail, offering nearly 100 miles of trails through forests, dunes, beaches, and waterfalls.
Directions
Access is by foot or kayak only via the North Country Trail. The site is located on the west side of Mosquito River within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From Munising, take County Road H-58 to designated trailheads with parking. Hikers must pack in all gear along the trail to reach the site. Kayakers can access from Lake Superior.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Mosquito River Individual Backpacking Sites 0.3mi
- Potato Patch Individual Backpacking Sites 2.5mi
- Chapel Individual Backpacking Sites 3.0mi
- Cliffs Group Backpacking Site 3.9mi
- Cliffs Individual Backpacking Sites 5.0mi
- Coves Group Backpacking Site 5.4mi
- Coves Individual Backpacking Sites 6.6mi
- Little Beaver Campground 6.7mi
- Grand Island Thumb Area Facilities 7.8mi
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| 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
| information_piro@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (906) 387-3700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| Regulations |
Photos
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