Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit
Open — Open year-round with permits required for all overnight backcountry trips. Reservations available via 6-month rolling window through Recreation.gov. Water systems and toilets at drive-in facilities shut down after mid-October. Winter access via snowshoe or ski only; most park roads unplowed.
From Recreation.gov
On July 21, 2025 at 10:00 am ET Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permits will begin releasing on a 6 month rolling window. On July 21, 2025 reservations for January 21, 2026 availability and any earlier January dates will become available. Beginning on July 22, 2025 permit reservations with a check-in date of January 22, 2026 will be available for booking.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 19 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Moderate to heavy snowfall rates and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Alger County. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and very difficult to near impossible travel at times, especially near Lake Superior. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:44AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Marquette MI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 27 below expected. * WHERE...Alger, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, and Southern Schoolcraft Counties. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
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.
About
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore's backcountry camping system provides access to primitive wilderness camping along Lake Superior's rugged coastline. The park offers 14 designated backcountry campgrounds positioned at 2-5 mile intervals along the Lakeshore Trail, part of the North Country National Scenic Trail system. These remote campgrounds are accessible only by hiking or kayaking, offering solitude and stunning views of sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and forest. Each campground contains numbered individual campsites for groups of 1-6 people with a maximum of 2 tents or hammocks, plus designated group sites for 7-20 people with up to 10 tents. Campers must stay within 15 feet of their assigned numbered post and follow their permit itinerary. The permit system operates on a 6-month rolling reservation window and requires a reservation fee plus per-person, per-night camping fee. Permits must be printed and visibly secured to tents at campsites. Winter backcountry camping is permitted year-round at the same designated sites, though conditions are challenging. After mid-October, water systems and toilets at drive-in facilities are shut down. Winter campers access sites by snowshoe or ski through deep snow, and most park roads except Sand Point Road remain unplowed. Some roads become designated snowmobile trails December 1 through March 31. Winter camping requires careful preparation as the park has reduced staffing and extended emergency response times during winter months.
Directions
Access backcountry campgrounds by hiking or kayaking only. West side access via M-28 and M-94 to Munising. East side access via M-77 to Grand Marais. Alger County Road H-58 runs through park providing trailhead access.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Trappers Lake Individual Backpacking Sites 1.8mi
- Trappers Lake Group Backpacking Site 1.8mi
- Pine Bluff Individual Backpacking Sites 2.0mi
- Lowney Creek Individual Backpacking Sites 1.7mi
- Lowney Creek Group Backpacking Site 1.9mi
- Beaver Creek Individual Backpacking Sites 2.4mi
- Little Beaver Campground 2.7mi
- Coves Individual Backpacking Sites 3.2mi
- Sevenmile Creek Individual Backpacking Sites 4.5mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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
| piro_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (906) 387-3700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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