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

Pine Bluff Individual Backpacking Sites

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping with required permits. Reservations available on a 6-month rolling window through Recreation.gov. Vault toilets, water, and food lockers are seasonal and may not be available in winter.

About

Pine Bluff Individual Backpacking Sites offers a remote backcountry camping experience within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, accessible only by hiking along the North Country Trail. The campground features five individual sites situated on an open sandy bluff dotted with pine trees and covered in ferns, providing a peaceful setting above Lake Superior. The campground provides seasonal amenities including vault toilets, non-potable water, and food storage lockers. Each site has a designated fire ring, though finding dry wood and locating rings can be challenging during winter when deep snow covers the area. A trail at the campground entrance provides direct access to the beach and Lake Superior shoreline. Winter camping is permitted year-round at this site, attracting experienced backcountry campers seeking solitude during the snowy months. Winter visitors should be prepared for challenging conditions including deep snow, potential whiteout conditions from lake-effect snow, and the need to use GPS coordinates to locate sites. Stoves are recommended for winter camping as fire rings may be buried in snow.

Directions

Access the Pine Bluff Individual Backpacking Sites via the North Country Trail within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The sites are situated on a sandy bluff above Lake Superior, just off the trail.

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