Potato Patch Individual Backpacking Sites
Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping with advance reservation and permit required through Recreation.gov. Winter access is via snowshoe or ski with deep snow conditions expected. Vault toilets and food storage lockers are seasonal.
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 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.
About
Potato Patch is a designated backcountry campground within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, accessible only by hiking the North Country Trail. The site sits inland through an open field, with the distant sound of a waterfall audible from the entrance. Three individual backpacking sites share a single fire ring located at the campground entrance and one vault toilet. The sites are arranged along a trail that branches to the right, set among birch and maple trees that block views of Grand Island and Lake Superior during summer months. As a backcountry site, Potato Patch requires advance reservations and a permit through Recreation.gov for all overnight stays, year-round. The campground is primitive with no water access, so visitors must pack in all drinking water. Food storage lockers are provided seasonally. Winter access is possible via snowshoe or ski, though locating the site may require GPS coordinates in deep snow. The vault toilet is seasonal, and winter campers should be prepared for challenging conditions including deep snow and limited amenities.
Directions
From the North Country Trail, follow a trail through an open field with the sounds of a waterfall at your back. The fire ring is at the entrance to the campground. Follow the trail to the right to reach each of the three sites.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Cliffs Group Backpacking Site 1.5mi
- Mosquito River Group Backpacking Site 2.5mi
- Cliffs Individual Backpacking Sites 2.5mi
- Mosquito River Individual Backpacking Sites 2.7mi
- Chapel Individual Backpacking Sites 5.5mi
- Grand Island Thumb Area Facilities 5.4mi
- Little Duck Campsite On Grand Island 5.5mi
- Roads End Campsite On Grand Island 5.5mi
- Driftwood Campsite On Grand Island 5.6mi
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| Regulations |
Photos
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