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

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.

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.

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