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

Trappers Lake Individual Backpacking Sites

Open — Open year-round. A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight stays and must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Permits cost $5 per person per night plus a $15 reservation fee. Winter access requires hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing through heavy snow. Food lockers and vault toilets are seasonal.

About

Trappers Lake Individual Backpacking Sites is a secluded backcountry campground located in the Beaver Basin Wilderness within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The five hike-in campsites are situated on the north shore of Trappers Lake, approximately one mile inland from the North Country Trail. This remote location offers a peaceful wilderness experience away from the more heavily traveled coastal areas of the park. The campground features minimal amenities consistent with backcountry camping: one shared fire ring for all sites, a seasonal vault toilet, and food storage lockers during the warmer months. Campers must source water from Trappers Lake and treat it before use, as no potable water is available. This is a hike-in only campground; kayakers and boaters cannot reach these sites from the lake. A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight stays, with a $5 per person per night fee plus a $15 non-refundable reservation fee per permit. Permits are valid only for the specific dates, locations, and party size listed. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov on a six-month rolling window. Winter camping is permitted but requires careful preparation due to heavy snow, difficult site location, and limited access to fire rings buried under snow.

Directions

From the North Country Trail, hike approximately one mile inland to reach Trappers Lake Campground, located on the north shore of Trappers Lake within the Beaver Basin Wilderness.

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