Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit

Overview

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles along Michigan's northern coast. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes. In addition to boating and kayaking on the lake, the park's backcountry offers nearly 100 miles of walking and hiking trails and opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, renewal, and camping. Access to Pictured Rocks' backcountry is primarily along the 'Lakeshore Trail', a part of the 42-mile long North Country National Scenic Trail where you can experience forests, dunes, beaches, waterfalls and wonderful panoramic views.

Please download the Backcountry Camping Planner form the park website for complete details. The backcountry campgrounds are accessed by hiking or kayaking only. A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips into the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore backcountry. Permits are not required for day hiking. To assist in planning an overnight backcountry trip into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, take time to carefully plan and prepare for your adventure. Pictured Rocks offers fourteen backcountry campgrounds, that are located at 2 to 5 mile intervals along the Lakeshore Trail. Private shuttle services are available.