![]() NPS Photo Backpacking in the ParkOn July 21, 2025 at 10:00 am ET Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permits will begin releasing on a 6 month rolling window. On July 21, 2025 reservations for January 21, 2026 availability and any earlier January dates will become available. Beginning on July 22, 2025 permit reservations with a check-in date of January 22, 2026 will be available for booking. Most of the park's 13 designated backpacking camping areas are along the North Country National Scenic Trail. These small remote campgrounds each have 3 to 6 individual sites (1-6 people per site). In addition, there are eight separate group sites (7-20 people per site). All of these sites are only accessible to campers by foot and some by boat. What do I need to backpack Pictured Rocks?1. A Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Pass OR America the Beautiful Federal Lands PassThis is required for all recreation within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Learn more about fees here. Keep your park pass displayed in your vehicle. 2. Backcountry Campsite reservationsAll camping is by reservation only. There is no dispersed camping within the park. Bring your printed permit and keep it on your person. Buy Your Backcountry Permit on Recreation.Gov!A backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry, year-round. The permit is only for the dates, locations, and party size specified. Permits must be obtained via Recreation.gov. or by calling: 1-877-444-6777. International callers: 1-518-885-3635. ![]() NPS photo Backcountry Camping Regulations
Backcountry Camping Tips
How Do I Make Reservations on Recreation.gov? Additonal Information:Backcountry Map and Mileage (pdf) |
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Last updated: July 9, 2025