![]() NPS Photo Backpacking in the ParkPermits for 2022 available beginning January 1stPictured Rocks National Lakeshore's backcountry offers opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, and renewal. The nearly 100 miles of park trails includes the North Country National Scenic Trail which runs 42 miles through the length of the park, adjacent to Lake Superior. The park has 14 designated backpacking camping areas. These small backcountry campgrounds have 4 to 6 sites, with some having a larger site for bigger groups. All of these sites are only accessible to backpackers by foot and some by boat. (For drive-in campground information, click here.) Use the Backcountry Camping Planner (PDF 5.88 MB) - a 24-page pamphlet of important backcountry information - to help plan your trip. Backcountry Permits are RequiredA 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 www.recreation.gov. or by calling: 1-877-444-6777. International callers: 1-518-885-3635. ![]() NPS photo You Need to KnowBackcountry campers must stay in specific backcountry campgrounds and numbered site as noted on their permit. Campgrounds are located at two to five mile intervals along the trail. Each campground has a specific capacity; individual campsites within each backcountry campground are identified by a numbered post. There are individual campsites and group campsites. Individual campsites are available for groups of 1-6 people (2 tents or hammocks maximum). Groups of 7-20 people (10 tents or hammocks maximum) must camp in designated group sites. Maximum three consecutive day stay at any backcountry campground. No persons or groups are permitted to camp longer than 14 days per calendar year in the lakeshore.
How Do I Make Reservations on Recreation.gov? Additonal Information:Backcountry Map and Mileage (pdf) |
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Last updated: December 15, 2021