BACKCOUNTRY CAMPGROUNDS ARE FULL AND BOOKED THROUGH MOST OF SEPTEMBER. CHECK RECREATION.GOV FOR NEXT AVAILABLE DATES.
Backcountry Permits
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore's backcountry offers opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, and renewal. The nearly 100 miles of trails in the park includes the North Country National Scenic Trail which runs 42 miles through the length of the park, adjacent to Lake Superior. Most of the park's small 14 backcountry campgrounds (each with multiple sites) are along this trail. Please note that national lakeshore camping rules apply to this portion of the North Country NST.
The key to a successful trip is careful planning and preparation. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind the time of year, terrain, weather, and the physical condition of everyone in your party. Remember you can only travel as fast as the slowest person in your group.
Use the Backcountry Camping Planner (PDF 5.88 MB) - a 24-page pamphlet of important backcountry information - to help plan your trip.
(For winter backcountry camping information click here. For drive-in campground information, click here.)
Reservations
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 www.recreation.gov. or by calling: 1-877-444-6777. International callers: 1-518-885-3635. NOTE: Recreation.gov phone contact has limited hours: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm ET, Monday through Saturday. Please be aware that there will be longer than normal wait times as staff are limited in order to comply with CDC health guidelines.
There is a $15 reservation fee, and a $5 user fee per person, per night. Changes will result in an additional $15 fee. There are no refunds after your permit has been printed off. After you print the permit, no changes can be made. Permits can be printed as early as 14 days prior to your trip and as late as the start date of your trip. Do not forget to print your permit!
Backcountry campsite
NPS photo
A Few Reminders
Backcountry campers must stay in specific backcountry campgrounds 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. Campers reserve a space within the backcountry campground; not a specific numbered site. Numbered sites are first-come, first-served for those who have a reservation in that campground.
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 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.
Hammocks are allowed in place of a tent, but you must stay within 15 feet of the numbered post at the campsite. Keep in mind that trees are not available at all sites.
No pets allowed. No bikes or wheeled or motorized vehicles allowed on trails. Drones cannot be launched or landed within park boundaries.
Most (but not all) backcountry campgrounds have access to a drinking water source via streams, inland lakes, or Lake Superior.
Do not expect your cell phone to work in the park. Many areas do not receive reception due to cloudy conditions, hilly topography, heavy forest cover, and a lack of towers.
Fires are permitted only in community fire rings at the campgrounds. Fires are not allowed at the Mosquito River and Chapel Beach campgrounds. No beach fires allowed anywhere in the backcountry.
Insects such as black flies, mosquitoes, and biting stable flies can be a nuisance between late May and September. Stable flies can be relentless and aggressive along the shore on hot, humid days with a south wind. Insect repellent does NOT work on them and they can make your hike a misery. They tend to target hiker legs and ankles, so bring along long, loose-fitting pants and thick socks in case you need them.
Commercial transportation is available for hikers wishing to take a bus to the starting point and hike back to their vehicle. For information, please visit the Shuttle Service webpage.
The Pictured Rocks are spectacular but can be dangerous to the careless hiker. Fifteen miles of the North Country Trail are atop 50-200 foot high cliffs. Cliff tops are covered with loose sand and gravel. Unsupported overhangs of soft sandstone are common. For your safety, stay away from the cliff edge.
The weather near Lake Superior is very changeable. Summers are often warm but be prepared for cool, rainy, windy weather. Hypothermia can occur at any time - know the symptoms. Use a layered clothing system.
You may encounter bears and other wildlife in the backcountry. Keep a clean camp and store food in the provided bear-proof lockers. Campers are required to clean out lockers before departing and not leave any food or supplies behind.
Follow Leave No Trace guidelines! Be responsible caretakers while in the park and respectful of other visitors.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is closed to hunting April 1 to Labor Day, but is open to hunting the rest of the year during small and large game seasons. Wear blaze orange or bright colors if you are concerned about being seen by hunters.
