Winter Camping at Pictured Rocks

Winter camping is allowed in both the drive-in campgrounds and at the backcountry campgrounds. However, roads are not plowed into drive-in campgrounds, which are generally accessed by snowmobile. Winter campers can also access the campgrounds by ski or snowshoe. Drive-in campground fee is $15 per night from November 1 through April 30. All winter drive-in campground sites require a reservation. Summer campground rules and regulations generally apply.

Backcountry Winter Regulations

• Backcountry winter campers need a reservation AND a permit (see the Backcountry Camping page for instructions).
• Winter backcountry camping is permitted only in existing backcountry sites. Dispersed winter camping is no longer allowed.
• Snowmobiles can access the main parking lots and trailheads where campers then snowshoe or ski to the backcountry sites.
• Locating backcountry sites in deep snow may require use of GPS coordinates.
• Use of stoves is recommended - campfires are not permitted unless you build them in established metal fire rings, which may be difficult to find in deep snow. Finding dry down and dead wood will also be difficult.
• Overnight camping in parking lots is not permitted.
• Snow is not soil! Since human waste cannot be buried in winter, you will need to pack out all human waste and toilet paper.

 

Icicles along the Pictured Rocks

Kai Petainen Photo

Your Safety Comes First!
As you can imagine, it's important to come for a winter visit completely prepared! This is especially true for winter camping, which can be a challenging experience.

An unexpected slip into a creek, the loss of a tarp in a blizzard, or a broken ski binding can quickly spell disaster. The old scout adage of “Be Prepared” is the best advice. The lakeshore staff encourage you to carefully plan your winter camping excursion into the park. Here are a few helpful suggestions:

• Before you leave home, let someone know where you are going, how long you plan to be out, a description of your vehicle, where it will be parked, and when you plan to return. Write It Down!
• Take plenty of liquids and snacks or food along with you ... maybe a little to spare in case something should happen.
• Take repair supplies for your method of travel (skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile), and camping equipment.
• Don’t expect your cell phone to work in the park. Many areas do not receive reception due to a lack of towers, cloudy conditions, hilly topography and heavy forest cover.
• Know the local weather forecast and watch the weather. A southeast or northeast wind will often preceed a heavy snowfall.
• Take a compass and map and know how to use them. It is easy to get turned around in portions of the lakeshore when the days are short and the clouds block the sun.
• Realize that the park ranger staff is reduced in winter and response times are extended due to winter conditions.

Having considered all of this, remember that winter is one of the most incredible seasons at the lakeshore. You will likely see very few people, a lot of animal tracks, and will be able to enjoy a type of solitude unknown at other times of the year. Happy camping!

 

For more information ...
Backcountry Map and Mileage (pdf)
Backcountry GPS Coordinates (pdf)

 

Return to Winter Activities page