Pictured Rocks Backcountry Regulations & Safety
A permit is required for backcountry camping, Permits may be obtained at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Hiawatha National Forest Visitor Information Center. During the summer, permits are also available at the Grand Sable Visitor Center.
1. BEAR ALERT: Food must be hung from food poles or cables provided in the campgrounds or suspended between two trees (at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet from any tree trunk) to avoid ransacking by animals.
2. Only foot and boat traffic are permitted in the backcountry. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted.
3. Backcountry camping is permitted only at the designated campgrounds. Camp Only at the backcountry sites specified daily on your permit.
4. Tents must be set up within 15 feet of a numbered cite post. You may camp at any vacant site. Two tents and no more than six people per regular site.
5. Pets or domestic pack animals are prohibited in the backcountry.
6. Campfires are permitted only in the communal metal fire rings provided. Use of backpacking stoves is permitted at the individual campsites.
CAMPFIRES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT CHAPEL BEACH AND MOSQUITO RIVER CAMPGROUNDS.
7, Firewood may be obtained only from trees that are down and dead. Firewood is scarce; we suggest you use a small backpacking stove.
8. Carry out all trash. Do NOT burn or bury it, Do NOT throw it in pit toilets.
9. Fishing and hunting require a valid Michigan license.
10. Do not disturb or deface natural features (carving initials in rook, removing
birch bark from trees, etc.).
11. Trenching around tents is not permitted.
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12. To dispose of human waste, dig a shallow bole (2—4 inches deep), at least 100 feet away from any campground or water source. There are self-composting toilets at the Chapel and Mosquito Campgrounds.
-VIOLATION OF THESE REGULATIONS IS PROHIBITED AND SUBJECT TO FINE -
Safety
13. No surface water is available at Cliffs, Potato Patch, Coves group site, and
Masse Homestead campgrounds. Drinking water is available at Miners Cast1e
Little Beaver Lake Campground, Twelve mile Beach Campground, and Hurricane River Campground.
14. Boil all surface water for one minute at a hard, rolling boil or use a 1 micron
filter. Chemical treatments are not recommended.
15. Fifteen miles of the Lakeshore Trail are atop 50—200 foot high cliffs, which are covered by loose sand and gravel- Overhangs are weak, fractured rock. There are no guard railings in the backcountry - For your safety STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE.
Return to: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
