Reservations For Backcountry Camping At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Going Online

Published Date

December 21, 2016

Backcountry permits for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will be available online beginning in March/NPS

Beginning in March you'll be able to book your backcountry campsites at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan online.

According to park officials, backcountry camping at Pictured Rocks has doubled in growth in the last five years. The increase has made it more difficult for backpackers to get reservations and a more labor intensive process for park staff to fufill reservations with the park's current system, they said in announcing the move to recreation.gov.

Begininning at 10 a.m. on March 28, all backcountry camping permits and reservations must be obtainted via www.recreation.gov. Phone reservations can be done by calling 1-877-444-6777 or 518-885-3639 (for international travels). The phone system hours are: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. EST March 1-October 31, and 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. EST November 1-February 28. While it is highly recomended during the summer season to make reservations in advance, if backcountry campsites are still available, day of reserving will still be an available option. This can be done via the backcountry campers' own devices (via phone/internet) or with help from park staff at Munising Falls and Grand Sable visitor centers. For those using the visitor center reservation services, a credit card will be required.

Recreation.gov allows backcountry campers to make reservations, go over rules and regulations, and print out their permits. Backpacking campers will no longer have to go to a park visitor center to pick up their permits. This is good news for those backpackers who in the past, arrived after the visitor centers closed for the day. Only those utilizing kayaks (or other paddling vessels) to access backcountry camping sites will be required to check-in at visitor centers before heading out. All backcountry users should still check for the latest weather and safety conditions before starting any trip.

Until Pictured Rocks switches to recreation.gov, backcountry camping permits mut be obtained in person at the Interagency Visitor Center in Munising, Michigan. For anyone who wishes to make a reservation for backcountry camping for the time period from January 1 to March 27, 2017, this can be done through the old mailing or faxing form.

For more information on backcountry camping at Pictured Rocks, visit this page.

Stories about:

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks