Are New Camping Options Coming for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Yesterday we took at some proposed changes at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore regarding the fees for Au Sable Light Station tours. this was one of two proposals that the National Park Service is looking for feedback on through the end of 2023, and today we look at their other proposal that involves new camping options. The addition of a backcountry camping cabin is being considered and while that is something that would be the first of its kind at this national park we think that it would be a long overdue addition and help open the camping experiences here up to even more visitors.

The NPS proposal states: “The park is proposing the introduction of a reservable backcountry cabin near Twelvemile Beach Campground. This cabin would be open to the public for reservations on Recreation.gov. We are proposing a $35/night fee for this recreation opportunity. Nestled in a beautiful location overlooking Lake Superior on the Twelvemile Beach bluff, this is an off-the-grid shelter with no running water or electricity. Currently, there are no cabins reservable within the boundaries of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This cabin will offer a unique experience for individuals seeking to explore the Pictured Rocks backcountry, while remaining sheltered from harsh weather and other conditions.” The Twelvemile Beach Campground currently has 36 rustic sites.

There are currently only three drive-in campsites at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – the one at Twelvemile Beach, the Hurricane River Campground (21 sites), and Little Beaver Lake (8 sites). Current reservation fees are $25 per night and these campgrounds are often booked solid for the entire year within days of going on sale. We have little doubt that this cabin would constantly be booked and would quickly become one of the most sought-after sites in the U.P. While backcountry camping is popular with many visitors, it is not something that others are interested in. This gives more people the chance to have the camping experience while also not leaving with a bad taste in their mouth if weather or other factors would have made things miserable in a tent.

For examples of how this could be successful, look no further than the backcountry cabins and yurts that have always been popular at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. These remote lodging options provide visitors with the chance to hike the beautiful trails there but still have a place to stay at night with four walls and a roof. We’ve also written at length about our love of the Michigan state park mini cabins. Not everyone has the ability to tow an RV or sleep on the ground in a tent, but they may still want the camping experience rather than a stay in a hotel. We support any additional camping opportunities at one of our favorite places in the U.P. and hope this proposal passes and eventually leads to the addition of a few more cabins at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!