4.5695 reviewsSelect a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
65 campsites
Season
Main reservation sea...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
65 campsites
Season
Main reservation sea...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Fall backpackers chasing peak color will find September through early October close to ideal here: cold nights, thinning crowds after Labor Day, and sharp light over the maple-and-birch ridges. Reserve on MiDNRReservations well ahead; sites along the Lake Superior shoreline and L
No potable water at interior sites means you're filtering everything you drink, composting privies are the only toilets, there's no cell signal in most of the backcountry, and bear hangs are required. Car campers expecting hookups, showers, or a host on-site should book one of th
Official information for Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
There are 65 backcountry (or primitive) campsites in the park. The campsites are numbered, site-specific (meaning you camp at the site you are registered for) and outfitted with a metal fire ring.
Campers are required to dig a 6-inch hole and bury waste at least a quarter of a mile from any campsite, trail or body of water. Composting privies are located near some of the sites. Bear bags must be suspended at least 12 feet above the ground and far enough from the tree to prevent an animal from reaching or jumping on them.
Reservations May 15 through Oct. 14 are strongly recommended (available six months in advance and up to 72 hours before arrival) at MiDNRReservations or 1-800-44PARKS.
Check-in process
Backcountry campers must check in to obtain their backcountry camping permit (online reservations receipts are not the same as a permit). Check-in hours (Eastern Time Zone) and locations include:
Dispersed winter camping
Dispersed winter camping is available in the backcountry once the ground is snow-covered. To take advantage of this option, you must register at park headquarters Dec. 1 through May 15 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Please use appropriate Leave No Trace techniques.
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Fall delivers the most striking experience. September through early October brings crisp days in the 40s to 60s°F and nights near or below freezing, with vivid maple and birch color lighting up the forest and shoreline. Crowds thin after Labor Day. Trout and salmon fishing picks up in streams, light turns sharp for photography, and trails stay busy but manageable. The reservation window runs May 15 to October 14. Winter dispersed camping is allowed December 1 through May 15 if you register at park headquarters between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. before heading out.
Fall is highlighted as the most striking season with vivid maple and birch color and crisp weather.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Primitive backcountry sites: 65 numbered, site-specific campsites outfitted with metal fire rings. Composting privies are located near some sites; no modern campground services (no electricity, no showers, no flush toilets).
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