Chapel Beach Campground

For Michiganders eager to truly immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of the Upper Peninsula's most iconic landscapes, Chapel Beach Campground offers an unforgettable backcountry camping experience within the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This is not your typical drive-up campsite; it's a destination that rewards effort with some of the most stunning scenery and serene natural settings Michigan has to offer. If you're an experienced camper and hiker ready for an adventure, Chapel Beach promises an unparalleled connection with Lake Superior's majestic shores.

Chapel Beach is consistently hailed by those who have made the journey as "by far the best camping spot." Its allure lies in its "great access to the lake," "incredibly beautiful scenery," and "campsites nicely dispersed," providing a sense of privacy and seclusion that is increasingly rare. Campers particularly highlight sites 2 and 3 for their exceptional access to the river, while campsite 6 is noted for being "beyond spacious." This remote, hike-in nature means you'll be among fellow adventurers who appreciate the effort it takes to reach such pristine locations.

It's crucial to understand that "this is not for the inexperienced camper/hiker!" The journey to Chapel Beach Campground requires preparedness and an understanding of backcountry travel. The hike from the parking lot to the campsites is approximately 2.5 to 3 miles and can be rough, with challenging terrain. However, as one determined traveler discovered, the "absolutely stunning" beauty of Chapel Rock, Chapel Falls, and Lake Superior makes every step worth it. This is true "back woods camping" at its finest, promising a profound and rewarding outdoor experience in one of Michigan's most cherished national treasures.

Chapel Beach Campground is located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with its general address associated with Shingleton, MI 49884, USA. More specifically, it is a backcountry campground accessed via the Chapel Loop Trail, originating from the Chapel Road trailhead. Chapel Road is approximately 15 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road H-58.

Accessibility to Chapel Beach Campground is strictly by foot or, for some sites, by kayak. There is no drive-up access directly to the campsites. The hike from the Chapel Road parking lot to Chapel Beach is approximately 2.5 to 3 miles (or about a 6-mile round trip for a day hike to Chapel Beach and back). While the initial part of the trail towards Chapel Falls can be wide and relatively flat, sections of the trail, especially if venturing on the full Chapel Loop, can be "very rough," with roots, mud, and uneven terrain.

For Michigan residents, reaching the Chapel Road trailhead involves driving into the heart of the Upper Peninsula. Munising, the gateway city to the western end of Pictured Rocks, is readily accessible via major state highways. From there, County Road H-58 leads to Chapel Road. It is essential to be aware that the gravel road leading to the trailhead can also be rough with ruts and potholes, though generally passable for most vehicles. Limited parking is available at the trailhead, and cell service is typically non-existent in this remote area, requiring campers to come prepared with maps and pre-downloaded information.

Chapel Beach Campground is a primitive backcountry campground managed by the National Park Service within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. As such, services are minimal to preserve the wilderness character of the area:

• Hike-in Campsites: All campsites at Chapel Beach are accessible only by hiking. This ensures a quieter, more secluded experience away from vehicles.

• Designated Tent Pads: Campsites typically feature a designated tent pad, helping to minimize impact on the surrounding environment.

• Vault Toilets: There are vault toilets available at the trailhead parking lot. Within the backcountry campground itself, there are also designated vault toilets for camper use, as noted in general Pictured Rocks backcountry regulations.

• No Potable Water: There is no potable (drinking) water available at the campground or along the trail. Campers must carry in all their water or bring purification methods (filters, tablets) for treating water from Lake Superior or other natural sources.

• No Campfires Allowed at Chapel Beach: Unlike some other backcountry sites in Pictured Rocks, open campfires are explicitly prohibited at Chapel Beach Campground. This is a critical regulation for fire safety and resource protection. Campers should plan for cooking with camp stoves.

• Food Storage Boxes: To protect from wildlife, particularly bears, metal food storage boxes are provided at each campsite. All food items, beverages, and scented items must be stored in these containers when not in immediate use.

• Permit Required: A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for all overnight stays at Chapel Beach Campground. These permits must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov and displayed at the campsite.

• No Trash Disposal: This is a "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" campground. There are no trash receptacles, and campers are responsible for carrying out all their waste.

• Dispersed Campsites: Sites are "nicely dispersed," providing a greater sense of privacy compared to more developed campgrounds.

Chapel Beach Campground offers several truly remarkable features and highlights that make the challenging journey worthwhile:

• Incredible Scenic Beauty: Situated within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the campground is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. This includes proximity to the iconic Chapel Rock (a sandstone formation with a pine tree growing on top) and the stunning Chapel Beach itself.

• Direct Lake Superior Access: Campers have excellent access to the pristine, clear waters of Lake Superior, allowing for swimming (though water is cold), photography, and simply enjoying the vastness of the Great Lake.

• Proximity to Chapel Falls: The trail to the campground passes by Chapel Falls, a beautiful 60-foot waterfall, providing an additional scenic attraction along the hike.

• Seclusion and Tranquility: Being a hike-in backcountry site, Chapel Beach offers unparalleled peace and quiet, far from vehicle noise and crowds. This allows for deep immersion in nature and quiet contemplation.

• Spacious and Dispersed Campsites: The campsites are "nicely dispersed" and, as noted for site 6, can be "beyond spacious," offering ample room and privacy between groups.

• River Access: Some campsites (specifically noted as 2 & 3) offer "great access to the river," likely referring to the Chapel River, which flows into Lake Superior at Chapel Beach.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems of Pictured Rocks support a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and spotting forest creatures.

• Rewarding Challenge: For experienced hikers and backpackers, the effort required to reach Chapel Beach adds to the sense of accomplishment and the feeling of earning the incredible views and solitude.

• Stargazing: The remote location and minimal light pollution provide exceptional conditions for stargazing on clear nights.

For more information, to check availability, or to make the required reservations for Chapel Beach Campground, which is managed by the National Park Service within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, please use the following contact details:

Address: Shingleton, MI 49884, USA (Chapel Beach Campground is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, accessed via Chapel Road trailhead off H-58 near Munising, MI)

Phone for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Reservations (via Recreation.gov): (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

For detailed information on backcountry camping regulations, trail conditions, and to make reservations, visit the official Recreation.gov website and search for "Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Camping Permit." It is highly recommended to review the park's Backcountry Camping Planner prior to your trip.

For Michiganders, Chapel Beach Campground within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore represents the pinnacle of rewarding outdoor adventure. While it explicitly caters to the "experienced camper/hiker" due to its remote, hike-in access and primitive amenities, its suitability for locals lies precisely in the unparalleled natural beauty and profound sense of accomplishment it offers. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an immersive journey into one of Michigan's most iconic and pristine wilderness areas.

Locals who cherish genuine solitude, breathtaking scenery, and the physical challenge of a backcountry trek will find Chapel Beach to be an ideal escape. The reward for the effort — including stunning views of Lake Superior, the iconic Chapel Rock, and access to Chapel Falls — is truly immense. The dispersed, private campsites allow for a deep connection with nature, far from the sounds of traffic and crowds. This experience fosters a unique appreciation for Michigan's untouched landscapes and provides a memorable adventure that few other campgrounds can match.

For those prepared with the right gear and a spirit of adventure, Chapel Beach Campground offers a quintessential Upper Peninsula backpacking experience, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for Michigan's dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.

Chapel Beach Campground

Shingleton, MI 49884, USA