Coves Campground

For Michigan locals with a deep appreciation for the untamed beauty of the Upper Peninsula and a desire for an authentic wilderness experience, Coves Campground offers an exceptional opportunity. Tucked away within the magnificent Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this rustic backcountry campsite provides a unique blend of seclusion and direct access to the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior. It’s a destination for those who are prepared for a true outdoor adventure, where the sounds of nature prevail and the sense of community, even among fellow campers, can be a highlight. Visitors have praised Coves for its amazing location, its proximity to the shoreline, and its distinctive amenities.

Coves Campground is not your typical drive-in campground with abundant amenities. Instead, it embodies the spirit of rustic, backcountry camping, where the emphasis is on self-sufficiency and immersion in the natural environment. This means you won't find modern conveniences like showers or flush toilets, but what you will discover is unparalleled peace and the raw beauty of one of Michigan's most iconic landscapes. The campground is particularly noted for its communal setting, featuring "tree logs to sit on" around a shared fire pit, fostering a sense of camaraderie among campers.

A significant highlight, as noted by a camper, is that Coves has "one of the only firepits accessible in the entire National Lakeshore." This makes it an incredibly sought-after spot for those who cherish the quintessential campfire experience. While one visitor mentioned pitching their tent among 10 others and not getting to mingle due to rain, the communal layout still provides the potential for connection, adding a unique social dimension to this otherwise remote setting. The ability to "filter water from the lake" further underscores the rustic nature and the need for campers to be prepared with their own purification methods. Coves Campground promises a 10/10 experience for those ready to embrace its unique charm.

Coves Campground is situated along the Lakeshore-North Country Trail near Shingleton, MI 49884, USA. Its location within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore means it's nestled in one of Michigan's most scenic and protected areas. Importantly, Coves is a backcountry campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Instead, campers must hike or, in some cases, kayak to reach the site.

The most common access route to Coves Campground is via the North Country National Scenic Trail. For example, it is approximately a 5.4-mile hike (about 3 hours, 9 minutes) to Coves Group Campsite from certain trailheads, passing by iconic features like Chapel Falls, Chapel Rock, and Spray Falls. This trail system connects Coves to other popular points within Pictured Rocks, making it a strategic overnight stop for those on longer backpacking trips along the Lakeshore Trail. The rugged terrain and the necessity of hiking in contribute to the remote and unspoiled feel of the campground.

For those who prefer water access, Coves Campground also has Lake Superior access suitable for kayakers, offering an alternative and often breathtaking way to arrive. However, all visitors, regardless of their mode of transport, should be prepared for the physical demands of reaching a backcountry site and understand that cell phone reception is typically limited in this remote area. This deliberate inaccessibility helps preserve the natural integrity and peaceful ambiance of Coves, ensuring a truly immersive wilderness experience for those who make the journey.

Services Offered:

• Rustic individual campsites, typically marked with a numbered post.
• Communal fire pits for shared use among campers.
• Designated metal food storage boxes (bear boxes) at each site for safety.
• Access to Lake Superior for water filtering (requires personal filtration system).
• Shared vault toilets (pit toilets) are available within the campground area.
• Sites are suitable for tents and sleeping hammocks (within specified distances from the post).
• Requires a backcountry camping permit, which must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.
• Pack-in, pack-out policy for all trash and personal belongings.
• Limited to specific group sizes (typically 1-6 people for individual sites, up to 2 tents/hammocks).

Features / Highlights:

• Direct access to the Lake Superior shoreline, just "a few hundred feet inland."
• Unique communal fire pit setting with "tree logs to sit on."
• One of the very few backcountry sites within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with accessible fire pits.
• Located in a high-elevation bluff area, offering scenic views and abundant tree cover.
• Provides a true "rustic" and secluded camping experience.
• Essential metal food boxes for bear safety, a crucial feature in this wilderness area.
• Integration with the North Country National Scenic Trail, ideal for hikers and backpackers.
• Opportunity to enjoy the serene sounds of Lake Superior waves.
• Stargazing potential in a dark sky environment.

Contact Information:

Address: Lakeshore-North Country Trail, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA

Phone: (906) 387-3700 (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Headquarters)

Reservations: Backcountry permits for Coves Campground must be reserved via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

Coves Campground is an exceptional choice for Michigan locals who are seeking an authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding wilderness camping experience. Its location within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, accessible primarily by foot or kayak, immediately sets it apart from typical campgrounds and draws those who genuinely crave solitude and an immersive outdoor adventure. The specific highlight of having "one of the only firepits accessible in the entire National Lakeshore" is a major draw, providing that cherished campfire experience in a truly wild setting. This unique feature, combined with the presence of "metal food boxes" for bear safety, showcases a thoughtful approach to primitive camping within a natural habitat.

While the mention of being "double booked" in a past review points to a potential administrative issue, it reinforces the importance of utilizing the official reservation system through Recreation.gov to secure your spot. The overall sentiment from visitors is overwhelmingly positive, with a strong inclination to "10/10 will camp here again." This speaks volumes about the quality of the experience despite the rustic amenities. The ability to filter water directly from Lake Superior and the communal log seating areas further enhance the back-to-basics appeal, fostering a sense of self-reliance and connection with fellow campers.

For Michigan residents, Coves Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the Pictured Rocks shoreline, hike the iconic North Country Trail, and truly disconnect from the demands of modern life. If you're an experienced camper ready for a rustic adventure, appreciate stunning lake views, and value the peace of a secluded forest, Coves Campground is an ideal destination that promises unforgettable memories in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Coves Campground

Lakeshore-North Country Trail, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA