Au Sable East Campground

For those of us in Michigan who hear the call of the wild and dream of strapping on a backpack to venture deep into untouched natural beauty, Au Sable East Campground represents the quintessential wilderness experience. This isn't a drive-up, amenity-rich campsite; it's a dedicated backpacking campground situated within the breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offering an immersive journey into one of our state's most iconic natural treasures. It's a place where the sounds of the forest replace the city's hum, where rugged terrain and towering trees create a sense of true escape, and where the satisfaction of earning your campsite by foot adds an extra layer of reward to your outdoor adventure. Au Sable East is for the intrepid Michigander, the one who seeks solitude, stunning vistas, and the raw beauty of the Upper Peninsula.

Au Sable East Campground is specifically designed for backpackers, meaning access is primarily by foot, making it an integral part of the longer hiking experiences within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Reviews highlight its appeal as a "very nice backpacking campground" and "one of my favorite sites during my hike thru the Pictured Rocks." This suggests it's a strategically located and highly regarded stopover point for those traversing sections of the famous North Country Trail. While the amenities are rustic, focusing on essentials like pit toilets and bear boxes, this simplicity is part of its charm, allowing campers to truly connect with the wilderness. It's a place where the "price you pay for the trees" is uneven terrain, but the reward is ample coverage from the wind and a deep sense of immersion in the natural world. For Michiganders yearning for a genuine backcountry experience, Au Sable East offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Pictured Rocks.

Au Sable East Campground is strategically located along the North Country Trail within the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with its address noted as N Country Trail, Seney, MI 49883, USA. More precisely, it is situated to the east of the iconic Au Sable Point Lighthouse, and roughly equidistant from the two major gateway towns of the National Lakeshore: Munising to the west and Grand Marais to the east. This places it in a prime position for hikers traversing the eastern sections of the Pictured Rocks.

It is crucial for Michiganders planning to visit Au Sable East to understand its "backpacking campground" designation: this means it is primarily accessible by foot. There is no direct vehicle access to the campsites. Hikers typically reach it via the North Country Trail from various trailheads. For example, one common approach might be to hike in from the Hurricane River Campground (which does have vehicle access) to the west, or from various points closer to Grand Marais to the east. The terrain, as noted by reviewers, can be "a little uneven," reflecting the natural, undeveloped nature of the trail. While the precise starting point will depend on your planned backpacking route, the campground is well-marked along the North Country Trail. Despite its remote, wilderness feel, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a well-managed federal park, with trails that are generally maintained, albeit offering a true backcountry experience. Planning your hike, including entry and exit points, is essential, and park maps are invaluable for navigation to this beautiful, secluded campground.

Au Sable East Campground, as a dedicated backpacking campground, offers a minimalist yet essential set of services designed to support wilderness camping while protecting both campers and wildlife. The focus is on providing basic necessities for a safe and responsible backcountry stay. Services typically found at Au Sable East Campground include:

• Designated Campsites: The campground consists of individual, designated campsites. These are cleared areas suitable for pitching a tent, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment. While the terrain might be "a little uneven," the sites are chosen for their suitability for camping.
• Bear Boxes: A critical amenity in bear country, each campsite is equipped with sturdy, bear-resistant food storage boxes. These are essential for securing all food, toiletries, and scented items to prevent wildlife encounters, as noted by reviews that mention the presence of "brazen" chipmunks (and the necessity to protect against larger animals).
• Pit Toilets: Clean and well-maintained pit toilets (also known as vault toilets or outhouses) are available within the campground area. These provide a basic, sanitary option for human waste disposal in the backcountry.
• No Potable Water (Generally): While some backpacking sites might have access to natural water sources (like a stream or lake), it is a standard expectation in backcountry campgrounds that water is not provided. Campers must carry in all their drinking water or be prepared to filter/treat natural water sources from nearby Lake Superior or streams, as per park regulations.
• No Hookups or Utilities: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, and no trash service. Campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything they pack in.
• Fire Rings (Site-Dependent, Check Regulations): While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews for Au Sable East specifically, many backpacking campgrounds in Pictured Rocks do have fire rings at designated sites, though fire restrictions can be in place during dry periods. It's crucial to check current park regulations regarding campfires before your visit.

Au Sable East Campground offers a unique set of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for backpacking enthusiasts in Michigan:

• Part of the North Country Trail: Its location directly on the North Country Trail is a significant highlight. This means it's an accessible and well-placed stop for those undertaking multi-day hikes through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, making it an integral part of a larger wilderness adventure.
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: As a backpacking-only campground, it provides a deep immersion into the wilderness. This is a place to truly disconnect from civilization and experience the quiet solitude of the forest, away from vehicle noise and crowds.
• Excellent Tree Coverage: Reviews mention "nice coverage from the wind" provided by the trees. This not only offers protection from the elements but also contributes to the secluded, forested ambiance and potential for hammocking.
• Bear Boxes for Food Storage: The provision of bear boxes at each site is a crucial safety feature, ensuring campers can securely store their food and scented items, protecting both their supplies and local wildlife.
• Proximity to Au Sable Point Lighthouse: While requiring a hike, the campground's proximity allows backpackers to easily visit the historic Au Sable Point Lighthouse and explore its surrounding area, including views of shipwreck remains. This adds a historical and scenic element to the trip.
• Stunning Pictured Rocks Scenery: Being within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, campers are surrounded by the park's iconic beauty—towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and the vast expanse of Lake Superior are within hiking distance.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The deep forest setting provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, from the "brazen chipmunks" mentioned in reviews to various bird species and larger mammals (though proper food storage is vital).
• "Well Maintained": Despite its rustic nature, the campground is described as "well maintained," indicating a commitment by the park service to keep the sites and basic facilities in good order for visitors.
• Quiet and Peaceful: With no vehicle access and a focus on backpacking, the campground is inherently quiet, allowing campers to fully appreciate the sounds of nature.

As a backcountry campground within a federally managed National Lakeshore (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, managed by the National Park Service), Au Sable East Campground operates under a standardized fee structure determined by the federal government. Therefore, specific, ongoing promotions or special offers are not typically provided by the campground itself in the way a private business might offer discounts. The fees are generally for the permit required to camp in the backcountry and are quite modest.

Reservations for backcountry campsites within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, including Au Sable East, are typically required and can be made through Recreation.gov. It is essential to reserve your site well in advance, especially during peak hiking seasons (summer and early fall), as these popular sites fill up quickly. The current fee for a backcountry camping permit is usually around $5 per person per night, plus a reservation fee, making it a very affordable wilderness experience.

While there aren't "promotions" in the commercial sense, Michigan residents (and all US citizens) can benefit from federal passes such as the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. While this pass primarily covers entrance fees to national parks (and Pictured Rocks doesn't have a direct entrance fee for the entire park), it can be valuable if you plan to visit other fee-collecting federal recreation sites during your travels. However, it does not typically waive backcountry camping permit fees. Always check the official Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website or Recreation.gov for the most current information regarding fees, reservation policies, and any specific alerts or regulations that might impact your trip.

For more detailed information, inquiries about backcountry permits, or to make reservations for Au Sable East Campground (or other backcountry sites within the park), please refer to the primary contact points for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, as the campground is part of this larger park system:

Address: N Country Trail, Seney, MI 49883, USA

General Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Inquiries:

Phone: (906) 387-3700 (Primary park information line)

Another contact number often associated with the park is (906) 494-2660.

Reservations for backcountry campsites, including Au Sable East, are handled exclusively online through Recreation.gov. When searching on Recreation.gov, look for "Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Permits."

It is important to note that cell phone reception is typically limited to non-existent within the backcountry areas of Pictured Rocks, including at Au Sable East Campground. Therefore, it is strongly advised to make all necessary arrangements, download maps, and gather all information before embarking on your backpacking trip.

For Michiganders who cherish the thrill of backpacking and the profound satisfaction of earning their campsite by foot, Au Sable East Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the wild heart of our state's iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This isn't just camping; it's an immersive wilderness experience, providing a true escape from the clamor of daily life and a chance to reconnect with nature on its most intimate terms. Being directly on the North Country Trail makes it a perfect stop for multi-day hikes, allowing us locals to explore the breathtaking vistas, hidden coves, and historical landmarks like the Au Sable Point Lighthouse that define this spectacular region. While rustic, the presence of essential amenities like bear boxes and pit toilets ensures a safe and responsible backcountry adventure. The terrain might be uneven, but the reward is a sense of accomplishment, unparalleled tranquility, and direct exposure to the untouched beauty of the Upper Peninsula. For those seeking an authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding outdoor experience, Au Sable East Campground is an exceptional choice, representing the pinnacle of Michigan's backcountry offerings right in our own backyard.