News Release:
Michigan Limits Backcountry Camping at Porcupine Mountains State Park
MI DNR Reports On A New Policy At One of Michigan’s Most Popular Parks, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, In Which Lowers The Number Of Designated Backcountry Campsites.
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved through Michigan DNR's website.
One of Michigan’s most popular parks, and at 60,000 acres the state’s largest, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a favorite destination for campers on the Upper Peninsula. The park includes 35,000 acres of old-growth forest including the nation’s largest stands of hemlock, the scenic Lake of the Clouds with ADA accessible viewing area, waterfalls, 90 miles of hiking trails and sweeping views of the Presque Isle River Corridor. A variety of camping and lodging options are available, including cabins, yurts, hookup and dry campsites, and a wilderness lodge. An estimated 300,000 people visit the park each year.
One of the most popular options for visitors has been backcountry camping, available until this year without reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of campers was not limited and campers could camp off-trail in a dispersed fashion away from designated campsites. Due to heavy use and overcrowding, however, all that has changed for the 2018 season. Backcountry camping at Porcupine is now limited to 63 designated campsites, each with a fee of $15 per night and holding a maximum of six campers per site. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to six months in advance for May 15 through Oct. 15 at Michigan State Parks Online Reservations or by calling 1-800-44PARKS. The rest of the year fees are collected at the park. Campers also need a backcountry camping permit, available at three check stations. Self-registration at the park is no longer offered.
For the full press release and more information, visit the Michigan DNR website.