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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Camping Fees Going Up, Entrance Fees On The Way

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By Compiled From N... - December 14th, 2021

Higher fees are coming to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan/NPS file

Come the first of the year it will be a little more expensive to camp at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, and the park will begin a phased-in approach to entrance fees in March.

Earlier this year, a proposal to add an entrance fee and increased fees for camping and lighthouse tours was presented to the public for review and comment. Public comments collected via a park website over the summer were generally positive, the park staff said in a release Monday. Many people specifically supported using collected fees for park improvements directly related to visitor enjoyment, access, and health and safety.

“The new fee will provide much-needed funding for park improvements,” Superintendent David Horne said. “We were very thankful for the support we received during the public comment period.”

While basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the recreation use fees collected by the park are used to support ongoing maintenance of park facilities and projects that directly enhance the visitor experience, such as maintaining and improving trails, campground facilities, visitor centers, monitoring park resources, and developing the area for future public use, as well as funding seasonal work positions.  

The park maintains 63 front-country campsites, 14 backcountry camping areas, more than a dozen historic structures, 100 miles of trails, as well as roads, parking lots, restrooms, water systems, bridges, and 86 park buildings.

The new entrance fee will be phased in over a three-year period.  

Phase 1 Effective March 1, 2022  

Per person walk, bicycle, or boat-in (good for 7 continuous days): $5  
Seven-day motorcycle pass: $10 
Seven-day vehicle pass: $10 
Pictured Rocks Annual Pass (good for 12 months): $20  

Phase 2 Effective January 1, 2023  

Per person walk, bicycle, or boat-in (good for 7 continuous days): $10
Seven-day motorcycle pass: $15
Seven-day vehicle pass: $20 
Pictured Rocks Annual Pass (good for 12 months): $30 

Phase 3 Effective January 1, 2024  

Per person walk, bicycle, or boat-in (good for 7 continuous days): $15
Seven-day motorcycle pass: $20
Seven-day vehicle pass: $25 
Pictured Rocks Annual Pass (good for 12 months): $45 

A vehicle pass covers entrance fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle. Children aged 15 or under are admitted free.   

Commercial Tour Fee Effective January 1, 2023  

Sedan (1-6 Persons): $25 + Per Person Rate 
Van (7-15 Persons): $40
Mini-Bus (16-25 Persons): $40
Motor Coach (26 Persons and up): $100

Effective January 1, 2022

Campground fees will increase from $20 to $25 per night per site at Little Beaver Lake, Twelvemile Beach, and Hurricane River campgrounds. Au Sable Lighthouse tours will be $5 per person.

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