Higher fees could be coming to front-country campgrounds at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore/NPS file

Higher camping fees could be coming to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, where the park is considering a $4-$6 per night increase for sites at the Little Beaver, Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River campgrounds. 

Current fees for the three campgrounds are $14 per night, except for $16 per night for lakeside sites at Twelvemile Beach. The proposed increase, which would take effect next May 15 if approved, would be $20 per night for all sites. Holders of the America the Beautiful Access and Senior Lifetime passes would continue to receive 50 percent off the per night campground fee.

Campsite revenue is used to support projects that improve visitor experiences including maintaining and improving campground facilities, hiking trails, visitor centers, as well as funding seasonal work positions.

Comments are being taken through August 17. You can find details of the proposal, and leave your thoughts, at this webpage. 

In addition, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore plans to make its campsites available for reservations beginning next year. The demand for campsites in the national lakeshore has increased considerably over the last five years.  During the busy summer months, the campgrounds usually fill up each day by mid-morning. Because of the existing first-come, first-serve system, and the distances that many visitors travel, potential campers arrive late at night in search of a place to camp, or very early in the morning waiting for campers to leave.  This has created traffic problems, illegal camping with associated safety hazards and resource damage, and ruined some visitors experiences.

To improve the overall camping experience, in 2019, all campsites will be available for reservation through Recreation.gov for arrival dates of May 15 through October 15 each year.