About Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks NS
Walk to a pristine 12-mile stretch of Lake Superior beach directly from camp. Pictured Rocks is named for the
brilliantly colored sandstone cliffs that rise 200 feet from the lake, streaked with mineral deposits in vivid
shades of copper green, iron red, and manganese black.
Highlights
- 12 miles of remote Lake Superior beach
- Kayak tours under the painted sandstone cliffs
- Miners Beach for swimming (coldest water you'll ever love)
- Chapel Falls and Chapel Rock trail system
- Winter ice climbing on the frozen waterfall formations
Directions & How to Get There
From Marquette, MI: Take M-28 E to Munising, then H-58 E approximately 12 miles to the campground access road.
From the Mackinac Bridge: Take US-2 W to M-28 W, approximately 2.5 hours to Munising.
Nearby Attractions
- Miners Beach (1 mi)
- Chapel Falls (15 mi)
- Miner's Castle overlook (10 mi)
- Munising Falls (10 mi)
- Grand Island (boat access from Munising)
Insider Tips
- Kayak tours of the cliffs from Munising are among the best outdoor experiences in the Midwest
- Lake Superior water is cold even in summer — wetsuits recommended for swimming
- The North Country Trail runs the length of the lakeshore — excellent backpacking
- H-58 is unpaved in some sections — passable for most vehicles
Best Time to Visit
Best months: June–September
Season: May–October
Access difficulty: Moderate (walk-in sites, unpaved roads)
What to Pack for Michigan Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route