Chapel Beach Backcountry Campsites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Great location

Even though we reserved all sites ahead of time, we rolled into this campground after a grueling day to find our reserved site taken by someone else's belongings (no humans in site). Luckily, another group offered to share their site with us. A small stream behind this site provided access to water for filtering.

Pit toilets were full of garbage from day-hikers and beach-goers--not animal safe in any way.

Access to beach is provided by wooden ladder-like steps down the bluffs.

This location really is beautiful, but it far too over-crowded to make it an ideal back-country site for backpackers seeking relative solitude.

Make sure you take this hike out to Chapel Beach! AMAZING views of the rocks and water and cliffs. WOW. The water was cold but I didn’t care, I just had to swim in this beautiful lake. The boats going by were awesome to watch and I was blessed with the best weather! Perfect Day, Perfect Beach! Just don’t forget your swim suit like I did... 🤣