Chapel Beach Backcountry Campsites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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.

Over-rated and over-used.

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... 🤣