DNR sets Porkies back country camping limits

SILVER CITY - Back country camping in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will be a little more restrictive starting this camping season, as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is limiting where people can camp.

While back country campsites used to be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and campers could also camp off-trail, the park has become too popular, as the DNR estimates more than 300,000 people a year visit the approximately 60,000-acre park.

"In recent years, we have had several nights that exceeded our capacity. We are now requiring campers to stay at designated campsites and we are limiting the number of registered campsites to 63 per night to protect the back country experience for all," park supervisor Michael Knack said in a news release. "Campers can now make a reservation for campsites and all back country campers will be required to camp on the specific back country campsite or campsites they have registered for."

Up to six people can camp at each of the park's 63 back country campsites, which are numbered and have metal fire rings.

Back country reservations are available six months in advance for May 15 through Oct. 15, and can be made at midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44parks. The rest of the year is "local sale only at the park," according to the release.

The reservations aren't the back country camping permits themselves, according to a DNR spokesperson, and campers still need to visit one of three check stations when arriving in the park.

"Check-in is required at the park year-round to obtain a camping permit," a spokesperson said in the release. "After-hours arrival requires next day check-in prior to entering the back country."

The park's back country map and more information is available at michigan.gov/porkiesvc.

-Richard Jenkins