Twelvemile Beach
Miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline offering breathtaking sunsets, rock collecting, and a tranquil, rustic camping experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Twelvemile Beach
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets await
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline offering breathtaking sunsets, rock collecting, and a tranquil, rustic camping experience.
"Absolutely stunning. Great place to collect rocks and yooperlites."
🎯 Book Ahead for Camping
Campsites at Twelvemile Beach Campground are highly sought after. Book 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov!
🦟 Black Fly Season Alert
Be prepared for biting insects, especially during warmer months. Bring repellent!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Witness the sky ablaze with color over Lake Superior. A truly magical end to the day.
Rock Collecting
Hunt for unique stones and the elusive Yooperlites (fluorescent rocks) along the shore.
Solitude and Relaxation
Enjoy miles of undeveloped shoreline for peaceful walks and quiet reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early
Prepare for Black Flies & Cold Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Camping
Campsites at Twelvemile Beach Campground are highly sought after. Book 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov!
🦟 Black Fly Season Alert
Be prepared for biting insects, especially during warmer months. Bring repellent!
🥶 Lake Superior is Chilly!
The water is beautiful but cold year-round. Perfect for dipping toes, not long swims.
🚗 Accessing the Beach
Some roads can be rough. Use the campground or Lake Superior Overlook for easier beach access. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Camping
Campsites at Twelvemile Beach Campground are highly sought after. Book 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov!
🦟 Black Fly Season Alert
Be prepared for biting insects, especially during warmer months. Bring repellent!
🥶 Lake Superior is Chilly!
The water is beautiful but cold year-round. Perfect for dipping toes, not long swims.
🚗 Accessing the Beach
Some roads can be rough. Use the campground or Lake Superior Overlook for easier beach access. [^Review]
💎 Yooperlite Hunting
Bring a UV flashlight after dark to find these unique, glowing rocks!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Twelvemile Beach for its breathtaking beauty, especially the stunning sunsets over Lake Superior. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, rock collecting opportunities, and the rustic camping experience. Some caution about rough access roads and the cold water, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"Absolutely stunning. Great place to collect rocks and yooperlites. I was there at night collecting the uv rocks."
jeremiah bargy
"Please don't use this pin if you're trying to reach the beach. Goes down a road meant for truck with 4 wheel drive or four-wheeler (our small SUV almost bottomed out), use the twelve miles beach campground or Lake Superior Overlook up the road.
Once we reached Lake Superior Overlook we enjoyed the beach considerably!"
Sam Mullen
"Absolutely beautiful! Perfect for a peaceful afternoon, skipping rocks & dipping your toes in while the sun goes down."
Kelsey Schroeder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Twelvemile Beach is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Access is typically via County Road H-58. Be aware that some access roads can be rough and may require a vehicle with higher clearance or 4WD. The Twelvemile Beach Campground and Lake Superior Overlook offer good access points. [^Review]
While the main road (H-58) is paved, some smaller access roads leading directly to certain beach areas can be challenging for standard SUVs or sedans. It's recommended to use designated overlooks or the campground for easier access. [^Review]
Driving directly on the beach is generally not recommended and can be difficult due to soft sand and potential for getting stuck. Stick to designated parking areas and walk onto the beach. [^Review]
Use GPS coordinates for Twelvemile Beach Campground or the Lake Superior Overlook. The campground is a well-marked and popular destination within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Restroom facilities are available at the Twelvemile Beach Campground. It's advisable to check the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website for the most current information on available amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Twelvemile Beach is part of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which does not typically require an entrance fee for day use. However, camping requires reservations.
Campsites are reservable on Recreation.gov, usually opening 6 months in advance at 10 AM EST. A limited number of sites may be released closer to the date by the NPS.
Twelvemile Beach is accessible year-round during daylight hours. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late spring through fall.
There is no specific parking fee for Twelvemile Beach itself, but if you are camping, the campsite reservation fee covers your stay. Day-use parking is generally free at designated overlooks.
While most sites are reservable, some sources suggest that arriving early in the morning (8-10 AM) might allow you to secure a spot from departing campers, though this is not guaranteed. [^Review]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy collecting rocks and Yooperlites, walking the shoreline, photography, and simply relaxing. Swimming is possible but the water is very cold.
[^Review]Yes, it's a fantastic spot for rock collecting, especially for Yooperlites, which glow under UV light.
[^Review]Lake Superior is cold year-round. Expect water temperatures to be bracing, suitable for quick dips rather than extended swimming.
While Twelvemile Beach itself is great for walking, the surrounding Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers numerous hiking trails, including sections of the North Country Trail.
You might spot various birds, and if you're lucky, perhaps some of the mammals native to the Upper Peninsula. Keep an eye out along the shoreline and in the surrounding forests.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrises and sunsets offer dramatic lighting. Golden hour before sunset and the blue hour after are particularly stunning for capturing the lake and shoreline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive shoreline and sky. A tripod is useful for long exposures during sunset or for capturing star trails if conditions are right.
The entire stretch of beach offers beautiful views. The campground area and the Lake Superior Overlook provide elevated perspectives. Experiment with different angles along the shore.
[^Review]Drone usage is regulated within National Lakeshores. Always check the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website for current drone policies and restrictions before flying.
The combination of the vast, often dramatic Lake Superior, the sandy beach, and the sandstone cliffs creates a picturesque scene, especially during sunrise and sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers & RVers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Twelvemile Beach
Campers should be aware of potential black flies, especially during warmer months, and come equipped with insect repellent. The Lake Superior water is bracingly cold year-round, so while swimming is an option, it's more for a quick, refreshing dip than a leisurely swim. Despite these considerations, the experience of waking up to the sound of waves and watching the sunset over the lake makes Twelvemile Beach Campground a top choice for many visitors.
Exploring the Shoreline
While the beach itself is beautiful, accessing it can sometimes be tricky. Some reviews mention that certain access roads are meant for 4WD vehicles and can be challenging for standard cars, leading to bottoming out. [^Review] It's recommended to utilize the designated parking areas at the Twelvemile Beach Campground or the Lake Superior Overlook for easier and safer access to the beach. [^Review] The vastness of the beach provides ample space for peaceful strolls, rock skipping, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Great Lakes. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit