If you think Minnesota is all flat and boring, think again. The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310 mile backpacking trail that extends along Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior. Along the trail there are over 90 campsites for backpackers to choose from when planning their routes. But not all Superior Hiking Trail campsites are equal. Some have clean running water and stunning views, while others may be along a buggy beaver pond. Choosing the right campsite on the SHT can make or break your experience.
To date, I’ve backpacked about 250 miles from the northern terminus near the border of Canada to just north of Duluth. These are the absolute best campsites on the Superior Hiking Trail that I recommend including in your itinerary!
Planning Your Superior Hiking Trail Adventure?
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Camping on the Superior Hiking Trail
Before I list the best campsites on the SHT, here are a few things you should know:
- No permits or reservations needed. All campsites are first-come, first-served
- Campsites are meant to be shared with other backpackers with the expectation to always make room for another
- Campsites have multiple tent pads, a fire ring with a bench and a latrine
- Always leave no trace and pack out what you pack in
- Check latest trail conditions on the Superior Hiking Trail Association website
14 Best Sites for Camping on the Superior Hiking Trail
As you plan your Superior Hiking Trail backpacking itinerary, these are the sites I have personally either stayed at or stopped at while on the trail that I recommend. “Best” campsites is subjective, so what I say is the best is just my opinion but I have reviewed several online forums to cross check my list with other’s experiences.
Note that these are listed from north to south.
South Carlson Pond
During my first backpacking trip on the Superior Hiking Trail, I had a difficult time with blisters. I remember being in a lot of pain and coming upon South Carlson Pond. We were in a severe drought and so good water sources were difficult to come by.
The view of this pond through the forest is beautiful, particularly in the afternoon. There were multiple comments in the online forums saying that this was a favorite for other backpackers as well.
Even in an extremely dry season, the water source was good. Many of the “pond” campsites can be buggy due to being low-lying, but this one wasn’t. The water did have leeches and minnows close to shore so I wouldn’t swim here.
- Nearest trailhead: County Road 16 (Arrowhead Trail) parking lot
- Nearest town: Grand Portage or Grand Marais
Spruce Creek
The second year I backpacked the Superior Hiking Trail, I stayed here and was so happy to have a nice creek to swim in after a long day on the trail. The campsite is in a large cedar grove and you can hear the water from Spruce Creek, which is perfect white noise to fall asleep to.
- Nearest trailhead: Cascade River Wayside parking lot or Caribou Trail parking lot
- Nearest town: Grand Marais
East Lake Agnes
This beauty is located right on the shore of Lake Agnes. The water is clean and easily accessible. The downside is that this SHT campsite is just one mile from the Caribou Trail parking lot, which makes it a popular spot.
- Nearest trailhead: Caribou Trail parking lot
- Nearest town: Grand Marais
Mystery Mountain
This may be a bit of a wildcard because, if I’m being completely honest, the campsite is just ok. But, Mystery Mountain is a short hike (0.9 miles) into Lutsen Village which has restaurants, toilets and running water. Our group actually hiked down into town after setting up camp and had dinner and drinks.
Why do I say the campsite is just ok? Well, there’s no water source so you need to carry it in but there are sources within a couple of miles north and south. Also, we shared this campsite with a large group of about 20 people on some sort of religious retreat. There was plenty of space but it was quite awkward when you needed to use the bathroom because the toilet was slightly visible from the fire pit.
- Nearest trailhead: Lutsen Village parking lot
- Nearest town: Lutsen
Springdale Creek
As we approached Springdale Creek from the north, there was a campsite to the left right along the water. We walked down there and started setting up camp. Admittedly, the bench looked a little less substantial than at other campsites but we just carried on.
Hours later, after we had setup camp and eaten dinner we realized that the latrine was down the trail a little further – at the actual campsite. Apparently there was a false camp setup and it may have been because the latrine was full.
All that aside, Springdale Creek is beautiful. Think giant rock formations that you can sit on while soaking your feet in the water. This is a reliable source of water.
- Nearest trailhead: Britton Park parking lot or Temperance River State Park backpacker parking
- Nearest town: Tofte
North and South Cross River
These two campsites are just 0.1 miles apart and both are popular with Superior Hiking Trail backpackers. The Cross River is right next to the campsites with cascading waterfalls. The south campsite is larger than the north so better for small groups or those who want to connect with other backpackers.
- Nearest trailhead: Temperance River wayside parking lot or Cook County Road 1 (Cramer Road) parking lot
- Nearest town: Schroeder
Dyers Creek
This campsite may be a wildcard as well, it gets mixed reviews from other SHT backpackers, but I loved it. Dyers Creek campsite is at the confluence of Two Island River and Dyer’s Creek. If you hike to the back of the campsite, there is a small tent pad perfect for two small tents right along the water.
While some have said they like this site because it’s quiet, our group met four other people and ended up having a great night chatting and playing games.
- Nearest trailhead: Cook County Road 1 (Cramer Road) parking lot
- Nearest town: Schroeder
South Sonju Lake
So is, without a doubt, my favorite campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail so far. There is also a North Sonju Lake campsite, but we kept hiking to get here and were so glad that we did. This is a group campsite, so it is quite large, with tent pads that extend all the way down near the lake. The mist above the lake in the morning is beautiful.
Also, just steps from this campsite you can walk out to Lilly’s Island for incredible views of the sunset, wildlife and stars. There are large rocks that face the sunset that are perfect to sit on.
At the campsite, there is even a chair with a back on it. After backpacking for several days, that’s such a luxury! We took turns sitting on it all night.
- Nearest trailhead: Crosby-Manitou State Park parking lot or Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) parking lot
- Nearest town: Finland
Section 13
Section 13 is easily a favorite of Superior Hiking Trail campsites. It’s a grueling section and getting to this campsite is no different. However, just north and south from the campsite are some incredible views from the ridgeline. If you stay here, definitely take time to enjoy the views and maybe even stargaze a bit.
The campsite itself has an upper tent pad area and a lower one closer to the fire pit. I enjoyed the bench with a seat back, which is ultimate luxury on the trail! There is no water source at the campsite, but there is water a half more north or south so just fill up on your way in.
- Nearest trailhead: Lake County Road 6 parking lot
- Nearest town: Finland
East Palisade
Just north of the popular Bean and Bear Loop Trail, you’ll find East and West Palisade campsites. East Palisade is recommended because it has a slightly better flowing water source. Both campsites are on a creek, just different creeks. Also, East Palisade is larger with more flat spaces for tents.
- Nearest trailhead: Tettegouche State Park parking lot or Lake County Road 5 (Penn Blvd) parking lot
- Nearest town: Silver Bay
East Beaver River
This campsite is another personal favorite, up there with South Sonju Lake for me. East Beaver River is next to a waterfall with rocks you can walk out onto. This is also a great place to go swimming! It felt so good to fully submerge in the cool water after a long day on the trail.
Also, this is a great place for stargazing. If you’re lucky like my group was, you may get to see the Northern Lights from the river too! (Be sure to check the Aurora app to see if they’ll be visible.)
- Nearest trailhead: Lake County Road 4 parking lot
- Nearest town: Beaver Bay
Choosing the SHT Campsite That’s Right for You
With over 90 campsites along the Superior Hiking Trail, there are a lot of options. Choosing the best Superior Hiking Trail campsite is a personal decision, based on what’s most important to you. I hope this list of the best campsites on the Superior Hiking Trail inspires your adventure! Is there a campsite I missed? Let me know in the comments!
Continue Planning Your Superior Hiking Trail Adventure
If you’re preparing for a Superior Hiking Trail backpacking trip, these resources can help:
- Superior Hiking Trail Packing List: A Prepared Girl’s Guide – Everything I packed, what worked well, and what I’d change.
- 12 Simple Steps to Create a Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking Food Plan – How I planned food, calories, and resupplies for the trail.
More Resources for Hiking in Minnesota:
- How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking and Backpacking
- Minnesota Hiking Guides: 15 Books About Hiking in Minnesota
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Thanks so much, Kristie! So glad to share this adventure with you!
Love this summary! You took great notes and have wonderful facts to support all your opinions – well done.