Andy Creek Camp: A Secluded Stop on the Superior Hiking Trail near Hovland, MN

For dedicated Minnesota hikers and backpackers, the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is an iconic, rugged ribbon of path stretching hundreds of miles along the North Shore. Within this vast, stunning landscape lies Andy Creek Camp, a primitive, hike-in site that serves as an essential overnight stop for those navigating the trail’s northern, more remote sections near Hovland. This is not a drive-up campground for casual visitors, but rather a vital piece of infrastructure for local outdoor enthusiasts committed to a true wilderness backpacking experience.

Andy Creek Camp embodies the core ethos of SHT camping: functional, non-reservable, and deeply immersed in the forest environment. Its presence provides a much-needed resting point between trailheads, allowing hikers to maintain their multi-day itineraries. Reviews from fellow campers emphasize its utility and the rustic nature of the site, noting it has "Lots of open space" and essential infrastructure like a large fire pit with benches. It is exactly the kind of simple, designated shelter necessary for safety and compliance with Leave No Trace principles while traversing the beautiful but demanding terrain of the North Shore.

As a backcountry site, the camp experience is characterized by minimalist services and dependence on natural water sources. Hikers must be self-sufficient, carrying their own water filtration, cooking supplies, and everything else needed to survive in a remote setting. While its deep-woods location provides ultimate seclusion, it also means visitors must be prepared for the realities of the North Woods, including insects and unpredictable stream flow.

Andy Creek Camp is a prime example of the SHT’s commitment to providing accessible yet authentic long-distance hiking opportunities. It’s a temporary home for those challenging themselves on the trail, offering a communal atmosphere where backpackers often share stories and encouragement before continuing their journey toward the Canadian border or south toward Duluth. For those who embrace the "hike-in" lifestyle, this camp is an integral part of the adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Andy Creek Camp is situated deep within the Superior Hiking Trail corridor in the far northeastern corner of Minnesota. Its location places it in the remote area between the town of Hovland and the trail's northern terminus.

Address:

Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA (Approximate location on the SHT)

Crucially, Andy Creek Camp is a hike-in-only facility. There is no vehicular access to the site itself. Access requires parking at a nearby Superior Hiking Trail trailhead—such as the Otter Lake Road or other points near Hovland—and then backpacking several miles into the woods. The SHT trail system is designed for foot travel, and the camp's distance from any road is what guarantees its secluded, quiet environment.

Hikers should be aware that the terrain in this northern section of the SHT is known for being rugged, with constant ascents and descents characteristic of the Sawtooth Mountains region. Furthermore, visitors should verify current trail conditions through the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) before setting out, as weather events can impact bridges and water crossings, including potential damage noted to the bridge over Andy Creek in the past.

Services Offered

As a standard backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, Andy Creek Camp is primitive by design, offering basic amenities necessary to support multi-day backpacking while adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles.

Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, designated latrine is provided a short distance from the camping area to manage human waste properly and preserve the environment.
Tent Pads: Multiple cleared and relatively level areas (typically 2-5 pads) are available for pitching tents, designed to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.
Shared Fire Ring: A single, centralized fire pit is provided for communal use, often accompanied by seating benches. Fires must only be built in the designated ring.
Natural Water Source: The camp is situated near Andy Creek, which serves as the primary water source. However, as noted in user reviews, this creek can be "unreliable" and have only "a little flow" during dry seasons. All water from this source must be filtered or otherwise treated before consumption.
Non-Reservable Access: All SHT campsites, including Andy Creek, are first-come, first-served. There are no fees or permits required to use the site, though SHTA membership is encouraged to support trail maintenance.

Features / Highlights

Andy Creek Camp’s standout features are tied directly to its role as a key resting point on Minnesota's premier hiking trail, offering a specific blend of function and natural beauty.

Optimal Backpacker Infrastructure: The site is equipped with a generously sized fire pit and benches, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for tired hikers and creating a natural hub for evening socializing and cooking.
True Remote Experience: Located deep in the SHT corridor, this camp guarantees a highly secluded wilderness experience, far removed from road noise and development—a significant draw for those seeking true solitude.
Hammock-Friendly Spots: Though limited, the site offers specific trees and locations suitable for hammock camping, a preferred method for many lightweight backpackers. Campers noted there is "Only 1 spot I can see that would be able to hang a hammock," indicating the need for quick arrival to secure this feature.
Proximity to SHT Northern Sections: It is a critical stop for those hiking the difficult, rewarding northern reaches of the SHT, connecting hikers to major landmarks and trailheads near the Canadian border.
Open Space for Tents: The campsite is reported to have "Lots of open space," which, despite the potential for limited airflow and the occasional thick presence of mosquitoes ("skeeters were thick"), offers flexibility for different tent sizes and sharing the site with other hikers.

Contact Information

As a remote, unstaffed backcountry site, direct contact with the camp is not possible. For logistical information, maps, and current trail conditions, hikers should contact the organization that maintains the trail.

Managing Organization (Superior Hiking Trail Association - SHTA):

Address (Administrative/Mailing):

Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA (Approximate on-trail location)

Phone:

There is typically no phone number for a specific backcountry campsite. For general SHT inquiries, the SHTA contact information should be sought online. Note that cell service is unreliable or nonexistent at the remote camp location itself.

Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals

Andy Creek Camp is perfectly suited for the Minnesota local who values authentic backcountry adventure and understands the demands of the SHT. This is not a vacation stop; it is a necessary, practical element of a serious hiking itinerary. The challenging hike-in accessibility, the lack of traditional amenities, and the need to filter water from an "unreliable creek" ensure that only prepared and dedicated backpackers utilize the site.

For Minnesotans, the SHT is a celebrated regional treasure, and securing a spot at one of its primitive camps like Andy Creek is a point of personal achievement. It offers the chance to totally unplug, immerse oneself in the state's rugged northern boreal forest, and participate in the unique SHT hiker community where camaraderie is built around shared challenges like finding a good water source or dealing with a buggy night. The site's inherent simplicity is its greatest strength, offering a restorative night's rest essential for continuing one's journey on one of the greatest long-distance trails in the United States. It's a true taste of North Woods wilderness, requiring self-reliance and rewarding it with profound solitude.