Big White Pine Camp

- Grand Marais, MN 55604

For Minnesotans who cherish the rugged beauty of the North Shore and the challenge of the footpath, the name Big White Pine Camp is instantly recognizable. This is not a drive-in state park campground; instead, it is a quintessential backcountry campsite maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), located deep within the wilderness corridor near Grand Marais. It represents the very essence of Minnesota backpacking: simple, rustic, and strategically placed to provide necessary rest for hikers undertaking the monumental Superior Hiking Trail (SHT).

The site is named for the majestic White Pine trees that define the character of the region, providing a sense of natural grandeur and deep forest immersion. It offers a true respite for those on the move, a designated place to set up a tent, build a controlled fire, and share stories with fellow hikers under the vast North Woods sky. However, as of late 2024 and potentially extending, its accessibility has been directly impacted by necessary trail work and detours in the northern sections of the SHT. A vital note for all local planners is to check the current SHTA trail conditions before relying on this site. As one recent customer review states, "Don't plan on camping here as of fall 2024 because the trail detours around it. Expect to camp at Cut Log instead, unless you know the trail is open again." This highlights the importance of real-time planning when backpacking the rugged SHT.

Big White Pine Camp is a backcountry site on the northern segment of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), situated inland from Lake Superior and generally associated with the Grand Marais area.

General Location: Superior Hiking Trail, near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Exact location is on the footpath, accessible only by foot).

Accessibility: This is a hike-in only facility. There is no vehicle access, no parking lot, and no road leading directly to the campsite. It is intended exclusively for thru-hikers and section hikers on the SHT. Access is gained via various trailheads along the North Shore corridor, such as those off the Gunflint Trail or Highway 61, depending on the desired section. The distance to the camp will vary significantly based on the chosen starting trailhead. Hikers must be self-sufficient and prepared for the challenging, often rocky and root-filled terrain that defines the SHT. Given the published warnings about the current detour, hikers intending to use this section must consult the Superior Hiking Trail Association's official trail conditions page for the most up-to-date information on the detour route and alternative camping arrangements, such as the nearby Cut Log Camp.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Superior Hiking Trail system, Big White Pine Camp is designed to be rustic and low-impact, providing only the essential infrastructure needed to sustain hikers and protect the environment. It adheres to the 'leave no trace' philosophy, and services are minimal compared to drive-in campgrounds.

• Designated Tent Spaces: The site provides several cleared, hardened spaces specifically for setting up tents, helping to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.

• Community Fire Ring: A single, centrally located fire ring is available for shared use, provided there are no burn restrictions in place. Hikers are expected to only use dead and downed wood.

• Benches/Seating: Simple, rustic log or plank benches are often provided for resting and community gathering.

• Open-Air Latrine: A simple, non-flush backcountry latrine is provided to help manage human waste and maintain site hygiene.

• Water Source: While a water source (typically a nearby creek or river) is present, it is not potable. All water collected must be treated, filtered, or boiled before consumption.

• No Reservation Requirement: Unlike Minnesota State Park campgrounds, SHTA backcountry campsites operate on a no-fee, no-reservation, first-come, first-served basis, and must be shared with other hikers.

The appeal of Big White Pine Camp is its location and the immersive experience it provides as a necessary stopping point on one of Minnesota’s most celebrated footpaths.

• Pristine Backcountry Setting: The camp is deeply embedded in the coniferous and hardwood forests typical of the North Woods, offering a profound sense of solitude and remoteness far from highway noise and vehicles.

• Old Growth Pines: The site is named for the towering, mature White Pine trees in the area, offering a majestic canopy and a connection to the historic forests of the region.

• Superior Hiking Trail Access: It is a designated and marked stopping point directly on the SHT, making it an essential and planned overnight stop for anyone section hiking or thru-hiking the northern part of the trail.

• Wildlife Viewing Potential: Due to its remote location, the camp offers an increased chance of observing local wildlife, including various bird species, moose, deer, and other forest inhabitants (requiring proper food storage to mitigate encounters).

• Gateway to Northern SHT: The camp is situated in a particularly beautiful and rugged segment of the trail, featuring rocky ridges, deep river gorges, and expansive views that characterize the northern section of the SHT near the Canadian border.

Since this is a non-reserved backcountry shelter, contact information is not for the site itself but for the organization that manages the trail and the surrounding area.

Managing Organization (for trail conditions and status): Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

Address (General Area): Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

SHTA Office Phone (for general inquiries and trail status): (218) 834-2700 (Note: This is not a direct phone line to the campsite itself, as there is no service.)

Crucial Note for Users: Before planning any hike to this location, Minnesotans must check the SHTA's official website for current trail conditions and alerts regarding the necessary detour in the Grand Marais section. The status of Big White Pine Camp may change, and an alternate site like Cut Log Camp may be the required destination.

Big White Pine Camp embodies the challenging, rewarding spirit of Minnesota’s premier long-distance trail. For local residents, especially experienced hikers and backpackers, this site offers an unparalleled opportunity for solitude and an authentic immersion into the wildest parts of the North Shore. It's suitable for locals because it is part of a shared, well-loved, and volunteer-maintained infrastructure that defines the region’s outdoor culture. Unlike tourists who might stick to easily accessible state park sites, a local backpacker understands the value of a designated SHT camp—it's a trusted hub in a vast wilderness.

The no-fee, no-reservation policy encourages spontaneous, community-driven use, relying on the mutual respect and stewardship of Minnesota's dedicated outdoor community. Sharing this campsite with others—local or distant—fosters the camaraderie unique to the SHT. While its status as a reliable overnight destination is currently contingent on a trail detour, this only underscores a key lesson for all North Woods adventurers: successful trips require knowledge of current conditions and a deep respect for the ever-changing nature of the wilderness. For the self-reliant Minnesotan looking for a true backpacking experience, Big White Pine Camp (or its required alternative on the detour) offers exactly the rustic, profound connection to the land that the Superior Hiking Trail promises.

Big White Pine Camp

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA