Crow Creek Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604

For the seasoned hiker or the intrepid beginner looking to explore the rugged beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore, the name Crow Creek Camp is synonymous with an authentic wilderness experience. Unlike drive-in campgrounds that cater to RVs and modern comforts, Crow Creek Camp is a designated backcountry campsite strategically located on the world-renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) near Grand Marais. It represents a cherished opportunity for Minnesota locals to truly disconnect, immerse themselves in nature, and practice essential Leave No Trace principles.

This campsite is a vital stop for thru-hikers covering the SHT’s long distance—a spectacular 300-mile footpath that winds along the ridgelines and bluffs high above Lake Superior. It offers a crucial respite in a remote section of the trail, where the stunning topography features deep river gorges, gurgling streams, and high, wooded areas. The experience here is intentionally rustic, demanding a degree of self-sufficiency that appeals to those who value solitude and the challenge of wilderness backpacking. The camp's existence, like all SHT campsites, is a generous gift from the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and the private landowners who permit the trail to cross their property, highlighting the importance of respectful use.

As a key point in the trail section north of Grand Marais, Crow Creek Camp places you directly in the midst of the Sawtooth Mountains and the ancient volcanic rock formations of the North Shore. It's an essential destination for locals seeking multi-day backpacking excursions or a challenging day-hike destination from a nearby trailhead. The sheer effort required to reach it ensures a quiet and deeply rewarding stay, free from the noise and light pollution of more accessible areas.

Crow Creek Camp is situated in a particularly scenic and remote portion of the Superior Hiking Trail in Cook County, Minnesota. Its location is defined by its proximity to the trail's various access points rather than a specific road address, underscoring its backcountry nature.

The official address provided, Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, simply confirms its presence on the trail system near the iconic North Shore town.

Access to Crow Creek Camp is exclusively on foot and can be approached from several trailheads, making it a flexible destination for both short overnight trips and longer thru-hikes:

• From the Kadunce River State Wayside: The camp is conveniently located approximately 1.2 miles north of the SHT trailhead’s overnight parking lot, situated near Highway 61. This short distance makes it an excellent, manageable option for first-time backpackers or those arriving late in the day.
• From Cook County Road 14: Traveling 1.1 miles east from the overnight parking lot on Cook County Road 14 will also lead hikers directly to the Crow Creek site.
• From the County Road 58 (Lindskog Road) Trailhead: The camp is also accessible via a longer, more challenging 7.8-mile hike when heading north/east from this trailhead, which allows for deeper exploration of the magnificent Kadunce River gorges.

The campsite itself is located high above Crow Creek, which, while scenic, is a crucial detail for water planning. Hikers must descend to the creek to collect water, and it's important to note that the creek is known to become a mere trickle or even dry up in the late summer and fall seasons. This fact is vital for Minnesota backpackers to consider, emphasizing the need for advanced planning and carrying extra water capacity during drier periods. The trail section itself connects with gurgling streams, gorges, and a high, wet area, featuring numerous foot bridges that add to the trail's character.

Crow Creek Camp adheres to the minimal-impact, maximum-experience philosophy of the Superior Hiking Trail. Amenities are basic, functional, and designed to support low-impact camping. There are no reservations, fees, or permits required, embodying the trail's spirit of open access and community sharing.

The services and facilities provided at the camp include:

• Tent Pads: The site features five designated, single-tent pads. Campers are required to use these pads to protect the surrounding habitat and minimize impact.
• Latrine: An open-air, backcountry pit toilet (latrine) is maintained near the campsite for hygienic waste disposal. Hikers typically do not need to carry a trowel.
• Fire Ring: A centrally-located, designated fire ring with benches is provided at the site to ensure fire safety. Campers are strongly encouraged to carry a camp stove to minimize wood consumption and should always check for fire bans.
• Water Source: Surface water is available from Crow Creek, which requires a hike down from the camp area. All water from this source must be properly treated (filtered and/or purified) before consumption.
• Sharing Mandate: SHT policy dictates that all campsites and their facilities must be shared by hiking parties. Sharing the site is expected and essential to the trail’s community-oriented ethos.

The Crow Creek Camp area is highly valued by local hikers for its specific features that define the North Shore backpacking adventure.

• The Rugged Terrain: This segment of the SHT is famous for its rocky climbs and descents into and out of river gorges, offering a truly challenging and rewarding hike that showcases the raw geological power of the region.
• Canyon Views: While the camp itself sits high above the creek, offering shade, a short walk often allows for views into the surrounding canyon, particularly in seasons when the leaves have fallen.
• Proximity to Kadunce River: The camp is located very near the spectacularly rugged Kadunce River gorge area, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls and deep, carved-out rock features.
• Peaceful Seclusion: Due to its hike-in-only access and location away from major roads, Crow Creek Camp is consistently noted for its quiet, peaceful, and secluded atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for reflection and connecting with the wilderness.
• Wooded Setting: The campsite is well-treed, offering ample shade for rest during hot summer days, a welcome feature after a long day of hiking on the SHT.

Since Crow Creek is a primitive backcountry campsite, it does not have its own phone number or visitor center. All inquiries and information related to the site, trail conditions, and regulations are managed by the non-profit organization that maintains the entire footpath.

Contact: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

Address for Reference (General SHT Area): Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604

General SHT Shuttle Service Phone: (218) 834-5511 (For shuttle services to trailheads)

Note: The SHTA office should be consulted for the most up-to-date trail conditions, particularly regarding water reliability at Crow Creek during dry seasons.

For Minnesotans, the Superior Hiking Trail is a cultural icon, and Crow Creek Camp represents a pure expression of the state's love for backcountry wilderness. It is ideally suited for local users because it demands preparedness and resilience, qualities often celebrated in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." The campsite’s first-come, first-served policy and lack of fees make it an accessible, democratic resource for anyone willing to put in the effort to hike.

This is the antithesis of a crowded tourist spot; it is a place for solitary hikers, small groups, and dedicated thru-adventurers seeking the challenging ascents, stunning canyon vistas, and the quiet satisfaction of a well-earned campsite. It serves as an essential stepping stone on a Grand Marais-area backpacking loop and a beautiful place to watch the sun set over the wooded ridges. By choosing Crow Creek, Minnesota hikers are not just choosing a campsite; they are embracing the deep, rugged, and untamed natural heritage of their state, ensuring they pack out everything they carry in to preserve this invaluable resource for generations of local adventurers to come.

Crow Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA