Cut Log Camp: Your Rustic Base on the Superior Hiking Trail near Grand Marais, MN

Introduction / Overview

Cut Log Camp is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a beloved and essential destination for backpackers traversing the iconic Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) in Minnesota. Located within the scenic boundaries of Cascade River State Park, a short distance from Grand Marais, this campsite offers a genuine, first-come, first-served backcountry experience deeply ingrained in the North Shore hiking culture. It is one of the 94 designated camping areas maintained along the entire 300+ mile SHT route.

This destination is strictly for self-sufficient hikers and section backpackers. There are no reservations, no fees, and no motorized vehicle access. Cut Log Camp earns its name from a significant, natural feature—a large, cut log—that often provides seating or a memorable photo opportunity for those who stop here overnight. It provides a simple, well-tended space for local hikers to rest, gather, and connect with fellow adventurers before continuing their journey along the rugged, beautiful terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains. Like all SHT sites, it is designed for a moving experience, with the expectation that hikers will pack in all supplies and pack out all trash, fully embracing the Leave No Trace ethic.

Location and Accessibility

The campsite’s location highlights its remote, trail-only accessibility.

The general location is: Superior Hiking Trail, Cascade River State Park, Spur, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA.

Cut Log Camp is located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, which means it is only reachable by foot. It is situated within the expansive trail system that runs through Cascade River State Park, placing it in one of the most stunning, waterfall-rich sections of the North Shore.

Hiking Access Only: Access is granted by hiking from the nearest SHT Trailhead, which is most likely located along Minnesota Highway 61 or an intersecting county road near the State Park. Hikers must be prepared to walk several miles with all their gear to reach the campsite.
Day Use / Overnight Parking: Hikers must confirm the overnight parking rules at the specific trailhead they use to access the trail, as regulations can vary (especially at State Park trailheads which may require a State Park vehicle permit).
Proximity to Grand Marais: While remote, the camp is situated in a popular hiking section, with the charming, well-supplied town of Grand Marais located nearby. This proximity makes it a key overnight stop for section hikers tackling the northern segments of the SHT.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry campsite on the SHT, the services offered at Cut Log Camp are purposefully minimal and rustic, designed to minimize environmental impact while providing essential amenities for overnight hikers.

Tent Pads: Multiple flat, cleared tent pads are available to ensure hikers camp on durable surfaces, helping to preserve the surrounding vegetation. One reviewer noted "lots of flat open space to camp."
Fire Ring: A centrally-located, constructed fire ring or rock circle is provided for contained campfires. Hikers should only build fires within this designated ring.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, self-composting latrine (outhouse) is provided for human waste disposal, although one reviewer noted the "latrine is easily visible from main camp area."
Water Source: The site is located near a natural water source, likely a creek or tributary of the Cascade River. However, accessing the water requires effort, as one reviewer noted "water is way down a steep hill." All water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before drinking.
Benches: Simple log benches are often provided near the fire ring for hikers to rest and socialize.

Features / Highlights

Cut Log Camp is highly valued by local SHT users for several distinctive characteristics that enhance the backcountry hiking experience.

Superior Hiking Trail Access: The camp is perfectly situated for those tackling the famed SHT, offering a strategic rest stop within a challenging and scenic segment of the trail system near the Cascade River.
Solitude and Seclusion (Backcountry Feel): Despite its popularity, the camp is miles from the nearest road, providing the true solitude and quiet that most long-distance hikers seek, especially compared to the larger State Park drive-in campgrounds.
The "Cut Log" Landmark: The camp's namesake—a large, historic cut log—is a unique and memorable feature that provides character and an easy-to-identify marker for the location.
Prime for Section Hiking: Its location is ideal for local Minnesotans who section-hike the SHT, allowing them to utilize shuttle services and parking areas to hike between trailheads with Cut Log Camp serving as an important overnight stop.
Free and First-Come, First-Served: The absence of fees, permits, or required reservations (unlike State Park campgrounds) means that all Minnesotans can utilize this resource, fostering a community of shared space and adventure.

Contact Information

As Cut Log Camp is a component of the Superior Hiking Trail system and is located within a State Park/National Forest area, there is no direct phone number for the site itself. General inquiries are directed to the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) or the Cascade River State Park office.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Cascade River State Park, Spur, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Trail access point, not a mailing address)

Park Management: Cascade River State Park

SHTA Contact Information: The SHTA can be contacted for maps, trail conditions, and general information.

Note: For emergencies, hikers should be aware that cell service is often unreliable in remote North Shore areas and must carry appropriate safety and communication gear.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cut Log Camp is perfectly suited for the Minnesota local who has embraced the robust challenge and immense reward of backcountry hiking. It represents the purest form of a North Shore overnight: simple, rustic, and earned. Unlike commercial campgrounds, this is a community site—a shared, designated space where hikers rely on their skills and respect the environment. For Minnesotans, this camp is a key waypoint in one of the most beloved and visually stunning outdoor experiences the state has to offer.

It allows dedicated local hikers to experience the breathtaking waterfalls of the Cascade River gorge and the sweeping Lake Superior overlooks nearby without the hassle of securing an expensive or hard-to-get reservation. The effort required to access the water source and the shared nature of the campsite are small prices to pay for the unparalleled flat tent space and the deep, silent connection with Minnesota's iconic North Woods. Cut Log Camp is a testament to the local commitment to wilderness access and the enduring appeal of the Superior Hiking Trail.