Durfee Creek Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604

For dedicated backpackers and section hikers traversing the magnificent Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), Durfee Creek Camp offers a vital and picturesque stopover point. This is not a drive-up campground with amenities like running water or electrical hookups; rather, it is a designated backcountry campsite managed for hikers by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and the US Forest Service. Located in the rugged, beautiful terrain inland from Grand Marais, this site provides the essential infrastructure needed for an overnight stay in the North Woods wilderness.

The core value of Durfee Creek Camp, like all SHT sites, lies in its simplicity and accessibility: there are no fees, no permits required, and no reservations accepted. It operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis, reinforcing the spirit of self-reliance and community among trail users—sharing is a core expectation. While official guidebooks may suggest a capacity of up to six tents, user feedback often indicates a more realistic capacity of four tents or a mix of smaller tents and hammocks, especially as the site vegetation naturally reclaims space. This smaller, more intimate setting contributes to its secluded, deeply natural ambiance, making it a highly desirable stop on any serious SHT itinerary.

Campers here should arrive fully prepared for a primitive experience, carrying all necessary gear for filtering water, proper food storage, and practicing strict Leave No Trace principles. Durfee Creek Camp is the definition of a true Minnesota backcountry shelter, perfectly positioned for hikers moving through the northern sections of the Superior Hiking Trail.

Durfee Creek Camp is located directly along the footpath of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), with its address listed as being on the Superior Hiking Trail near Grand Marais, MN 55604. This designation immediately signals that the campsite is exclusively accessible by foot—it is a hike-in site with no vehicle access directly to the camping area.

Its specific location places it in the wilder, more remote northern stretches of the trail, west of Grand Marais. For backpackers, the site is positioned between other established SHT campsites, making it an ideal distance for a day's hike. Accessibility to Durfee Creek depends on the chosen starting trailhead, such as the numerous designated SHT trailheads found along the nearby Highway 61 and intersecting county roads inland. Hikers must plan their route carefully, accounting for the trail mileage and elevation changes typical of the Sawtooth Mountains region.

The site’s critical water source—Durfee Creek—is a notable feature, although hikers must be prepared for a short walk (a "hike north a little on the trail") to reach the most reliable access point for drawing water. It is important to emphasize that all water drawn from the creek must be treated, filtered, or boiled before consumption, a standard and non-negotiable procedure for all backcountry camping in Minnesota. This hike-in location ensures a tranquil, isolated experience, far from the sounds and lights of developed areas, providing the deep solitude Minnesotans often seek in their wilderness excursions.

The services at Durfee Creek Camp are deliberately minimalist, aligning with the backcountry designation of the Superior Hiking Trail. The focus is on providing the essential elements for safe and contained camping while demanding self-sufficiency from the user.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site is cleared with designated areas for pitching tents. User feedback suggests a limited capacity, likely supporting 2–4 tents or a combination of tents and hammocks, requiring groups to be conscious of space.
• Communal Fire Ring: A single, established fire ring is available for cooking and campfires. This feature is crucial for minimizing fire impact on the surrounding forest.
• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, non-flush wilderness latrine is provided on-site for solid waste disposal, promoting hygiene and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• Natural Water Source: Reliable access to Durfee Creek is available nearby, though a short hike is required. Note: Water purification equipment (filters, chemicals, or boil) is mandatory as the water is untreated.
• No Fees or Reservations: The site is completely free to use and available on a first-come, first-served basis, simplifying trip planning and promoting access.

The primary appeal of Durfee Creek Camp is its immersion in the wild environment of the SHT, offering specific natural and logistical advantages to the prepared backpacker.

• Creekside Setting: The site is "pretty" and located near Durfee Creek. While the water source requires a short walk, the proximity of the creek provides the calming white noise of running water that is highly desirable in a wilderness setting.
• Hammock Friendly: Customer reviews specifically mention the suitability of the site for two hammocks, indicating the presence of appropriately spaced trees, a key feature for an increasingly popular method of trail camping.
• Reliable Water Source: Despite the short distance, the water source at Durfee Creek is considered "real good," which is a significant advantage in the SHT system where some camps can have seasonal or unreliable water access.
• Digital Detox: As a remote backcountry site, cell service is typically nonexistent or extremely limited, offering a true opportunity for Minnesotans to fully disconnect and enjoy a digital detox.
• Proximity to Grand Marais Segment: The camp's location makes it an excellent overnight stop for those backpacking the scenic and challenging SHT segments north of Grand Marais, offering logistical flexibility for section hikers.

Since Durfee Creek Camp is a non-reservable, unstaffed backcountry site, the contact information is for the organizations responsible for the maintenance of the trail system and the broader wilderness area.

Address:

Superior Hiking Trail

(Near Grand Marais, SHT Mile Marker Varies)

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

For Trail Conditions and Information (Superior Hiking Trail Association):

Note: The SHTA does not manage reservations but is the primary source for maps, guidebooks, and official trail conditions. General inquiries should be directed to the main administrative channels of the association.

Durfee Creek Camp is perfectly tailored to the Minnesota backpacking enthusiast who views the Superior Hiking Trail as a backyard wilderness escape. For locals, this site embodies the best of the SHT experience: rugged beauty, necessary solitude, and the satisfaction of self-supported camping. The fact that it requires a hike-in ensures that only committed backpackers reach it, preserving its quiet, secluded atmosphere away from car-camping crowds.

The free, first-come, first-served policy is a strong selling point for Minnesota residents, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips without the stress of reservation lotteries typical of more developed state park sites. While acknowledging its spatial limitations—requiring groups to be small and efficient—it promotes a truly intimate connection with the land. Minnesotans know and appreciate the importance of a "real good water source," making the effort to reach Durfee Creek well worth the reward. It is a genuine, low-impact backcountry spot where locals can test their gear, find peace, and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the northern Superior National Forest. It's an essential, rugged waypoint on one of Minnesota’s most treasured long-distance trails.

Durfee Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA