Durfee Creek Campsite: Premier Backcountry Group Site on the Superior Hiking Trail near Grand Marais, MN

Introduction / Overview

Durfee Creek Campsite, often referenced alongside the rugged beauty of Minnesota's North Shore, is a designated backcountry site on the renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located inland from the historic town of Grand Marais in Cook County, this site offers an authentic and rewarding wilderness experience, deeply embedded in the dense forests and rolling hills of the region. It is critical for local users to understand that this is a primitive, hike-in location, far removed from the convenience of traditional drive-up campgrounds. The designation "Watercraft Campsite" sometimes appears in older or broader listings, suggesting its proximity to a water feature (Durfee Creek), but its primary access and use are definitively for foot-travelers and backpackers navigating the SHT.

This camp is particularly well-known among the SHT community for its generous size, often being labeled as one of the few designated "group sites" in its section of the trail. It serves as a vital staging point for hikers traversing the challenging terrain between the Kadunce River and Pincushion Mountain trailheads. The experience is purely utilitarian and natural: no fees, no reservations, and minimal facilities, all adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles. For a local Minnesotan seeking to fully immerse themselves in the state’s world-class trail system and challenging terrain, Durfee Creek Campsite represents a necessary and welcome stop.

Accessing this site is part of the adventure, involving hiking through a demanding section of the trail that includes steep ups and downs. Reviewers of this segment of the SHT speak of emerging from the dense forest onto "previously logged hillsides that have a prairie like appearance and some of the most amazing views of Lake Superior," giving backpackers a stunning reward before arriving at the secluded creek-side camp.

Location and Accessibility

Durfee Creek Campsite is geographically located within the expansive Superior National Forest, near the North Shore community of Grand Marais. Its formal address, East Cook, MN 55604, USA, simply places it in the general region of this northern county. The site's specific location is directly on the Superior Hiking Trail footpath.

Accessibility is strictly limited to non-motorized means—specifically, by hiking. Backpackers typically reach Durfee Creek as a planned stop between other SHT camps like Woods Creek and Cliff Creek. Key information for local trip planning includes:

Hike-In Only: This is a backcountry site. There is no vehicular access or drive-up camping. All gear must be carried in.
Trailheads: Hikers must utilize SHT trailheads near Grand Marais, such as those off of County Roads or the Pincushion Mountain Trailhead, to begin their journey.
Terrain: The surrounding SHT mileage is noted for its rugged and difficult character, featuring significant elevation changes (the famous "Sawtooths") and forest density, demanding proper gear and fitness.
Proximity to Grand Marais: While remote, the site is close enough to Grand Marais to serve as a logical overnight stop when hiking sections north of the town, allowing for pre-hike resupply and post-hike services.

Hikers should consult current SHTA maps and databooks for precise mileage and elevation profiles to accurately plan their route to Durfee Creek, as trail conditions can change seasonally.

Services Offered

In keeping with the Superior Hiking Trail Association's (SHTA) commitment to providing a consistent, low-impact backcountry experience, Durfee Creek Campsite offers essential primitive services to support overnight stays. These services are provided free of charge and do not require reservations.

The core services and facilities available at this designated SHT camp are:

Designated Tent Pads: Multiple, prepared areas of leveled ground are provided for pitching tents, ensuring that vegetation and the forest floor remain undisturbed.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, primitive latrine (pit toilet) is available for sanitary disposal of human waste, located a short distance from the main camping area.
Fire Ring: A centralized, established metal or rock fire ring is available for campfires, subject to prevailing fire restrictions and regulations in the Superior National Forest. Hikers must adhere to rules about only gathering dead and downed wood.
Reliable Water Source: Access to Durfee Creek itself is available for water collection. It is essential to carry a water filter or purification method, as the creek water is untreated and must be purified before consumption.
Group Capacity: Critically, Durfee Creek is known as one of the larger or 'group-sized' SHT sites, offering more tent pads and space than typical sites for accommodating larger parties (though groups of 8 or more must follow SHTA registration guidelines).

Features / Highlights

Durfee Creek Campsite’s appeal lies in its combination of practical utility for hikers and its stunning natural setting, making it a highly desirable stop on the northern SHT.

Key highlights and features that draw local Minnesota backpackers include:

Exceptional Vistas: Located along a section of trail known for opening up onto formerly logged hillsides, the approach to Durfee Creek offers "amazing views of Lake Superior, Pincushion Mtn and Five Mile Rock," providing stunning photographic opportunities.
Group-Friendly Space: As one of the recognized large sites, it provides ample, spread-out tent pads, offering a great option for group trips or simply more personal space than smaller sites.
Secluded Forest Setting: The camp is nestled back into the trees, slightly off the creek, providing a sense of deep forest solitude after the exposure of the open ridgelines.
Creek Access: The proximity to Durfee Creek ensures a fresh water source, which is invaluable for resupply on a multi-day hike.
Classic SHT Experience: The challenging, rugged nature of the surrounding trail segment—with its steep ups and downs—guarantees an authentic and physically rewarding North Shore backpacking experience.

Contact Information

As a remote, unstaffed backcountry site on a public trail, Durfee Creek Campsite does not have direct contact information. All planning and safety inquiries should be directed to the maintaining organization.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, East Cook, MN 55604, USA (General Backcountry Location)

Primary Contact and Information: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

(Note: Due to the remote nature of the location, cell phone reception is not guaranteed, and hikers must plan for self-sufficiency and carry emergency communication equipment if needed.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Durfee Creek Campsite is an indispensable resource for Minnesota locals seeking the highest caliber of trail experience the state offers. It is perfectly suitable for locals because it embodies the adventurous spirit of the North Shore, demanding a genuine commitment to the wilderness that is so highly valued in the state. The no-fee, first-come, first-served model reflects the public-land ethic and accessibility inherent to the SHT.

For a local backpacker, arriving at Durfee Creek is a celebrated accomplishment. The reward is a secluded, roomy campsite nestled near a critical water source, and access to breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Superior—the very views that define the area. Whether planning a solo thru-hike or organizing a large group trip, the generous capacity of Durfee Creek makes it a practical and reliable destination. By utilizing this primitive campsite, locals actively engage in the legacy of the Superior Hiking Trail, embracing the challenge and rewarding themselves with the unparalleled natural beauty that only the rugged terrain inland from Grand Marais can provide. It is a genuine piece of Minnesota's outdoor heritage, maintained for the enjoyment and preservation of the backcountry experience.