Dyers Creek Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613

For dedicated hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers across Minnesota, the legendary Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) offers some of the most spectacular, rugged, and rewarding experiences in the country. Deep within the North Shore wilderness of Cook County, the Dyers Creek Camp stands out as a highly recommended and essential stopover for those traversing the miles between trailheads. This is a designated, primitive backcountry campsite managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), providing the necessary infrastructure to support multi-day backpacking trips while maintaining a deep connection to the wild environment. It is not a roadside campground but a true hike-in destination, perfect for sections hikers and thru-hikers alike.

Dyers Creek Camp is celebrated by local users for its excellent layout, cleanliness, and proximity to a reliable water source. It embodies the essence of SHT camping: simple, rustic, shared, and deeply embedded in the forest ecosystem. The campsite’s design—which strategically separates the cooking/fire areas from the individual tenting spots—enhances privacy and ensures a peaceful night’s rest. As one satisfied user noted, the arrangement offers "privacy from the campfire for each site," a luxury in shared backcountry settings. Situated near the confluence of Dyers Creek and the Two Island River system, the soothing sound of rushing water provides the perfect natural soundtrack to your North Shore adventure.

Critically, as with all SHT backcountry sites, Dyers Creek operates on a shared, first-come, first-served basis, meaning it requires no fees or permits (unlike State Park campgrounds). This system fosters a spirit of community and cooperation among fellow hikers, a hallmark of the SHT experience that Minnesotans know and appreciate.

Dyers Creek Camp is nestled along a beautiful stretch of the Superior Hiking Trail, near the small, charming town of Schroeder, MN 55613. This places it roughly between the major trail access points of Temperance River State Park and the Cross River area, making it a critical mid-point on some of the trail’s most scenic sections.

Accessibility is strictly by foot. The campsite is only reachable via the SHT itself—there is no vehicular access. Backpackers typically access this area from nearby trailheads such as those at Temperance River or Britton Peak, both requiring a moderate hike of several miles through the varied and rugged Northwoods terrain to reach the campsite. The terrain is typical of the SHT: a beautiful but demanding mix of rocks, roots, ups, and downs that demand sturdy footwear and a prepared pack. The seclusion provided by this hike-in requirement is precisely what makes the experience so rewarding for local users seeking to escape the crowds. Users must be aware of the trail’s layout, as the latrine and the main camping area are often separated by the main SHT corridor, requiring a short walk across the trail.

The Dyers Creek Campsite, like all SHT campsites, provides essential, minimal amenities to ensure both user comfort and environmental protection under the "Leave No Trace" principles. These services are rustic yet vital for a successful backpacking experience.

• No Fees or Reservations: The campsite is free to use and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Communal Latrine: A designated, open-air backcountry latrine (pit toilet) is provided for proper waste disposal.
• Designated Tent Pads: Multiple well-laid-out, level areas for tents (typically 2-5 spots) are maintained to prevent impact on the surrounding vegetation.
• Hammock-Friendly Layout: The forested setting often provides ample natural anchor points, making it highly suitable for hammock campers, who are also required to use the designated campsite areas.
• Community Fire Ring: A single, centrally-located stone or metal fire ring, often with log benches, is provided for shared campfires (local fire bans must always be observed).
• Water Source Proximity: The site is located directly near Dyers Creek, offering a reliable water source (all water must be filtered, treated, or boiled before consumption).
• Picnic Benches: Some SHT sites, including Dyers Creek, are known to have rough-hewn wooden benches for seating and food preparation.

What elevates Dyers Creek Camp among the many SHT options are its specific topographical features and the high quality of its maintenance, which contributes directly to an exceptional user experience.

• Soothing Creek Sounds: The proximity to Dyers Creek means campers fall asleep to the tranquil, rushing sound of the water, a significant highlight mentioned by multiple hikers.
• Cleanliness and Organization: Reviewers frequently praise the "very clean" condition and the "well laid out places for tents and hammocks," indicating consistent maintenance by the SHTA.
• Optimized Privacy: The layout cleverly places individual tenting spots away from the main fire ring and communal area, offering better acoustic and visual separation than many other trail campsites.
• Reliable Water Source: Dyers Creek typically offers easy and dependable access to water for filtering, which is a critical feature on any multi-day SHT hike.
• Access to Scenic Overlooks: The campsite is situated in a section of the SHT that offers rewarding side trips to major landmarks, including potential spur trails leading to views of Lake Superior and inland ridges.

Since Dyers Creek Camp is an undeveloped, hike-in site, it does not have a mailing address or a direct phone number. All information, maintenance, and rules are managed by the non-profit organization that oversees the trail corridor.

Address:

Dyers Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Near Schroeder, MN 55613, USA

(Coordinates for the area can be found in SHT Guidebooks)

Primary Contact for Trail Information and Rules:

The Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

(Consult the SHTA website or Guidebook for the most current information regarding trail sections, water levels, and any alerts.)

Emergency Contact:

Dial 911 for all emergencies. Cell service in this rugged section of Cook County may be non-existent or sporadic; be prepared to hike out or use a satellite communication device.

Dyers Creek Camp is a prime example of the accessible wilderness that Minnesotans cherish. It is perfectly suited for local backpackers, section hikers, and families looking to introduce their children to the primitive, yet supported, camping ethos of the Superior Hiking Trail. For the Minnesota user, the value of Dyers Creek lies in its ability to deliver a profound sense of solitude without requiring the bureaucratic hurdles of a State Park reservation or the deep wilderness navigation of the Boundary Waters. The ability to simply drive to a nearby trailhead, lace up your boots, and hike to a clean, well-appointed, and free campsite is a massive draw. The site’s excellent layout, with its celebrated privacy and reliable creek access, makes the challenge of a backcountry hike worthwhile, providing a rejuvenating escape. This camp is a local treasure—a gateway to unplugging, recharging, and reconnecting with the unparalleled natural beauty that makes the North Shore Minnesota’s ultimate outdoor destination.

Dyers Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA