East Rollins Creek Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte, MN 55615

The North Shore of Minnesota is a legendary destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the backbone of this region's hiking culture is the magnificent Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Deep within this system of trails, you'll find the dedicated backcountry shelter of East Rollins Creek Camp. This is not a drive-up campground; it is a true, hiker-specific overnight site, perfectly situated for those tackling a multi-day backpacking trip or a strenuous section hike between Tofte and Lutsen. It embodies the rustic, self-sufficient camping experience that locals cherish in the North Woods.

Located adjacent to the soothing sounds of Rollins Creek, this camp offers a critical stopping point for hikers. The entire SHT system prides itself on a "first-come, first-served" and "no-fee, no-permit" policy for its designated campsites, a generous arrangement made possible by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and the cooperation of various landowners. East Rollins Creek Camp provides the essential infrastructure—simple, yet crucial—for backpackers to safely spend a night in the wild, refuel, and prepare for the next leg of their journey along the dramatic ridges and river gorges of the Lake Superior coastline. While the site’s proximity to water is a definite highlight, as noted in user reviews, the experience is strictly primitive, requiring full preparation to ensure a comfortable and responsible stay.

East Rollins Creek Camp is a designated backcountry campsite located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) corridor in the North Shore region of Minnesota.

General Location: Superior Hiking Trail, near Tofte, MN 55615, USA, often identified as being closer to the Lutsen section of the trail. The site is situated right on the East Rollins Creek, providing hikers with a reliable water source.

Accessibility: This camp is strictly a hike-in site. There is no vehicle access, and all gear must be carried in. The campsite is part of a segment of the SHT located in the Superior National Forest and is typically accessed from nearby trailheads such as those along County Road 4 (Caribou Trail) or various access points off Highway 61 in the Tofte/Lutsen area. The exact distance to the campsite will depend entirely on the chosen entry point for your hiking trip. For instance, it is located approximately two campsites east of the Oberg Mountain/Leveaux Mountain area, making it a crucial overnight stop between major landmarks. Visitors must park their vehicles at designated SHT trailheads, which often require overnight parking, and then hike to the site. The camp is connected to the main SHT by a short spur trail.

As a rustic backcountry site managed by the SHTA, East Rollins Creek Camp provides fundamental amenities designed for the true minimalist backpacker. The ethos of the SHT campsites is self-sufficiency and communal use.

• No Fee or Permit Required: One of the greatest services is the policy of free, non-reserved camping for SHT hikers. All trail-provided campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and must be shared.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site is cleared with several established, flattened tent pads to concentrate impact and protect the surrounding forest floor. While one review mentions the site is smaller, these pads ensure a proper, durable surface for your tent.

• Central Fire Ring: A single, established steel or rock fire ring is provided for campfires. Hikers must only build fires within this ring and must adhere to all local fire restrictions and burn only dead and downed wood.

• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, composting-style latrine (a wooden box over a pit) is available at a distance from the main tenting area for proper disposal of human waste. These are for waste only and are not to be used for trash disposal.

• Water Source Access: The campsite’s location right on East Rollins Creek is a primary service, providing a reliable source of water, which must always be filtered or treated before consumption.

• Seating (Rustic): Many SHT campsites feature log benches or rustic seating around the fire ring, though user reviews sometimes indicate these simple structures may be in varying condition.

East Rollins Creek Camp offers a distinctive experience for hikers, centered around its deep woods feel and creek-side serenity.

• Creek-Side Ambiance: The camp’s standout feature is its immediate proximity to East Rollins Creek. The sound of running water provides a soothing, natural soundtrack for the evening and a refreshing environment, which is highly valued by backpackers.

• Superior Hiking Trail Access: The site is directly connected to the SHT, allowing hikers to easily resume their journey north toward Cascade River or south toward Oberg Mountain and Tofte, making it a perfectly placed logistical stop.

• Forest Immersion: Surrounded by dense North Woods forest, the site offers deep shade and seclusion. This dense tree cover, while providing an immersive wilderness feel, also contributes to the "lots of overhead trees and branches" environment noted by a user—a characteristic of true, undeveloped forest camping.

• Rustic Simplicity: The lack of formal amenities is a feature in itself, promoting a 'Leave No Trace' ethic and offering a more authentic, primitive backpacking experience, favored by those looking to escape developed campgrounds.

• Proximity to West Rollins Creek Camp: Hikers have the option to check the nearby West Rollins Creek Camp (a short walk) if the East Rollins Creek site is full, providing flexibility in a first-come, first-served system.

• Water-Level Campsite: Unlike many SHT camps situated high on rock ledges, this site offers a lower-elevation spot right by the water, which is a rare and pleasant change for sore hiking legs.

Direct contact for a singular backcountry campsite is not available. All inquiries regarding the site, trail conditions, regulations, and maintenance should be directed to the administering organization.

Administering Organization: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

Mailing Address: PO Box 315, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Phone: (218) 834-2700

Email: info@superiorhiking.org

Address (General Area): Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA.

East Rollins Creek Camp is an ideal destination for Minnesotans who have embraced the challenge and beauty of the Superior Hiking Trail. For the local community, the SHT is an accessible, world-class backpacking experience right in their backyard, and this camp is a perfect example of what it offers. It requires no costly permit or reservation, lowering the barrier to entry for a true wilderness night out—a huge benefit for residents planning spontaneous weekend section hikes.

This campsite provides the quintessential North Shore backpacking atmosphere: deep in the woods, next to a pristine creek, miles away from the nearest road. It forces hikers to live by the tenets of "pack it in, pack it out" and share resources, reinforcing the strong communal spirit found along the SHT. While the terrain can be challenging—as is true of all SHT sections near Tofte—the reward is a night of profound solitude and connection with the state’s most celebrated natural environment. For locals looking for an authentic, challenging, and budget-friendly wilderness escape that is perfectly integrated into Minnesota's premier long-distance hiking trail, East Rollins Creek Camp is a non-negotiable waypoint that provides a true taste of North Woods self-reliance.

East Rollins Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA