Hazel Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606

Welcome to the rugged, beautiful world of the North Shore. For many Minnesotans, the ultimate escape involves a pack on the back and a trail beneath the boots, leading to a true wilderness experience. Located deep within the wilderness corridor of the famous Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), Hazel Camp offers a quintessential Minnesota backpacking overnight for those exploring the northern sections of this iconic footpath.

As a dedicated SHT backcountry campsite, Hazel Camp provides a necessary and authentic stop for thru-hikers and sectional backpackers alike. It represents a brief sanctuary on the rugged journey between trailheads, giving adventurers a designated place to rest under the stars of the magnificent boreal forest that defines the landscape north of Lake Superior. It is crucial to understand that Hazel Camp is not a drive-up campground with extensive amenities; rather, it is a primitive, shared, first-come, first-served site designed to support low-impact wilderness backpacking.

The surrounding area of Hovland is a region celebrated for its raw, unspoiled beauty, making a visit to Hazel Camp an immersion into the state's most remote and challenging trail segments. For the prepared Minnesota local, this campsite is a gateway to the high ridges, vast forests, and occasional distant vistas of Lake Superior that characterize the SHT's northern reaches.

Hazel Camp is officially situated on the Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA. This address primarily indicates the general geographic region, as the camp itself is a backcountry site accessed only by hiking the SHT. It is not reachable by vehicle.

Specifically, Hazel Camp is located on a segment of the SHT between the Jackson Creek Campsite and the Little Brule River Campsites, within the more remote northern section of the trail, north of Grand Marais. Access typically involves parking at a designated SHT trailhead nearby, such as the one off County Road 16/Arrowhead Trail and Otter Lake Road, and then hiking a significant distance to the camp itself. Backpackers must be fully self-sufficient and prepared for long stretches of hiking over challenging terrain, as vehicle accessibility for emergency or resupply is minimal in this remote area. The campsite is part of a critical stretch, often located approximately 10 to 14 miles from neighboring SHT campsites, depending on the direction of travel, making proper trip planning and calculating mileage essential. This remote nature is precisely what attracts many dedicated Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and a challenging physical experience.

As a primitive, backcountry campsite managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), Hazel Camp offers essential services designed for low-impact wilderness camping. There are no fees, permits, or reservations required for this site, but all campsites on the SHT operate on a mandatory shared, first-come, first-served basis.

The services provided at the campsite typically include:

• Designated tent pads (usually 2 to 3) to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.
• A shared fire ring with nearby benches for communal use (check for active fire bans).
• An open-air backcountry latrine (privy).
• Proximity to a natural water source (often a river or creek), which, as with all SHT sites, must be filtered and treated before consuming. Note that a stream named Flute Reed River is often cited as the nearest water source, but hikers have reported it can be a significant distance from the camp, and in dry years, it can be reduced to a tiny trickle, making water availability a serious consideration.

The experience at Hazel Camp is defined by its rugged setting and its location on one of the Midwest's premier long-distance trails.

Key features that highlight the Hazel Camp experience include:

• True Wilderness Immersion: Located in a remote, dense section of the Superior National Forest and Grand Portage State Forest area, the site offers deep forest solitude, ideal for escaping the sounds of civilization.
• Part of a Thru-Hike: It is a vital and strategically placed overnight stop for hikers undertaking a multi-day or thru-hike of the northern segments of the SHT.
• Proximity to Scenic Trail Segments: The camp is positioned near challenging trail features and overlooks, including Hellacious Overlook (known for a fantastic view of Lake Superior) and the Devil Track River canyon, accessible on the hiking days before or after the stay.
• Challenge and Preparation Required: The site’s isolated location and reported tight, potentially poorly ventilated spaces, as mentioned in customer reviews, underscore the need for advanced preparation, especially regarding insect control (mosquitos are reported to be a major issue) and reliable water sourcing. This is an authentic test of backpacking skill and preparation.

Since Hazel Camp is a primitive, non-reservable, backcountry campsite on a trail system, direct contact information is limited to the managing organization for general trail inquiries.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA (General Trail Location)

Phone: For general inquiries about the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) and its campsites, contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

SHTA Office Phone: (218) 834-2700

Hazel Camp, despite its reported challenges regarding insects and site size, is a uniquely suitable destination for prepared and adventurous Minnesota locals for several key reasons.

First, it offers a free, authentic, and unfiltered North Shore backpacking experience. In a state that highly values its pristine wilderness, Hazel Camp puts you directly into the heart of the SHT’s most remote and less-traveled northern sections. It serves as a necessary proving ground for local backpackers, demanding a high degree of self-reliance, navigation skill, and preparation—qualities Minnesotans pride themselves on when tackling the great outdoors.

Second, its very location—deep in the Hovland area—is an antidote to the often-crowded sites closer to Duluth or Grand Marais. For the local looking to truly unplug and find solitude, the difficulty of reaching Hazel Camp acts as a natural filter, ensuring the hikers you meet share your commitment to the wilderness experience. While you must pack insect repellent and plan meticulously for water, the reward is an unparalleled immersion in the region's vast boreal forest landscape, complete with rugged terrain and scenic rewards that are earned, not simply observed from a car window.

For the seasoned Minnesota adventurer seeking a challenging, multi-day trek and the raw beauty of the SHT's northern terminus region, Hazel Camp remains a functional, if formidable, overnight destination that solidifies your connection to the wild heart of the state. It's a true test of a local's love for the Minnesota wilderness.

Hazel Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA