Horseshoe Ridge Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614

Introduction / Overview: Your Primitive Escape on the Superior Hiking Trail

For Minnesota's dedicated hikers and backcountry enthusiasts, the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is more than just a path—it is a beloved fixture of the North Shore experience. Horseshoe Ridge Camp is one of the many rustic, trailside campsites that dot this iconic route, providing essential refuge for those trekking through the rugged landscapes near Silver Bay and the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park area. Unlike drive-in campgrounds, Horseshoe Ridge is an entirely hike-in site, embodying the true spirit of low-impact, self-sufficient wilderness camping.

This is a no-frills location designed strictly for backpackers who understand and embrace the 'Leave No Trace' ethic. It is known by local users for offering a sense of seclusion and protection from the elements, as it sits nestled along a ridge. However, as veterans of the SHT know, the beauty of the North Shore comes with its challenges. Campers should be prepared for the characteristic rocky and rooted terrain underfoot, which demands careful tent placement and durable gear. Horseshoe Ridge Camp serves as a vital stopping point on a section of the SHT known for its challenging ascents and descents, providing an authentic, rewarding rest stop for those exploring the best of Minnesota's Lake Superior coastline highlands.

Location and Accessibility

Horseshoe Ridge Camp is strategically positioned on the main line of the Superior Hiking Trail in the rugged highlands of Lake County, Minnesota.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA

This campsite is located on a segment of the SHT that links the area near George H. Crosby Manitou State Park to the Caribou River Wayside, making it a key overnight stop for section hikers. Accessibility is exclusively on foot; there is no vehicle access. Hikers typically reach the site after several miles of navigating the challenging, hilly terrain that characterizes this portion of the SHT. The Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) maintains numerous trailheads along the North Shore, and locals often utilize these for parking and then shuttle services or two-car setups to complete a point-to-point hike. The nearest major access points would be the trailheads associated with the Crosby-Manitou State Park or nearby State Highway trailheads. Due to the difficulty of the terrain, users should calculate their hiking time conservatively, planning for speeds closer to 1-2 miles per hour. Always check current SHTA trail conditions and mileage charts to accurately plan your approach.

Services Offered

As a designated, primitive backcountry campsite maintained by the SHTA and its volunteers, Horseshoe Ridge Camp offers basic, shared services essential for overnight backpackers. No fees or permits are required to use the SHT campsites, but they must be shared with other hikers.

• Designated Tent Pads: Spaces are cleared for setting up two to five tents, though users note the terrain can be challenging with exposed roots and sharp rocks—a hallmark of the SHT's geology.
• Shared Fire Ring: A single, centralized fire ring is provided for campfires. The SHT encourages the use of camp stoves to minimize impact, and any wood burned must be collected dead and down from the forest floor.
• Open-Air Latrine (OAL): A rustic, composting pit-style toilet (often referred to as an outhouse or field latrine) is provided nearby to manage human waste and minimize environmental impact.
• Natural Water Source: A nearby stream is available for water collection. All water sourced from this stream must be filtered, chemically treated, or boiled before consumption to ensure safety.
• Bench Seating: Basic wooden benches or log seating are typically provided around the fire ring for communal use, though users note the benches may require occasional maintenance.

Features / Highlights

Horseshoe Ridge Camp is a favorite among local SHT hikers for its distinct features that enhance the North Shore backpacking experience:

• Effective Wind Seclusion: The campsite's position on the ridge is noted for providing good natural shelter from the wind, a welcome feature in the sometimes harsh conditions of the North Shore highlands.
• Classic SHT Environment: The site offers the quintessential SHT experience—a deep woods setting with rugged, untamed terrain, providing a stark contrast to urban or even developed park campgrounds.
• Proximity to Natural Water: The nearby stream ensures a reliable, albeit untreated, water source is available, which is crucial for backpackers planning multi-day trips.
• Low Bug Season Appeal: Users who visit in the fall months often report minimal insect activity, making it an ideal destination for late-season camping when the region's famous fall colors are at their peak.
• Gateway to Vistas: While the camp itself is situated in the forest, its location on Horseshoe Ridge means it is connected to a trail system known for dramatic ascents leading to sweeping views of Lake Superior and the vast inland forests.

Contact Information

As a remote, backcountry campsite on a long-distance hiking trail, there is no direct address, phone number, or immediate staff. All management and essential planning information are handled by the non-profit organization that maintains the trail.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA (Trail Section Marker)

For all official SHT information, current trail conditions, and maps, hikers should utilize the Superior Hiking Trail Association:

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

(Note: A general, non-emergency contact number for the SHTA is often available online for administrative inquiries, but not for direct campsite issues. Hikers must be self-reliant.)

Phone: (Please refer to the SHTA's official website for the most current non-emergency contact number for administrative use.)

Note: In an emergency, hikers should call 911, though they must be aware that cell service is often unreliable or non-existent along this rugged portion of the trail. Self-preparedness is paramount.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Horseshoe Ridge Camp is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals as it offers an accessible slice of true Northwoods wilderness without the long portages or complex permitting of the Boundary Waters. This is where Minnesotans can truly test their gear, practice essential backcountry skills, and find solitude. The nature of SHT camping—first-come, first-served, and strictly primitive—fosters a community of responsible, experienced local hikers. Furthermore, the campsite's rugged character, including its rocky, rooted terrain, is a constant, factual reminder of the ancient, resilient landscape of the Sawtooth Mountains. It serves as an authentic escape that is close enough to be tackled over a long weekend but remote enough to feel like a world away. By staying at Horseshoe Ridge, local users directly connect with the unique geological and ecological heritage of the North Shore, confirming their place within Minnesota’s deep tradition of outdoor adventure.

Horseshoe Ridge Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA