Jackson Creek Camp: The Ultimate Backpacking Oasis on the Superior Hiking Trail near Hovland

Introduction / Overview: Your Northern Minnesota Basecamp on the Superior Hiking Trail

For Minnesota’s dedicated backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts, Jackson Creek Camp near Hovland, MN, is much more than just a place to sleep—it’s a highly recommended, essential waypoint on the rugged northern sections of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located deep within the wilderness of Cook County, this site embodies the pure, rustic, and shared-use camping experience that defines the SHT.

Unlike developed state park campgrounds, Jackson Creek Camp is a designated, backcountry campsite designed for minimum environmental impact and maximum hiker utility. It serves as a necessary rest stop for hikers traversing the challenging terrain between trailheads near the Canadian border, making it a favorite for those completing a long section hike or a "Southbound" (SOBO) journey toward the SHT’s northern terminus. Local hikers consistently praise its quality, noting it is a "Great campsite" with "Lots of room for multiple tents and hammocks." It strikes the perfect balance for the experienced Minnesota hiker: deep solitude with just enough convenience to manage a multi-day trek.

Location and Accessibility: A Backpacking-Only Destination

The Jackson Creek Camp is located geographically near Hovland, MN 55606, USA. However, it is crucial for local users to understand that this is a hike-in, backpacking-only campsite. It is not accessible by car, RV, or traditional campers, and no vehicular parking is permitted at the site itself.

The camp is an official, maintained campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) corridor, often positioned between key trailheads such as those found on Jackson Lake Road or Otter Lake Road. Access requires hiking several miles from the nearest designated SHT parking lot. This necessity is a key part of its appeal, ensuring the site remains quiet and exclusively used by those actively hiking the trail.

Its location in the far northeastern corner of the state places it in an area known for the SHT's most challenging and scenic miles, characterized by ascents and descents along ridgelines that offer glimpses of the inland forests and proximity to the Canadian border, near the North Country Trail (NCT) route.

Services Offered (Designed for the Backpacker)

As a designated SHT backcountry site, the services at Jackson Creek Camp are deliberately rustic and shared, adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles. Campers should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency.

Communal Fire Ring: A single, established fire ring is provided for the entire site, complete with log or stone benches for communal use and safety.
Multiple Tent Pads: The site is equipped with several designated, cleared tent pads to accommodate multiple groups of hikers, as SHT campsites are shared and first-come, first-served.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, dug latrine (or 'thunderbox') is positioned discreetly away from the main camp and water source for sanitary human waste disposal.
Reliable Water Source: Access to water is available from the adjacent Jackson Creek. Reviews specifically mention a "good water source... under the bridge in the creek to the north," but note that all water must be filtered or treated before consumption.
Multiple Hammock Sites: Customer reviews confirm ample, suitable trees for hanging multiple hammocks, catering to the growing number of hammock campers on the SHT.

Features / Highlights (Appealing to the Local Hiker)

Jackson Creek Camp has several unique characteristics that have earned it high praise from the local backpacking community:

Unexpected Cell Service: A rare and significant feature for the deep North Woods, one review highlights "cell service even if it was a weak signal." This provides a crucial and appreciated safety buffer for hikers needing to check weather, coordinate shuttles, or send emergency texts.
Hiker-Friendly Capacity: The camp's layout offers "Lots of room" for multiple tents, which is a major benefit on the SHT where sites are shared, allowing for comfortable cohabitation among different hiking groups.
Low Bug Tolerance: Unlike many boggy or pond-side SHT sites, a review noted that "Mosquitos were not bad here at all," making for a much more pleasant evening experience, especially during the peak summer season.
Geocaching Bonus: The mention of a "nearby geocache" adds a small, fun activity for hikers with navigational skills, integrating a modern scavenger hunt into the wilderness experience.
Prime North Shore Wilderness: Located in the Superior National Forest area, the camp is surrounded by the iconic boreal forest, providing the quintessential Minnesota hiking experience of cedar groves, ridges, and flowing creeks.

Contact Information

The following contact information is typically associated with the Jackson Creek area of the Superior Hiking Trail, which is managed by local organizations and federal agencies. Direct site management is usually handled by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and the US Forest Service.

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) - General Information & Trail Conditions:
Phone: (218) 834-2700 (This number is likely the SHTA or a related partner)
Mobile Phone: +1 218-834-2700
Address: Hovland, MN 55606, USA (General proximity)

Note on Use:
Jackson Creek Camp is a non-reservable, first-come, first-served site. The phone number provided is best used for general SHT information, current trail conditions, or shuttle service inquiries, rather than attempting to book the campsite itself.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Jackson Creek Camp is a perfect fit for Minnesota's local backpacking community because it represents the culmination of a genuine North Woods adventure. It offers the true essence of backcountry camping without the hassle of a long portage or the expense of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

For Minnesotans, the SHT is a local treasure, and Jackson Creek Camp is one of its highly-rated pearls. Its reliable water source and excellent layout for both tent and hammock camping cater directly to the preferred styles of experienced North Shore hikers. Crucially, the small but welcome safety net of weak cell service—a true anomaly in the SHT’s northern reaches—makes it a practical choice for longer, more isolated trips. Choosing Jackson Creek means embracing the challenge of a rigorous hike while being rewarded with a clean, comfortable, and beautiful shared space that has already earned the stamp of approval from fellow local adventurers.