McCarthy Creek Camp, Two Harbors, MN

For Minnesotans who truly embrace the backcountry experience and the challenge of wilderness hiking, McCarthy Creek Camp offers an authentic and rewarding overnight stop along the renowned Superior Hiking Trail. Located near Two Harbors, MN, this rustic campsite is not your typical drive-up campground; it's a haven for adventurers seeking solitude, the sounds of nature, and the satisfaction of reaching their destination on foot. It embodies the rugged beauty of Minnesota's North Shore, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of our state's wilderness.

McCarthy Creek Camp is designed for backpackers and those comfortable with primitive amenities. Its appeal lies in its limited number of spacious tent pads, excellent hammock-hanging opportunities, and the soothing backdrop of a nearby waterfall. While it requires some planning and self-sufficiency, the reward is an unparalleled sense of peace and a deep connection to the natural environment. For locals who frequently explore the Superior Hiking Trail, or those looking to embark on their first multi-day trek, this camp is an essential and memorable part of the journey.

In this article, we’ll delve into the specific details of what makes McCarthy Creek Camp a highly sought-after spot for hikers. We'll cover its exact location on the trail, accessibility considerations, the essential facilities it offers, and its distinct features and highlights. We’ll also provide practical tips based on real customer feedback to ensure you are well-prepared for a successful and enjoyable backcountry camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

McCarthy Creek Camp is located on the Superior Hiking Trail, near Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA. This crucial detail immediately identifies it as a backcountry campsite, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle directly. Instead, access is primarily by foot, via the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), which stretches over 300 miles along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

For Minnesotans planning a trip, this means understanding the trail segment leading to McCarthy Creek Camp. Hikers will need to park at a designated trailhead for the Superior Hiking Trail and then hike to the camp. Specific parking areas and trail distances to the camp would be found on official Superior Hiking Trail Association maps and guides. The SHT is generally well-marked, but knowledge of the trail system and preparedness for varying terrain is essential.

The remote nature of the camp contributes to its appeal, offering a true wilderness experience. It means less noise, minimal light pollution, and a deeper immersion in the natural environment. While it's located near Two Harbors, implying a general regional proximity, the "address" of "Superior Hiking Trail" signifies that your feet are your primary mode of transportation to and from the camp. This accessibility factor is a key characteristic for backcountry enthusiasts.

Services Offered

McCarthy Creek Camp, being a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, offers a very limited set of "services" focused on providing basic necessities for hikers in a wilderness setting. It's designed for self-sufficient campers who adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Two Tent Pads: The campsite features "only two tent spots," but both are "large enough to accommodate a small and medium tent each." These are typically hardened, level areas designed to minimize impact on the surrounding environment and provide a stable sleeping surface.
Hammock Hanging Opportunities: The camp is noted for excellent hammock hanging potential. "The left pad can also easily hang two hammocks as long as you don't mind sharing a tree and the right pad can easily get one hammock." There's also "room for one or two more hammocks around the bench area." This is a significant plus for hammock campers.
Running Water Source: A crucial amenity for backcountry campers, there is a "running water source very close." While not explicitly stated to be potable without treatment, backcountry water sources always require filtering, boiling, or chemical treatment before consumption. This saves campers from carrying all their water in.
Fire Ring: The camp provides "a nice fire ring" for communal campfires, cooking, and warmth. Hikers must bring their own firewood or collect dead and downed wood, adhering to any fire restrictions or bans that may be in place for the Superior Hiking Trail or surrounding state forest/park lands.
Bench Area: The mention of a "bench area" suggests a communal space for sitting, resting, or preparing meals, adding to the usability of the camp.
Latrine: The camp is equipped with a latrine (likely a pit toilet or vault toilet). Reviews note that "it's kinda visible but it's also up above camp and set back on the hill so when sitting, anyone at camp will only be able to see your head." While visibility is mentioned, the presence of a designated latrine is a significant service for waste management in the backcountry.

What is NOT offered is equally important: no trash service (pack it in, pack it out), no potable water (always filter), no electricity, no cell service (often), and no direct vehicle access. Campers must be fully prepared for a primitive experience.

Features / Highlights

McCarthy Creek Camp, despite its minimalist setup, offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a desirable stop for hikers on the Superior Hiking Trail:

Mini Waterfall Ambiance: The presence of a "small waterfall" is a significant highlight. It's described as "just far enough away to be heard but not annoyingly loud," providing a soothing natural soundtrack to the campsite. This unique natural feature enhances the overall tranquility and scenic beauty of the spot.
Strategic Location on the Superior Hiking Trail: For backpackers, its position on the SHT makes it an essential and convenient overnight stop. It provides a designated place to rest and set up camp after a day of hiking, breaking up longer treks effectively.
Excellent Hammock Camping Opportunities: The explicit mention of ample trees and space for hammocks is a major draw for the growing community of hammock campers. This specialized accommodation is a significant advantage over sites that are solely tent-focused.
Reliable Water Source: The availability of a "running water source very close" is a critical feature for backcountry campers. While needing purification, it reduces the burden of carrying all water, making the hike more manageable and ensuring hydration.
Spacious Tent Pads: Even with only two official tent pads, the fact that they are "large enough to accommodate a small and medium tent each" suggests thoughtful design, providing comfort and space even in a limited capacity site.
Secluded Backcountry Experience: Being a hike-in only site, McCarthy Creek Camp naturally offers a more secluded and quiet experience compared to drive-in campgrounds. This allows for a deeper immersion in nature, greater chances of wildlife viewing, and a truly peaceful escape.
Fire Pit for Campfires: The presence of a "nice fire ring" allows hikers to enjoy the quintessential camping activity of a campfire, providing warmth, a place to cook, and a focal point for evening gatherings.

The "highly visible" latrine is noted as a "bad thing" by one reviewer, indicating a minor design drawback. However, its overall function as a necessary backcountry amenity remains a positive feature for waste management.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a backcountry campsite located on the Superior Hiking Trail, McCarthy Creek Camp operates differently from commercial campgrounds. It is not managed as a business that offers "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense (e.g., discounts, loyalty programs). Instead, sites like McCarthy Creek Camp are typically part of a larger trail system managed by organizations like the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The "special offer" here is the accessibility to a free, primitive camping experience in a beautiful natural setting. Most backcountry campsites on the Superior Hiking Trail are free of charge, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. This inherent affordability is a significant draw for budget-conscious hikers and provides immense value.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any potential fees (though unlikely for this type of site), regulations, or changes to the campsite status, hikers should consult the official Superior Hiking Trail Association website (superiorhiking.org) or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. These resources provide maps, trail conditions, and specific information about each backcountry campsite.

While there are no monetary promotions, the continuous maintenance of the trail and campsites by volunteers and the SHTA, often supported by donations and memberships, could be considered a "value-add" that ensures these resources remain available for public use.

Contact Information

Given that McCarthy Creek Camp is a backcountry campsite located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, there isn't a direct phone number or dedicated on-site management for the campsite itself. These types of sites are managed as part of the broader trail system.

For all inquiries related to McCarthy Creek Camp, including its status, trail conditions, or general information about hiking and camping on the Superior Hiking Trail, the primary contact would be the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA). They are the authoritative source for information regarding trail segments, campsites, and regulations.

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) Address: P.O. Box 384, Two Harbors, MN 55616 (This is their mailing address)
SHTA Phone: (218) 834-2700 (This is their general office phone number for inquiries)
SHTA Website: superiorhiking.org (This is the most crucial resource for maps, trail updates, and campsite details).

Hikers should always check the SHTA website for current conditions, alerts, and detailed maps before embarking on their journey to McCarthy Creek Camp. Local offices of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) might also provide some general information about the state lands through which the trail passes.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

McCarthy Creek Camp is an exceptional choice for Minnesota locals, especially those who seek an authentic backcountry experience and cherish the state's renowned Superior Hiking Trail. Its suitability stems from its embodiment of true wilderness camping, offering a profound escape from the everyday hustle. For Minnesotans, this campsite provides a vital connection to our state's rugged North Shore beauty.

The appeal for locals lies in its primitive nature. It’s not about convenience, but about challenge and reward. Hiking in to a secluded spot, knowing you’re relying on your own provisions and skills, is a deeply satisfying experience. The limited number of tent and hammock spots ensures a quiet, uncrowded environment, allowing for genuine solitude and immersion in nature – a stark contrast to busier drive-in campgrounds. The soothing sound of the mini waterfall, a unique natural feature, enhances the tranquility, making it a perfect spot for reflection after a day on the trail.

Furthermore, the presence of a close running water source (though requiring treatment) is a critical advantage for backpackers, easing the burden of water carries and reinforcing self-sufficiency. For local hiking enthusiasts, McCarthy Creek Camp is not just a place to sleep; it’s an integral part of the larger Superior Hiking Trail adventure. It offers an authentic, low-impact way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the North Shore, reinforcing Minnesota's reputation as a premier destination for wilderness recreation. For those ready to lace up their boots and embrace the wild, McCarthy Creek Camp awaits.