North Cross River Camp: Rugged Backcountry Camping on the Superior Hiking Trail near Schroeder, MN

Introduction / Overview

For seasoned Minnesota hikers and those seeking a true wilderness escape, the North Cross River Camp offers an authentic experience on the renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located in the rugged and scenic Sawtooth Mountains region of the North Shore, this campsite is a quintessential backcountry stop for section and thru-hikers. It is a rustic, no-fee, first-come, first-served destination, meaning there are no reservations and facilities are minimal, adhering strictly to the Leave No Trace principles.

The North Cross River Camp is paired closely with the South Cross River Camp, with the two sites often situated just a tenth of a mile apart, and both popular with Superior Hiking Trail backpackers. These camps draw their identity from the majestic Cross River, known for its cascading waterfalls and powerful flow. While the hike to the camp is part of the challenge—a standard SHT trail experience involving significant elevation changes, rocky footing, and occasional muddy spots—the reward is a deep immersion in the boreal hardwood-conifer forest that characterizes the Arrowhead Region. This spot is valued by locals for its raw beauty and its prime location directly next to a reliable, flowing water source. It serves as a necessary and scenic overnight stop, allowing hikers to recharge before tackling more of the trail's demanding terrain.

Location and Accessibility

North Cross River Camp is positioned directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) corridor in the area surrounding Schroeder, Minnesota.

The general address provided is: Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA.

Accessibility to this camp is exclusively by foot. It is a designated hike-in backcountry campsite. Hikers typically access this section of the SHT from a nearby trailhead. Common access points in the vicinity that serve SHT hikers include the Temperance River Wayside parking lot or the Cook County Road 1 (Cramer Road) parking lot. Hikers must park their vehicle at a designated overnight SHT trailhead (checking specific parking rules beforehand) and then backpack a distance to reach the site. The trail itself, in line with customer feedback, is characteristic of the SHT—rugged, with challenging elevation gains and descents, often involving rocky and potentially muddy sections. One notable point of interest is its proximity to the iconic Cross River Falls, which is often a 1.5-mile hike from the nearest major trailhead, placing the camp itself further into the backcountry. Its location right next to the Cross River is its greatest geographical feature, providing immediate access to water and the scenic beauty of the river's cascades.

Services Offered

As a designated, free, first-come, first-served Superior Hiking Trail campsite, North Cross River Camp offers fundamental amenities essential for dispersed backpackers while maintaining a minimalist footprint.

Designated Tent Pads: The site includes several cleared, flat areas designed for pitching tents, ensuring that hikers camp on durable surfaces and minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.
Community Fire Ring: A centrally-located metal fire ring is provided for the safe containment of campfires. Use is restricted to the fire ring only, and hikers must adhere to all local fire restrictions and burn only dead and downed wood.
Seating/Bench: Typically, SHT campsites are equipped with a basic bench or seating area near the fire ring for hikers to rest and socialize after a long day on the trail.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, primitive latrine is located away from the main camp area and water source. This facility is crucial for responsible human waste disposal on the trail.
Natural Water Source: The camp is situated right next to the Cross River, providing a reliable and easily accessible source of water. As with all natural sources, this water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of North Cross River Camp lies in its wild location and its integration into one of Minnesota’s premier hiking paths.

Cross River Access and Waterfalls: Its primary highlight is the immediate proximity to the Cross River, where hikers can enjoy the sight and sound of cascading waterfalls and rushing water right beside the camp.
Paired Campsite Option: Being just 0.1 miles from the South Cross River Camp provides options for hikers if one site is full, or for small groups needing to spread out slightly, although the North site tends to be the smaller of the two.
Classic SHT Experience: The 1.5-mile approach trail from a nearby trailhead to the Cross River Falls is noted for its rugged, challenging nature, offering a true test of the hiker's skill with its rocky, muddy, and undulating terrain.
Excellent Water Reliability: Unlike some SHT camps, the proximity to a major flowing river like the Cross River virtually guarantees a consistent and easily accessible water source, a major benefit for backpackers.
Deep Forest Solitude: The site is situated well off Highway 61, deep within the forest, ensuring a quiet, immersive experience away from road noise and typical car-camping crowds.

Contact Information

As a free, non-reservable, backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, there is no direct public contact number for the North Cross River Camp itself. Administration and trail information are managed by relevant organizations.

Address (General Area): Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA

Trail Management & Information: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

Local Contact for Trail Conditions: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specifically the staff for Temperance River State Park, which is nearby.

Permit Requirement: No fees or permits are required for the SHT backcountry campsites. Camping is on a first-come, first-served, shared basis.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The North Cross River Camp is an essential destination for Minnesotans because it represents the highest level of commitment to the state's signature natural attraction: the Superior Hiking Trail. For local adventurers, this site is not merely a place to sleep; it is a point of pride and a demonstration of their readiness to tackle rugged North Shore terrain. The challenging, but manageable, 1.5-mile hike to the Cross River area from a common trailhead makes it accessible for a quick overnight trip yet remote enough to deliver genuine solitude.

Minnesotans appreciate the simple, non-fee structure of SHT campsites, which promotes outdoor egalitarianism and respect for the environment. By being right on the Cross River, it offers the unparalleled pleasure of falling asleep to the sound of flowing water—a uniquely North Shore experience. This camp is the perfect fit for locals who own the necessary backpacking gear and are looking to test their skills and connect with the wild, rocky beauty of their home state without being tethered to a developed state park or private campground. It is a genuine, rustic slice of the Minnesota wilderness.