Backcountry Bliss: North Little Brule River Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota's dedicated hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the North Little Brule River Camp represents a piece of the authentic Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) experience. This is not a drive-up campground; it is a designated, rustic, backcountry campsite nestled deep within the Boreal Forest, offering a true immersion into the rugged beauty of the North Shore. The camp is specifically designed for foot travelers on the SHT, and its first-come, first-served policy ensures a true backpacking adventure where flexibility and preparedness are key. This campsite is one of over 90 designated camping areas along the SHT, which are essential for maintaining the trail's integrity across a mix of public and private lands.

The site is situated with a pleasant view overlooking the Little Brule River, offering a tranquil setting for a night under the stars. It is known to be slightly larger and more appealing than its nearby companion, the Northwest Little Brule site. While offering basic, no-frills amenities, the reward is an unparalleled sense of solitude and the satisfaction of earning your campsite after miles on the trail. Campers here are expected to strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the pristine condition of this vital natural resource for fellow hikers and future generations. For locals who crave the challenge of a section hike or a multi-day trek on the iconic SHT, this spot provides a perfect overnight rest between the more established trailheads.

Location and Accessibility

The North Little Brule River Camp's address—Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA—highlights its nature as a wilderness location, accessible only by foot. It is strategically positioned on a popular section of the SHT, connecting hikers to major nearby points of interest along the North Shore.

The campsite is located approximately:

3.5 miles from the SHT overnight parking trailhead inside Judge C.R. Magney State Park (note: a State Park vehicle permit is required for parking here).
2 miles north from a less-developed access point off Highway 61 (note: no overnight parking is allowed at this smaller access point).
6.5 miles from the western SHT Trailhead at the Kadunce River Trail, another popular overnight parking option.

Because the site is a true hike-in destination, accessibility is measured by hiking distance and the ruggedness of the trail, not by vehicle type. The surrounding SHT terrain features the constant ascents and descents typical of the North Shore's Sawtooth Mountains, meaning hikers must be prepared for a moderately difficult backpacking trek to reach the camp.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry spot on the Superior Hiking Trail, the North Little Brule River Camp offers essential, rustic amenities designed to minimize environmental impact while accommodating overnight hikers. It is important for users to note that all resources, including drinking water, require self-treatment and careful conservation.

First-Come, First-Served Sites: The camp features four designated tent pads, which must be shared by multiple hiking parties if necessary. Hammock camping is also accommodated within the designated area.
Backcountry Latrine: A designated wilderness latrine (open-air outhouse) is provided to manage human waste and ensure sanitation.
Fire Ring with Benches: Each designated camping area includes a metal fire ring for controlled fires, complete with log benches for gathering. Campers must use only approved, dead, and downed wood found in the forest, or carry in commercial firewood, as available.
Water Source: The campsite is located near the Little Brule River. Hikers should be aware that the water source can be unreliable, especially during dry periods, sometimes being reduced to small puddles that require significant effort to collect. All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
Waste Disposal: No trash cans or dumpsters are provided. All garbage, food waste, and wrappers must be carried out by the hiker in accordance with Leave No Trace principles (Pack it in, Pack it out).

Features / Highlights

The appeal of North Little Brule River Camp lies in its natural surroundings and its position on one of the most celebrated long-distance trails in the United States.

Superior Hiking Trail Access: The camp is an integral part of the SHT, allowing for seamless section hiking or multi-day backpacking trips through the remote North Shore wilderness.
Little Brule River Views: The campsite is perched above the Little Brule River, offering a pleasant and relaxing natural view and the soothing sounds of the flowing water, which is a welcome sight after a day of rugged hiking.
Proximity to Judge C.R. Magney: The location is within a day's hike of Judge C.R. Magney State Park, offering the opportunity to easily combine a backcountry stay with a visit to the famous Devil's Kettle Falls.
Northern Forest Experience: Campers are deeply immersed in the Boreal Forest, characterized by lichen-draped spruce, cedar, and birch, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and wildlife observation in a quieter setting than drive-in campgrounds.
Moderately Flat Tenting Areas: Hikers appreciate that the site is moderately flat, providing comfortable and spacious areas for setting up tents and hammocks, a desirable trait for a backcountry location.

Contact Information

The North Little Brule River Camp is a designated point along the Superior Hiking Trail, which is maintained and managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) in coordination with various land managers (DNR, US Forest Service, etc.). As a backcountry site, there is no direct office or telephone on-site.

Address (Approximate Location on Trail):

Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

For current trail conditions, map details, or non-emergency inquiries, hikers should contact the managing organization:

Superior Hiking Trail Association

General inquiries can typically be directed to the SHTA’s main contact, but it is best to consult their official website for the most up-to-date information, trail alerts, and guidance on SHT etiquette.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, the North Little Brule River Camp is a quintessential backcountry destination that speaks to the state’s heritage of wilderness adventure. Unlike the often-crowded State Park campgrounds, this hike-in site offers solitude and an authentic test of self-sufficiency, making it ideal for seasoned backpackers, weekend warrior section-hikers, and anyone committed to truly escaping urban noise. The no-fee, first-come nature of SHT camping provides spontaneous flexibility for locals who want to head north on short notice. The proximity to Grand Marais makes it a manageable two-day out-and-back trip or a perfect leg on a longer trek. Choosing the North Little Brule River Camp means choosing to disconnect, to rely on the clean but questionable water source for a challenge, and to wake up to the sound of a secluded river—an experience that recharges the spirit and reinforces the profound connection Minnesotans have to their spectacular North Woods.