Palisade Creek East Campsite, Silver Bay, MN

**Introduction / Overview: Your Essential Stop on Minnesota's Premier Footpath**

For dedicated hikers, backpackers, and lovers of the rugged Minnesota North Shore, the **Palisade Creek East Campsite** is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it is a classic, vital stop along the renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Situated in the wilderness near Silver Bay, this backcountry haven offers an authentic, unadulterated Northwoods experience, entirely free of fees or required reservations. It operates under the communal, first-come, first-served ethos of the SHT, where all hikers are expected to share the space and its few, essential amenities.

The campsite is specifically located on the SHT corridor in the heavily forested, rolling terrain near the Palisade Creek drainage. Its proximity to some of the trail's most photographed sections, including the breathtaking vistas of the Bean and Bear Lakes Loop, makes it a highly desirable overnight destination. Whether you are thru-hiking the entire 300+ miles of the SHT or just spending a weekend section-hiking, Palisade Creek East offers a reliable, well-maintained, and peaceful setting to rest and recharge. It embodies the core values of the Superior Hiking Trail Association: fostering a deep connection to nature with minimal impact.

**Location and Accessibility: A True Backcountry Destination**

Unlike car-accessible campgrounds, the Palisade Creek East Campsite is a true backpacking destination. Its address of **Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA** simply marks the nearest community along the North Shore. To reach the campsite, you must hike in on the Superior Hiking Trail.

The site is strategically positioned on a particularly scenic and often challenging stretch of the SHT, roughly north of the popular Sonju Lake Road and Lake County Road 6 trailheads, and south of the Tettegouche State Park area. It is particularly known for being a key stop for hikers completing the famous loop that takes in the unforgettable views from the bluffs above Bean and Bear Lakes.

Accessibility is strictly on foot. The SHT is a rugged, single-track footpath characterized by frequent elevation changes, rocky terrain, and occasional mud. Hikers should plan their itinerary using the official Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook or Databook, which provides exact mileage and details between campsites. There is no vehicle access to the campsite itself; all gear must be packed in and packed out. This requirement ensures the campsite maintains its secluded, pristine backcountry atmosphere.

**Services Offered (Basic & Essential Backcountry Comfort)**

As a designated backcountry campsite on the SHT, Palisade Creek East provides only the core features necessary for responsible wilderness camping. These services are deliberately rustic to maintain the integrity of the trail system and the environment.

Tent Pads: Multiple designated, flattened, and established tent pads are provided (typically 2-5 pads). These durable surfaces are meant to minimize hiker impact on the forest floor and must be shared by all campers.
Communal Fire Ring: A single, centrally located fire ring with log or rock benches is available for shared use. Campfires are allowed only in this designated ring, subject to local fire restrictions.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, non-flush latrine (outhouse) is provided a short distance from the main camping area for waste disposal.
Natural Water Source: The site is located on or very near a natural surface water source—the Palisade Creek. **Important:** All water taken from the creek must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
No Fees or Permits: There are no reservations, fees, or permits required to camp at the Palisade Creek East Campsite, making it an accessible option for all budget-conscious hikers.
Pack It Out Policy: No trash bins are provided. All waste, including food scraps and wrappers, must be packed out by the user, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

**Features / Highlights (A Hiker's Retreat)**

The appeal of Palisade Creek East is strongly tied to its natural surroundings and position on the SHT's finest sections.

Proximity to Scenic Views: The campsite is a short hiking distance from some of the most dramatic overlooks on the entire SHT, including the high granite domes that offer sweeping, panoramic views of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains, and inland forests.
Reliable Water Source: As one hiker review noted, this specific campsite is recommended because it often has a "slightly better flowing water source" compared to its sister site, Palisade Creek West, making water collection more consistent.
Central Location on a Great Loop: The campsite serves as an ideal overnight stop for those attempting the popular Bean and Bear Lake Loop, allowing hikers to spend two days exploring the iconic area without backtracking in one day.
Classic SHT Design: The site features the characteristic log benches and well-defined tent pads that are hallmarks of the SHT Association’s high-quality trail maintenance, offering a level of organized comfort within the rugged wilderness.
A True Wilderness Experience: With no car traffic, no electricity, and no modern conveniences, the site provides a deep sense of solitude and connection with the boreal forest environment, perfect for escaping the noise of city life.

**Contact Information**

Because Palisade Creek East Campsite is a free, unreserved backcountry location, it does not have a dedicated phone number or on-site staff. It is officially maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

Address (General Area): Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA (Accessible via the Superior Hiking Trail)

Campsite Management: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

Phone: Contact information should be directed to the SHTA for trail and camping policy questions. (No direct number for the remote campsite itself is available.)

Note: Cell service is often unreliable in the backcountry sections of the SHT. Hikers should not rely on a mobile phone for navigation or emergencies. Always carry paper maps and the latest SHT Guidebook or Databook.

**Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals**

The Palisade Creek East Campsite, and the SHT system it belongs to, is perfectly tailored for Minnesotans. For those who embrace the state's deep tradition of outdoor recreation, this site represents the best of local backpacking: accessible, free, and stunningly beautiful. Its location near Silver Bay makes it a manageable drive from the state’s urban centers for a weekend trip, yet once on the trail, it feels worlds away. The free, first-come, first-served camping policy is a gift to the local hiking community, ensuring that a spontaneous, rugged adventure is always possible without the need for advance planning or costly fees. By staying at Palisade Creek East, Minnesotans are not only enjoying a beautiful place but also participating in a shared tradition—respecting the SHT’s ethos of self-reliance, sharing campsites, and preserving one of the state's most cherished natural assets for future generations of hikers. It’s an essential part of the North Shore experience.