Palisade Creek West Campsite, Silver Bay, MN

**Introduction / Overview: Discovering a Quieter Corner of the SHT**

For Minnesotans seeking a truly immersive backcountry experience along the famed North Shore, the **Palisade Creek West Campsite** offers a welcome respite from the busier trails. This designated camping area is located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) near the community of Silver Bay, placing it squarely in the rugged, scenic heart of the state’s most celebrated hiking corridor. It serves as an essential overnight stop for backpackers traversing the SHT, particularly those exploring the area around the highly popular Bean and Bear Lakes Loop.

Palisade Creek West is known among the local hiking community for its relative seclusion compared to some of the more central SHT sites. As a traditional backcountry site, it adheres to the strict Leave No Trace principles that govern the entire trail. It is a shared, first-come, first-served site, meaning there are no reservations, fees, or permits required. This accessible, yet remote, character makes it a favorite destination for seasoned Minnesota adventurers who appreciate a quiet evening nestled among the hardwoods and pines of the Superior National Forest landscape. The site is characterized by its proximity to the Palisade Creek, providing a vital natural water source for campers.

**Location and Accessibility: A Hike-In Only Northwoods Gem**

The campsite's official location is noted simply as **Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA**. This address is a navigational placeholder, as the site is deep within the forest and entirely inaccessible by vehicle. Access is strictly on foot via the main Superior Hiking Trail corridor.

The campsite is situated a short hiking distance from the better-known Palisade Creek East Campsite, with both sites serving the flow of hikers in this section. The area is defined by the steep ascents and descents that characterize the North Shore terrain, often traveling through dense maple and birch forests. Hikers typically reach Palisade Creek West from nearby trailheads such as Lake County Road 6 (Section 13) or those south of Tettegouche State Park. The journey requires proper planning, gear, and an understanding of trail mileage. The seclusion noted by past users is a direct result of its hike-in requirement, which weeds out the casual visitor and rewards those committed to a genuine wilderness backpacking experience. Hikers should consult the official SHT Guidebook for precise mile markers and elevation profiles for the surrounding trail segments.

**Services Offered (Essential Backcountry Amenities)**

Palisade Creek West Campsite provides the fundamental, non-developed amenities common to all Superior Hiking Trail backcountry sites, ensuring the comfort of backpackers while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment.

Designated Tent Pads: The site is equipped with several established, flattened tent pads (often about five sites), strategically placed to be flat, dry, and offer a sense of privacy. This feature is crucial for protecting the surrounding ground from impact.
Natural Water Source: Located near Palisade Creek, the site offers easy and reliable access to surface water. **A crucial reminder for all campers:** Water from the creek must be treated, filtered, or boiled before being safely consumed.
Communal Fire Ring: A single, shared fire ring is provided for cooking and warmth. Campfires are only permitted within this ring, and hikers are responsible for adhering to all current fire restrictions and gathering only dead and down wood.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air pit latrine is located away from the tenting area and the water source. This helps ensure proper waste disposal and maintain sanitation in the remote setting.
No Reservations or Fees: True to the SHT system, the site is free of charge and operates on a shared, first-come, first-served basis, reinforcing the spirit of communal trail use.
Bear Hang Spots: Hikers have noted good, accessible locations for safely hanging food away from the reach of bears and other inquisitive wildlife, such as chipmunks, ensuring food storage complies with best practices.

**Features / Highlights (A Sense of Seclusion and Serenity)**

What truly sets the Palisade Creek West Campsite apart is its reputation for being a tranquil haven, even in a busy section of the SHT.

Relative Seclusion: Customer reviews consistently point out that Palisade Creek West is "less crowded than East Palisade," making it an excellent choice for hikers desiring a more private and quiet evening experience in the wilderness.
Creek-Side Ambiance: The site is situated “just above Palisade Creek,” offering a soothing backdrop of running water and easy access for essential filtering, while the elevation helps keep the tenting areas dry and separated from potential flooding.
Privacy and Comfort: The tent sites are described as "flat, dry, and private," indicating thoughtful layout and maintenance that enhances the quality of a night spent in the backcountry.
Close to Iconic Attractions: The campsite is strategically positioned for easy access to the numerous spectacular overlooks and gorges of this central SHT segment, including the famed high ridges offering views of the inland lakes and Lake Superior itself.
Natural Beauty: With a "nice view of the hillside opposite" the campsite, the setting provides a genuine sense of being immersed in the unspoiled, rugged landscape that makes the North Shore region so special to Minnesotans.

**Contact Information**

Palisade Creek West Campsite is an unstaffed, remote backcountry location managed by the trail organization. It does not have a public telephone or on-site visitor center.

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

Campsite Management: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

Phone: Contact should be made with the SHTA for official information, trail conditions, or emergency contact procedures. (No direct number for the remote campsite is available.)

Safety Note: Due to the remote nature of the site, hikers must be self-sufficient. Always carry a physical map, a compass, and a robust water filter. Be prepared for occasional muddy conditions on the approach trail, especially in the spring or after heavy rains.

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

For Minnesota's dedicated outdoors community, Palisade Creek West Campsite is an ideal destination for several reasons. It embodies the accessible, no-cost freedom of the Superior Hiking Trail, allowing residents to easily tap into the vast natural resources of the North Shore without the burden of reservation systems. Specifically, its reputation as the quieter option near a busy section of the SHT makes it highly suitable for those who prioritize solitude and a more profound connection with the state's wilderness. By choosing this site, local users can practice their Leave No Trace ethics in a less-impacted area, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the trail. The site is a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding high-climbing, view-rich terrain, offering a rewarding adventure that is both physically challenging and deeply restorative—a quintessential Minnesota backcountry experience right in our own backyard.