Penn Creek Camp, Silver Bay, MN

Introduction / Overview: A Spacious Basecamp on the Superior Hiking Trail

For Minnesota adventurers seeking a quintessential North Shore backpacking experience, Penn Creek Camp stands out as one of the most accessible and notably spacious backcountry campsites along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located just a few miles from the Silver Bay trailhead, this hike-in site is a popular destination for both weekend warriors and long-distance hikers.

What distinguishes Penn Creek Camp is its size and capacity. Customers frequently describe it as a "Very big, multi group site," making it a highly desirable location for families, scout troops, or larger groups of friends exploring the rugged trail system. The campsite is thoughtfully integrated into the wilderness, offering a serene environment defined by the nearby creek—Penn Creek itself—which provides a reliable, picturesque water source. Reviewers celebrate the "nice waterfall and Creek for water," highlighting the natural beauty that serves as a backdrop for a restful night under the stars. Like all SHT campsites, Penn Creek is an established, primitive site, operating on a free, first-come, first-served basis, embodying the spirit of accessible wilderness adventure for all Minnesota residents.

Location and Accessibility: Easy Access from Silver Bay

Penn Creek Camp is conveniently situated on the Superior Hiking Trail near the town of Silver Bay, in the heart of Minnesota's North Shore region, Lake County. Its proximity to the popular Silver Bay (Penn Boulevard) Trailhead makes it one of the more easily reachable SHT campsites, often serving as a first-night stop for those heading north or a convenient overnight for those completing the famous Bean and Bear Lakes Loop.

The address listed for the general area is:

Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA

Specifically, the campsite is located deep within the SHT corridor, requiring a dedicated hike. It is approximately 1.4 miles from the scenic Bear Lake Campsite and roughly 2.4 miles from the Round Mountain Beaver Pond Campsite, positioning it centrally in a highly scenic segment of the trail known for its rolling ridgelines and inland lakes. Hikers typically begin their journey to Penn Creek from the Penn Boulevard Trailhead, covering a relatively short, yet rugged, distance to reach this location. This accessibility makes it particularly attractive for Minnesotans introducing beginners to backpacking or those planning a quick overnight escape.

Services Offered (Standard SHT Primitive Camping)

Penn Creek Camp adheres to the strict primitive camping standards set by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA). As a hike-in backcountry site, visitors should come prepared with all necessary gear, including water filtration and cooking equipment. The emphasis is on environmental protection and shared community use.

Multiple Tent Pads: The site is one of the larger ones on the SHT, confirmed to have a maximum capacity for approximately eight tents, which translates to numerous established, designated tent pads to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.
Backcountry Latrine: A centrally located, open-air latrine (outhouse) is provided on a dedicated spur trail for the sanitary disposal of human waste, a crucial component of the SHT's Leave No Trace ethics.
Central Fire Ring: A single, established fire ring with benches is available for communal use. Campers are reminded to only build fires within this ring and to verify that no fire bans or restrictions are currently in effect due to dry conditions.
Natural Water Source Access: Penn Creek flows adjacent to the campsite, offering a dependable natural water source. Users must always filter, boil, or chemically treat water from the creek before consumption.
Shared Use: The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Backpackers are expected to share the campsite, including the fire ring and tent pads, with other parties.
No Fees or Permits: Consistent with the SHTA's mission, there are no charges or permits required for staying overnight at the designated Penn Creek Campsite.

Features / Highlights (Waterfall and Group Capacity)

The popularity of Penn Creek Camp is driven by two primary features: its natural water source and its superior ability to host multiple parties comfortably.

Cascading Water Source: A major highlight is the picturesque waterfall and creek feature. As one hiker noted, the water source is located at a "tiny little tucked away waterfall," which not only provides a pleasant visual and acoustic backdrop for camping but also makes accessing water for filtering more convenient, even when the "Stream is low flow."
Large Multi-Group Design: Penn Creek is specifically noted for its expansive layout, which, while not a state-park-style group campsite, is one of the largest on the SHT. This capacity mitigates the risk of overcrowding for smaller parties and makes it an ideal, planned destination for organized group outings, like youth or educational excursions.
Gateway to Iconic Vistas: The camp is strategically located near some of the North Shore's most photographed spots. It is a key overnight stop for those traversing the rugged, rewarding section of the trail that leads to high points with panoramic views of Lake Superior, including the well-known Bean and Bear Lakes area.
Proximity to Trailhead: Its short distance from the Silver Bay Trailhead is a key advantage, minimizing the initial hiking effort and allowing groups to get set up relatively early in the day, or serving as an easy final stop before returning to civilization.

Contact Information (Superior Hiking Trail Association)

As an official backcountry site along the Superior Hiking Trail, Penn Creek Camp is maintained and monitored by the Superior Hiking Trail Association. For information on trail conditions, closures, or maps, hikers should consult the SHTA.

Address: The campsite is a hike-in location on the Superior Hiking Trail near Silver Bay, MN. Access requires hiking from an official SHT trailhead, such as the Penn Boulevard lot.

General Address for Trail Information (SHTA): P.O. Box 565, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Phone: (218) 834-2700 (Superior Hiking Trail Association Office)

**Please note: There is no phone, visitor center, or on-site staff at this primitive backcountry campsite. The provided contact is for the managing organization.**

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Penn Creek Camp is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals looking to embrace the state's rugged outdoor heritage. For residents of the Twin Cities or other southern parts of the state, it offers a relatively easy-to-access taste of the renowned North Shore wilderness without committing to an extremely long hike.

The site’s generous capacity makes it a go-to spot for Minnesota families, hiking clubs, and organized groups. The knowledge that a large, established space is available reduces the anxiety of finding an open spot, though sharing is always the expectation. It is an ideal starting point for a memorable weekend trip, easily connecting hikers to the famous high-ridge vistas and inland water features that define the region. Furthermore, the presence of the picturesque Penn Creek and its small waterfall elevates the experience beyond a basic overnight stay, offering a scenic reward for the hike. This combination of accessibility, capacity, and natural beauty makes Penn Creek Camp a highly valued, practical, and cherished piece of the Superior Hiking Trail system for all Minnesotans.