Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp, Silver Bay, MN

Introduction / Overview: Classic North Shore Backcountry Charm

Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp is one of the most recognizable and utilized backcountry destinations along the celebrated Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located near the stunning landscapes of Silver Bay and within the general area of Tettegouche State Park, this campsite offers local Minnesotans the definitive North Shore backpacking experience: rugged, beautiful, and refreshingly primitive.

True to its name, the camp is situated near an active beaver pond, which provides both a scenic focal point and a reliable, albeit rustic, water source. The site is a quintessential SHT stop, known for being a necessary rest point for long-distance thru-hikers and an attractive overnight spot for those completing shorter, sectional hikes near popular destinations like Round Mountain and the Palisade Creek area. Users describe the setting as generally good for small groups, noting the wild environment that comes with its location near a thriving wetland. A common traveler observation is the trade-off of its proximity to water—a convenience for cooking and filtering—which also necessitates being prepared for the wildlife and insects that flourish there, particularly "flies and mosquitos" during the warmer months. This is a site for the prepared and resilient Minnesota adventurer.

Location and Accessibility: Near the Scenic Heights of Round Mountain

Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp is a hike-in-only facility, deeply integrated into the 300+ mile Superior Hiking Trail system. It is located in the rugged terrain just north of Silver Bay, MN, placing it in the scenic section of the trail often associated with Tettegouche State Park.

The listed location for the general area is:

Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA

The campsite is specifically located at approximately Trail Mile 149.7. This strategic position makes it highly accessible for numerous loop options and section hikes. A popular approach is from the Tettegouche State Park parking area or the Lake County Road 5 (Penn Blvd) parking lot. Hikers accessing the site from the south will have completed challenging, rewarding segments of the trail, including the iconic climb to the top of Round Mountain. The camp itself is typically accessed via a short access spur trail that branches off the main SHT path. This short distance off the main trail offers a minor level of privacy while ensuring convenience for those passing through. Its accessibility to a variety of trail sections makes it a highly flexible destination for day hikers connecting to multi-day trips.

Services Offered (Primitive SHT Backcountry Standards)

Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp is a strictly primitive, "Leave No Trace" backcountry site managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA). As is standard for all SHT campsites, there are no fees, reservations, or permits required, but the site must be shared among all users.

Designated Tent Pads: The site is confirmed to have multiple cleared, level areas—typically around four to six pads—designed to accommodate tents, suitable for a small group of six people or fewer.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air latrine (outhouse) is provided on a separate spur trail for the sanitary disposal of human waste, helping to keep the main camping area clean and protecting the environment.
Central Fire Ring: A constructed metal fire ring, often surrounded by log benches, is available for campfires. Users must only build fires within this designated ring and are encouraged to check for any current fire restrictions.
Natural Water Source: The camp is situated near the beaver pond, providing a source of non-potable surface water. All water gathered must be treated or filtered thoroughly before consumption.
Pack-In, Pack-Out Policy: Campers must adhere strictly to environmental ethics, meaning all garbage, trash, and waste must be packed out and carried off the trail entirely.

Features / Highlights (Beaver Pond and Hiking Connectivity)

The unique draw of Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp lies in its natural surroundings and its hub-like position on the SHT, offering several distinct advantages to the Minnesota backpacker.

Beaver Pond Scenery and Wildlife: The proximity to the beaver pond is a significant highlight. It creates a serene, wetland ecosystem environment that attracts various wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. While this necessitates bug preparation, the natural scenery is a key part of the site's appeal.
Strategic Central Location: The camp is ideally positioned as a mid-point for several classic North Shore day and section hikes, sitting just 0.8 miles from West Palisade Creek Camp and 1.3 miles from Bear Lake Camp. This connectivity makes it an excellent base camp or an easy first- or last-night stop on a multi-day itinerary.
Gateway to Round Mountain Vistas: The camp serves as a convenient overnight spot for those tackling the views from Round Mountain. The dramatic overlooks from the Round Mountain area, providing sweeping vistas of the inland forest and Lake Superior, are a manageable distance from the campsite.
Small Group Friendly: Customer reviews suggest the site is "great for a small group." The standard SHT design of 4-6 tent pads is perfectly suited for smaller parties seeking a shared, but comfortable, group experience.

Contact Information (Superior Hiking Trail Association)

As a designated campsite along the Superior Hiking Trail, all inquiries regarding trail conditions, maps, or general regulations should be directed to the non-profit organization that manages this resource.

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

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

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

**Reminder: No on-site phone service or management exists at this primitive backcountry location. The phone number provided is for the organization that maintains the trail system.**

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota residents, Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp represents an easily accessible, yet authentically rugged, taste of Northwoods backpacking. The lack of fees and the first-come, first-served policy align perfectly with the state's traditional spirit of public outdoor access and spontaneous adventure.

The site’s position within a region famous for its beauty, including Tettegouche and Round Mountain, makes it a high-value destination. Local backpackers use this camp to launch day hikes to spectacular overlooks, knowing they have a dependable, established camp waiting at the end of the day. While the reality of camping next to a wetland means being prepared for the insects—as the review noted, "Early morning and later night was rough with flies and mosquitos"—this is simply part of the honest, wild beauty of the Minnesota summer experience. For a local looking for a weekend escape that requires genuine backpacking effort but rewards with true wilderness scenery, Round Mountain Beaver Pond Camp is an essential stop on the SHT itinerary.