Section 13 Camp

- Finland, MN 55603

For the Minnesota backpacker, few names on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) evoke as much anticipation as Section 13 Camp. This is not a state park or a conventional drive-up campground; it is a legendary, designated backcountry stopover managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association. Nestled high on a ridge near the SHT’s 'Section 13' segment, this camp is renowned for its strenuous approach and its unparalleled reward: spectacular, sweeping views of the Lake Superior ridgelines, the Sawmill Creek Valley, and the dramatic Baptism River gorge.

Section 13 Camp is a crucial destination for both thru-hikers covering the SHT’s 300+ miles and for local section hikers looking for a challenging overnight trip with an unforgettable vista. It represents the rugged heart of North Shore hiking, requiring travelers to be self-sufficient and prepared for true wilderness conditions. As customer reviews attest, the climb to the campsite is demanding, often referred to as "decently strenuous," but the location’s natural beauty—especially its vantage points for sunrise and sunset—makes the effort completely worthwhile. It's a place where you truly earn your view and your rest, cementing its status as a must-do for any serious Minnesota outdoor enthusiast.

Section 13 Camp is located on the Superior Hiking Trail in the uplands off the North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61), near the community of Finland, Minnesota.

Address:

Finland, MN 55603, USA (General area on the Superior Hiking Trail)

The campsite is specifically situated off the main SHT corridor between the Lake County Road 6 Trailhead and the Lake County Road 7 Trailhead (near the Clair Nelson Community Center in Finland). The most common access point is the Lake County Road 6 Trailhead, which is located 2.3 miles north of Highway 61 at milepost 65.3. This trailhead offers designated overnight parking for backpackers.

Access to the camp is strictly on foot. The hike from the Lake County Road 6 Trailhead involves traversing a challenging section of the SHT, including significant elevation gain as the trail climbs up to the famous Section 13 Cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Hikers should budget for a moderately difficult trek to reach the campsite. Once there, the campsite serves as a perfect base for exploring the area, which features impressive cliff faces often used by local rock climbers and hikers seeking expansive views.

As a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, Section 13 Camp provides essential, primitive amenities designed to support low-impact wilderness camping. There are no modern facilities, running water, or trash service.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site includes a main tent area and typically an overflow section, providing multiple cleared, level areas for pitching tents. Hikers are required to camp only on these designated pads to minimize impact.
• Community Fire Ring: A centrally-located fire ring, often accompanied by benches, is available for shared use. Campers should only build fires in this designated area and adhere to all local burn bans.
• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, maintenance-free latrine (outhouse) is provided for human waste disposal, ensuring sanitation in the remote setting.
• No Reservation/No Fee: Like all SHTA backcountry campsites, Section 13 Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis, requires no permit, and is free of charge. Campers are expected to share the space.
• Water (Carry-In Recommended): A critical note: this campsite is known for NOT having a reliable, on-site water source. Campers must either carry in all necessary water or fill up at a natural source (creek or stream) located approximately half a mile north or south of the camp on the SHT, treating it thoroughly before consumption.
• Pack-In/Pack-Out: All refuse, including food scraps and garbage, must be carried out of the campsite by the hiker.

Section 13 Camp is one of the most sought-after spots on the SHT due to its unique topographical position and stunning natural highlights.

• Panoramic Cliff Views: The primary draw is the proximity to the Section 13 cliffs, which offer truly breathtaking, open-sky vistas across the Sawtooth Mountains and the vast Baptism River Valley.
• Sunrise and Sunset Spot: Located on a prominent ridge, the camp is perfectly positioned for observing spectacular sunrises over the eastern horizon and sunsets painting the western hills, a highlight mentioned frequently by previous visitors.
• Rugged Terrain Experience: The trail segment to the camp features classic North Shore ascents and descents through boreal forests and over rocky terrain, providing a challenging and rewarding backpacking experience.
• Rock Climbing Access: The nearby cliffs are a noted destination for rock climbing, adding a unique recreational feature for experienced adventurers.
• Superior Hiking Trail Access: The camp is seamlessly integrated into the SHT, making it an ideal overnight anchor point for multi-day treks between other notable SHT features.
• Rustic Charm: The solitude and quiet are unmatched, offering a true escape from civilization that is perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the Minnesota wilderness.

As a primitive, non-fee campsite, the direct management and information for Section 13 Camp is handled by the non-profit organization that maintains the trail.

Address:

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

731 7th Avenue

Two Harbors, MN 55616 (SHTA Office)

Phone Number (Superior Hiking Shuttle/SHTA General Info):

(218) 834-2700

Mobile Phone (General SHTA Information Line/Shuttle Service):

+1 218-834-2700

For the most current trail conditions and water source updates, hikers are always advised to consult the Superior Hiking Trail Association website or social channels before their trip.

Section 13 Camp is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals because it embodies the adventurous spirit of the North Star State's signature outdoor experience: the Superior Hiking Trail. Unlike the manicured, reservation-heavy campsites found in some state parks, this camp offers an authentic, no-frills, wilderness backpacking adventure just a few hours' drive from the Twin Cities. For residents, it’s a quick-access destination that guarantees a genuine physical challenge and a profound connection with the state's most iconic landscape—the rugged North Shore highlands.

The free, no-reservation nature of the camp aligns with the strong tradition of public land access in Minnesota. It provides an escape where local outdoor enthusiasts can test their skills, enjoy complete digital disconnect, and appreciate the geological drama of the Section 13 cliffs that are literally in their backyard. The camp offers the ultimate bragging rights: a hard-earned rest spot with a panoramic view that can rival any mountain scene in the country. It is a vital link in the SHT, providing a unique sense of community as hikers share the space and their stories around the communal fire ring. For the Minnesotan seeking solitude, spectacular scenery, and a rewarding challenge, Section 13 Camp remains an essential pilgrimage on the North Shore.

Section 13 Camp

Finland, MN 55603, USA