South Bally Creek Pond Camp, Grand Marais, MN

**Introduction / Overview**

For Minnesotans seeking a classic North Shore backpacking experience, the South Bally Creek Pond Camp offers an authentic taste of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located just a few miles from the charming artistic community of Grand Marais, this campsite is a designated, rustic stopping point for hikers traversing one of the state's most celebrated long-distance trails. It is not a traditional drive-up campground but a true backcountry site, meaning accessibility is strictly by foot, and services are limited to the essentials needed for a night in the wilderness.

This particular camp is named for its proximity to a lovely beaver pond, which serves as its primary, though untreated, water source. Like all SHT campsites, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring no fees or reservations but necessitating a readiness to share the space with fellow backpackers. Visitors should prepare for the site’s rugged nature: customer feedback consistently notes that the site is on the smaller side and features limited truly flat ground, with only "one truly flat tent pad," while other available spots may be "slightly angled." Furthermore, being situated closer to the trailhead and a nearby road means that the sounds of passing traffic, the trail itself, and the adjacent North Bally Creek campsite can be heard, suggesting a less secluded experience than some deeper backcountry locations. This is a perfect site for local hikers looking for a challenging but convenient overnight stop on the iconic SHT.

**Location and Accessibility**

The South Bally Creek Pond Camp is situated in the rugged northern section of the Superior Hiking Trail, located near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. This places it deep in Cook County, the heart of the North Shore’s most dramatic topography.

Access to the campsite is by hiking only, requiring users to park at a designated SHT overnight parking lot and trek into the woods. The site is conveniently located relative to the Bally Creek Road Trailhead, making it an excellent, relatively close stop for those beginning or ending a section hike in the Grand Marais area. The typical access point involves traveling approximately three miles from the overnight parking lot, located just north of County Road 6 where it connects with the Bally Creek Road (FR 18). Its proximity to a trailhead makes it popular for shorter trips, but hikers should still be prepared for the full demands of Minnesota backcountry travel. As a hike-in site, visitors should consult the official Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook and current trail alerts from the SHT Association for the most accurate mileage and directions.

**Services Offered**

Consistent with the SHT’s mission to provide simple, low-impact camping, South Bally Creek Pond Camp provides the following fundamental amenities:

Designated Tent Pads: The site is equipped with several durable, designated tent pads to reduce environmental impact. However, hikers should be aware of the "smaller" size of the site and the limited number of truly flat spots, as noted by users.
Fire Ring: A centralized, established fire ring is provided for building campfires (subject to local fire bans). Bench seating, though reported to be potentially "warped and angled," is typically available around the pit.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, "box-style" latrine is maintained at the campsite, situated away from the tenting area to ensure proper waste disposal and sanitation.
Untreated Water Source: Water is accessible from the adjacent pond—a "lovely beaver pond." **Crucially, all water from the pond must be thoroughly filtered and treated before consumption.** Given the nature of still pond water, visitors are highly encouraged to carry a quality filter and purification system, or to pack in drinking water, especially if they prefer to "avoid putting this water through your filter."
No Permit or Fee Required: As a part of the SHT system, camping at this site requires no reservations or fees, but adherence to Leave No Trace principles and the principle of sharing the space is mandatory.

**Features / Highlights**

South Bally Creek Pond Camp is a notable stop on the northern SHT for several reasons, blending convenience with rustic charm.

Beaver Pond Setting: The campsite sits right next to a picturesque beaver pond, which creates a serene wilderness backdrop, often providing opportunities for wildlife viewing, though the low-lying terrain can occasionally mean increased bug activity.
Convenient Trailhead Proximity: It is located "close to the trailhead," making it an ideal first-night stop or final-night destination for hikers tackling a multi-day trip in the Grand Marais area, simplifying logistics for shuttling vehicles.
Access to the Northern SHT: This location places hikers immediately on one of the most remote and scenic sections of the trail, heading either north toward the Canadian border or south toward the Cascade River.
Challenging Terrain: The site’s characteristic ruggedness, including limited flat tent space, is viewed by many local hikers not as a drawback but as an authentic element of the SHT’s challenging and rewarding character.
Shared Trail Community: The "shared" nature of SHT campsites often leads to unique and friendly interactions with fellow backpackers from Minnesota and beyond, enriching the social aspect of the journey.

**Contact Information**

As a remote, unmanaged backcountry facility, South Bally Creek Pond Camp does not have its own phone number or visitor center. The site’s maintenance and information are managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone: General information regarding the SHT, trail conditions, and proper usage guidelines should be directed to the SHTA.

**Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals**

South Bally Creek Pond Camp is a suitable and exciting destination for Minnesota locals who are ready to embrace the state's wild side. For residents of the Twin Cities and other areas, this campsite offers a perfect, manageable gateway into the deeper sections of the SHT without a multi-day commitment just to reach a remote spot. Its close proximity to Grand Marais allows for easy resupply, a quick celebratory meal before or after the hike, and convenient vehicle shuttling logistics.

This camp is a test of preparation and commitment, requiring hikers to bring their best gear, practice excellent Leave No Trace ethics, and be self-sufficient—a set of skills highly valued in the Minnesota outdoor community. While the notes on the noise from the road and the uneven tent pads suggest a site that demands adaptability, these characteristics contribute to an authentic, challenging North Shore backpacking experience. For Minnesotans who pride themselves on rugged independence and a love for the state’s world-class trails, South Bally Creek Pond Camp delivers a vital and memorable overnight stop.