Backcountry Bliss: South Little Brule River Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail

Introduction / Overview

Nestled deep within the rugged and scenic terrain near Grand Marais, the South Little Brule River Camp is one of nearly 100 designated backcountry campsites along the legendary Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). This is not a drive-in destination with electric hookups and running water; rather, it represents the quintessential Minnesota backpacking experience—primitive, shared, and deeply rewarding. Located in the northernmost, most remote section of the SHT, this site provides a necessary overnight stop for hikers traversing the miles between trailheads like those at Pincushion Mountain and Judge C.R. Magney State Park.

The camp's charm comes directly from its proximity to the Little Brule River, offering a refreshing and picturesque setting. As a designated SHT campsite, it adheres to a 'first-come, first-served' policy, designed to foster community among backpackers while enforcing strict Leave No Trace principles. For Minnesota locals, particularly those in the Twin Cities area, a trip to the North Shore and a trek to the South Little Brule River Camp offers a challenging and unforgettable immersion into the state's iconic boreal forest landscape, far from the crowds. The experience promises rocky terrain, stunning gorges, and the quiet satisfaction of self-supported wilderness travel along the North Shore.

Location and Accessibility

The South Little Brule River Camp is situated directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, which runs for over 300 miles along the ridgelines overlooking Lake Superior. Its formal address points to the trail corridor near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, placing it in Cook County, known for its dramatic topography and proximity to the Canadian border.

Accessibility is achieved exclusively by foot. There is no vehicle access to the campsite itself. Hikers must park at a nearby Superior Hiking Trail trailhead—such as the Pincushion Mountain Trailhead or one further north, depending on their direction of travel—and backpack in. The remoteness of the site means a hike of several miles is required, often across the challenging, root-and-rock-strewn path that defines the SHT. The journey to the site is part of the adventure, involving ascents to scenic overlooks and descents into deep river gorges, requiring preparedness for significant elevation changes characteristic of the Sawtooth Mountains. Users must be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary gear, food, and water treatment supplies.

Services Offered

As a primitive backcountry location managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and the Minnesota DNR/Superior National Forest, the services provided at South Little Brule River Camp are minimal, functional, and designed for minimal environmental impact. The focus is on providing necessary infrastructure to manage human waste and fire use, ensuring the site remains durable and sustainable for future hikers:

Designated Tent Pads: Several established, leveled areas are available for pitching tents. Hikers are strictly required to use only these durable surfaces to prevent damage to surrounding vegetation. The site's nature is such that level ground may be limited and rocky.
Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, self-composting pit toilet (often referred to as a 'Kybos' or similar structure) is provided and clearly marked away from the main camp area to handle human waste properly.
Shared Fire Ring/Grates: A centrally-located, designated steel fire ring is available for campfires, provided there are no state-mandated fire restrictions. Campers are expected to share the ring and only use dead and downed wood found nearby.
Natural Water Source: The site is located directly next to the Little Brule River or a scenic creek, which serves as the water source. It is mandatory that all water be filtered, chemically treated, or boiled before consumption.
Informal Seating: Some SHT campsites feature rustic benches or log seating around the fire ring, offering a place for hikers to rest and socialize.

Features / Highlights

The South Little Brule River Camp stands out on the trail for its unique natural highlights and user-reported amenities:

Scenic Creek Access: The site is situated right next to or above a beautiful creek (the Little Brule River), providing the soothing sound of moving water and a picturesque spot for filtering water or relaxing. Hikers recommend exploring the creek's banks up and down-stream for hidden gems.
Abundant Firewood: Reports from hikers often note a good supply of nearby dead and downed wood, making it easier to build a sustainable campfire within the designated ring—a welcome feature for backpackers relying solely on gathered fuel.
Star Gazing Potential: The campsite features a good clearing above the firepit area, offering an excellent opportunity for celestial viewing. The location far from any town lights guarantees exceptionally dark night skies, ideal for seeing the Milky Way or possibly the Northern Lights.
Ridge and Rocky Terrain: The site is reportedly on a ridge overlooking the creek, offering an engaging and dramatic setting. While this can mean less level ground, the rocky nature provides a rugged aesthetic and a durable surface for the site infrastructure.
Shared Trail Community: As a designated SHT camp with a shared-use policy, it offers a great chance for solo hikers or small groups to connect with the larger backpacking community, sharing stories and trail intelligence over a shared campfire.

Contact Information

Since South Little Brule River Camp is a primitive, unstaffed backcountry site, there is no direct address or phone number for the campsite itself. All essential information, trail conditions, and maps are managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association.

Address (General Area):

Superior Hiking Trail Corridor

Near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone (Superior Hiking Trail Association - SHTA):

(218) 834-2700 (Contact for general trail information, guidebooks, and condition updates)

Permits:

No reservations or fees are required to use this specific SHT backcountry campsite, adhering to the 'first-come, first-served' policy.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

The South Little Brule River Camp offers Minnesota locals the pinnacle of accessible, yet challenging, backpacking. This site is particularly suitable for Minnesotans because the Superior Hiking Trail itself is a state treasure—a manageable, yet physically demanding, world-class footpath right in our backyard. For residents seeking to escape the demands of city life, this remote location delivers true solitude and the restorative power of the North Shore wilderness without the complexity of the BWCAW's permit system. The accessibility from trailheads near Grand Marais makes it a perfect destination for a focused three-to-four-day section hike. Furthermore, utilizing a designated SHT campsite like this supports the mission of the SHTA, an organization deeply dedicated to preserving this resource for all Minnesotans. It is an opportunity to forge a deeper, more rugged connection to the dramatic cliffs and rushing waters of the state's most famous coastline.