South Sonju Lake Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Finland, MN 55603

Introduction / Overview: A Premier Backcountry Destination for Minnesota Backpackers

South Sonju Lake Camp is widely regarded by the local Minnesota hiking community as one of the most desirable backcountry campsites along the entire Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Unlike many single-party SHT sites, this location is intentionally designed as a 'multi-group campsite,' making it exceptionally accommodating for small backpacking groups or for connecting with fellow hikers on the trail. It strikes an enviable balance between accessibility and immersion, offering a relatively easy hike-in from a nearby road yet providing a pristine, expansive lakeside setting.

Nestled near the quiet town of Finland, MN, the campsite is celebrated for its generous size—enough to "put multiple texts up" and comfortably host groups—with one review noting that it successfully accommodated "15 people with 5 groups." Its true star feature is its immediate proximity to the breathtaking Lilly’s Island, a short, accessible jaunt down the trail that offers incredible lake vistas, particularly at sunset. South Sonju Lake Camp embodies the best of North Shore backpacking: a rugged, free, first-come, first-served experience enriched by beautiful scenery and a communal atmosphere. It is, in the words of a satisfied hiker, "a much better spot compared to North Sonju" for its overall setting and capacity.

Location and Accessibility: Easy Hike-In and Lakeside Views

The camp is strategically located in the heart of Minnesota's rugged North Shore, placing it directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) corridor in the expanse of the region's state forests.

The location for hikers is:

Superior Hiking Trail, Finland, MN 55603, USA

Crucially, while the address points to Finland, this is a true hike-in campsite. Its popularity for day hikes and shorter overnight trips stems from its accessibility via the Sonju Lake Road parking lot. While the exact trail mileage can vary slightly depending on the resource and specific route taken, users frequently describe it as an "Easy hike from the Sonju road parking lot," making it an excellent option for beginners, families, or those seeking a quicker entry into the backcountry experience.

South Sonju Lake Camp is situated approximately 3.1 miles south of the North Sonju Lake Camp and is located on a spectacular section of the SHT that features spectacular views of Sonju Lake. Its near-immediate proximity to Lilly’s Island—described as "about 20 yards down the trail"—further cements its reputation as a scenic and easy-to-access destination compared to many other remote SHT sites. The nearest town for supplies and other services is Finland, MN, accessible by vehicle from the trailhead parking.

Services Offered (Designed for Backcountry Groups)

As a designated primitive campsite maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), the facilities are rugged and adhere strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles. Campers are expected to bring all necessary equipment for self-sufficiency, including food and water filtration.

• Multi-Group Capacity: The campsite is designated as a "multi-group campsite," meaning it is explicitly designed with a larger footprint and more dispersed tenting areas to accommodate multiple small parties or one moderately sized group.
• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air backcountry latrine is provided for hygienic waste disposal, a necessary service at all designated SHT sites.
• Fire Ring and Shared Tools: A central fire ring is available for campfires. Additionally, the site is known to occasionally feature shared amenities such as a "camp saw," which, while not guaranteed, illustrates the community spirit of the site.
• Excellent Water Access: Users report "Great water access" to Sonju Lake. All water collected must be treated, filtered, or boiled before consumption, as no potable water is provided.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: True to the SHT model, there are no fees, permits, or reservations required. The site must be shared with other users, a policy that requires early arrival for "prime spots."

Features / Highlights (A Hiker's Retreat)

The South Sonju Lake Camp's primary draw is its fantastic combination of space, scenery, and accessibility, making it a standout along the entire trail.

• Lilly’s Island Access: This is the premier highlight. The site is a mere 20 yards from a boardwalk that leads to Lilly’s Island, which offers spectacular, sweeping "views of the sunset, wildlife and stars." Campers use the island as a scenic lounge area, as camping on the island itself is prohibited.
• Spacious Tent Sites: It is known as a "Huge site" with sufficient space for "multiple texts up," a major advantage in the often tight, root-filled spaces of the Northwoods backcountry.
• Ideal for Groups and Solo Travelers: The multi-group designation and size make it welcoming for larger parties while also providing a comfortable, shared environment for solo backpackers seeking camaraderie.
• High Scenery Rating: Reviewers consistently give the site a high rating "for scenery," which, combined with the comfortable fire ring area and seating, makes it an exceptionally pleasant place to rest after a long day of hiking.
• Hammock-Friendly Potential: Though some tent sites are less than perfect, the expansive nature of the site often provides more options for hammock setups compared to smaller campsites.

Contact Information (Superior Hiking Trail Association)

As an official backcountry site on the Superior Hiking Trail, all management and essential information is provided by the SHTA.

Address: The campsite is a hike-in location on the Superior Hiking Trail near Finland, MN. Access is primarily gained from the Sonju Lake Road parking lot.

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

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

**Note: The SHTA office is the source for detailed trail guides, maps, and condition reports. They do not manage reservations, as this is a free, shared-use, first-come, first-served facility.**

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota locals, South Sonju Lake Camp represents an accessible and high-value gateway to the celebrated North Shore wilderness. Its status as a spacious, multi-group campsite makes it perfect for local clubs, families, or groups of friends who want to experience the SHT together without the pressure of finding multiple small, separate sites. The "easy hike" from the Sonju Road parking lot is an ideal length for a weekend trip, allowing residents to maximize their time enjoying the lake and the trails rather than struggling with a strenuous all-day trek.

The unparalleled access to Lilly’s Island provides a spectacular, scenic bonus that elevates the experience far beyond a standard overnight camp. It is a place where locals can proudly show off the true beauty of Minnesota's backcountry—with a stunning sunset view right off the trail. For Northwoods adventurers, South Sonju Lake Camp offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and logistical ease, ensuring it remains one of the most highly recommended spots for a memorable Minnesota backpacking trip.

South Sonju Lake Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Finland, MN 55603, USA