The Falls Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine, rugged adventure away from the crowds and RV hookups of traditional parks, The Falls Camp on the world-renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) offers the ultimate backpacking experience. This is not a drive-in campground; it is a destination for the dedicated hiker—a reward after a day spent traversing the beautiful, rocky terrain of the North Shore. Tucked deep within the forest near Schroeder, The Falls Camp provides a free, first-come, first-served backcountry basecamp, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the stunning wilderness of the SHT.

The name itself is a clue to its main attraction: the opportunity to set up your tent next to the soothing sounds of a North Shore waterfall. While the SHT boasts nearly 100 designated campsites along its 300+ miles, The Falls Camp is celebrated by those who have hiked the trail as one of the most rewarding spots, offering essential primitive amenities right alongside remarkable natural features. It’s an irreplaceable part of the Minnesota backpacking legacy.

The The Falls Camp is a quintessential Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) campsite, which means its address is defined not by a paved road, but by its position on the footpath itself.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA

This address confirms its location near the charming North Shore town of Schroeder, but please understand: there is no parking at the campsite. Accessibility is strictly on foot. As a designated SHT backcountry site, it must be hiked into.

To reach the general area, hikers typically access the trail from nearby SHT trailheads located off Highway 61, such as the Temperance River Wayside or the Cramer Road (County Road 1) parking lot. The SHT is segmented into various sections, and The Falls Camp will be found along the specific segment that connects these trailheads. Hikers should consult the official Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook or Databook for the precise mileage and directions from the nearest trail access points. This camp serves as a crucial overnight stopping point for both section hikers and those attempting a full thru-hike of the SHT.

SHT campsites, including The Falls Camp, adhere to the Leave No Trace ethic and provide only essential, minimal infrastructure designed to preserve the surrounding environment. These are not state park campsites with reservations or flush toilets; they are primitive and intentionally rustic. The services provided are focused purely on the backpacker's fundamental needs:

• Designated Tent Pads: Each site has space for multiple tents (typically 2-5, though this varies), designed to concentrate impact and protect the surrounding habitat.

• Central Fire Ring: A single, established fire ring (often with a surrounding bench) is provided for cooking and warmth. Campers must use only the designated ring and must be absolutely certain to put all fires out completely.

• Open-Air Backcountry Latrine: A simple, open-air pit toilet is provided to ensure proper human waste disposal and maintain sanitation in the wilderness.

• Natural Water Source: Most SHT campsites, including those near Schroeder, are located near a natural water source (a creek, river, or pond). **Crucially, all water must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before consumption.**

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: There are no fees, permits, or reservations required for SHT backcountry sites. However, sites must be shared with other backpackers, with the courtesy expectation that you always make room for fellow hikers.

All campers are required to follow SHT rules, including packing out all garbage and waste.

The Falls Camp stands out on the Superior Hiking Trail for its memorable location and natural surroundings, making it a highly anticipated stop for many hikers:

• Stunning Waterfall Access: The campsite’s primary draw is its proximity to a beautiful, cascading waterfall area. The soothing sound of the rushing water provides an incredible white noise for sleeping and a picturesque backdrop for morning coffee.

• Swimming/Cooling Opportunities: Depending on the specific waterfall and water levels, some SHT campsites near rivers and falls are known for offering opportunities to "fully submerge in the cool water" after a long day of hiking, providing a refreshing natural shower.

• Impeccably Maintained Trail: The surrounding section of the SHT is praised for being exceptionally well-maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and its volunteers, featuring clear blazes, benches, and sturdy infrastructure.

• True North Woods Seclusion: Because this camp must be hiked into, it guarantees a more isolated experience than car camping. It is surrounded by the rich forest of pine, cedar, birch, and spruce, offering a deep connection to the wilderness.

• Proximity to Scenic Vistas: The SHT in this region is famous for its ascents to rock outcroppings and ridgelines that deliver "sweeping vistas" of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains, ensuring your day hike to and from the camp is filled with dramatic scenery.

• Ease of Navigation: The entire trail system is meticulously marked with blue blazes and SHT logo signs, making backcountry navigation straightforward for prepared backpackers.

Since The Falls Camp is a designated, free, first-come, first-served backcountry site, it does not have its own direct phone line or an on-site manager. For all information regarding trail conditions, advisories, or general park management, you should contact the relevant administering bodies for the surrounding area of the Superior Hiking Trail.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA

Primary Contact (Superior Hiking Trail Association - SHTA):

Note: The most relevant contact number for trail and park information in this section is for the SHTA or a nearby State Park, such as Temperance River, which often shares jurisdiction for the general area.

Phone (SHTA general line - often for membership/information): (218) 834-2700

For the most accurate, up-to-date information on the specific trail section and any seasonal closures (such as deer hunting season or weather-related issues), always consult the "Trail Conditions" page on the official Superior Hiking Trail Association website before your trip.

The Falls Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals for one simple reason: it represents the pinnacle of accessible, rugged adventure within our own state.

For the thousands of Minnesotans who love to hike, this site offers a world-class backpacking experience without the high costs or long-distance travel required for other major thru-hikes. It's an opportunity to test your gear, build your resilience, and see the North Shore from a perspective only accessible by foot. The fact that the campsites are free and require no permits removes the barrier of reservation stress, encouraging spontaneity and simply getting out on the trail when the spirit moves you.

There is a powerful sense of community among those who share the SHT campsites, and staying at The Falls Camp means joining this proud group. You’ll be swapping stories around a fire ring built by dedicated volunteers, falling asleep to the sound of a natural waterfall, and waking up ready to tackle another challenging yet rewarding day on a trail that we, as Minnesotans, are lucky enough to call our own. It’s an authentic, challenging, and profoundly beautiful way to connect with the state's most iconic wilderness. Pack your bag, lace up your boots, and discover why this remote corner of Schroeder is a favorite stop for true North Woods adventurers.

The Falls Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA