Woodland Caribou Pond Camp

- Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606

Introduction / Overview

Woodland Caribou Pond Camp is not your typical drive-up Minnesota campground; it is a quintessential backcountry experience that defines the rugged, remote beauty of the northern stretches of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located deep in the North Woods near Hovland, this designated campsite offers experienced hikers a truly immersive wilderness stopover. The camp is managed and maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and its dedicated volunteers, offering a primitive yet essential amenity set for long-distance backpacking.

This campsite is located within a 5.1-mile section of the SHT that runs between the Arrowhead Trail and Jackson Lake Road, positioning it far from major trailheads and vehicle access. This isolation is its primary draw, appealing to those who cherish solitude and the quiet sounds of nature. The camp's setting is defined by its namesake: a tranquil woodland pond, often a beaver pond, which serves as the primary water source (requiring filtration, of course).

However, as a remote, volunteer-maintained site, it comes with a certain rustic reality. Recent visitor reviews confirm that the terrain can be challenging, especially following heavy rainfall. Campers should expect conditions typical of the far northern trail, including mud and minimal tent pad leveling compared to more frequently used sites closer to the Twin Cities. It demands a high level of preparedness and adherence to Leave No Trace ethics, rewarding those efforts with a peaceful, untouched natural environment. This spot is a genuine taste of Minnesota's rugged and beautiful backcountry.

Location and Accessibility

Woodland Caribou Pond Camp is geographically situated along the Superior Hiking Trail in the area generally referenced as Hovland, MN 55606, deep in Cook County near the Canadian border. This puts the campsite on the far northern end of the SHT, making it one of the more remote and less-trafficked stops along the 310+ mile footpath.

Accessibility is strictly on foot. This is a designated backpacker campsite, and there is no vehicle access to the site itself. Hikers reach it only by navigating the rugged terrain of the Superior Hiking Trail, typically coming from one of the nearby trailheads, such as those along the Arrowhead Trail or Jackson Lake Road. Its remote location means it is best suited for multi-day section hikes or those undertaking a full thru-hike of the SHT.

Local users should note that the trail leading into and out of this area is often less frequently traveled than southern sections of the SHT. This can sometimes lead to overgrown segments and less visible trail markers, as noted by past users who mentioned a "tough corner to stay on trail." Carrying a map and compass or using a GPS device is essential for proper navigation in this remote area. The nearest major community for supplies and outfitting is Grand Marais, accessed via the Gunflint Trail or Highway 61.

Services Offered

Woodland Caribou Pond Camp adheres to the standard model of a free, shared backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail. Amenities are deliberately primitive to minimize ecological impact and maintain the wilderness character. The services include:

• Shared, Non-Reservable Campsite: All SHT campsites must be shared with other hikers (up to a nine-person group limit), and no fees or reservations are required.
• Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet structure (often referred to as a "thunderbox") is provided to manage human waste and protect water sources.
• Designated Fire Ring and Seating: A single, established fire ring is available for campfires, complete with log benches or built-in seating for a communal gathering space (campfires are only permitted in this ring).
• Water Access: Direct access to the adjacent woodland/beaver pond, which serves as the water source. All water must be filtered or treated before consumption.
• Tent Pads/Areas: Limited, designated areas for tent placement. Visitor reports indicate there may only be one truly level tent spot, with possibly two other less-level pads, making it potentially challenging for larger groups or multiple tents.

Features / Highlights

This remote North Shore gem offers several notable highlights that appeal specifically to the dedicated Minnesota backpacker:

• True Backcountry Solitude: Located far north and requiring a serious hike to reach, this site guarantees a level of solitude and peacefulness that is difficult to find at drive-in campgrounds or even the more accessible SHT sites.
• The Woodland Pond View: The campsite overlooks the "beautiful" woodland or beaver pond, creating a stunning, tranquil backdrop. This water feature also attracts local wildlife, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
• Peaceful Creek Sounds: The nearby creek contributes to a serene atmosphere, with hikers noting the "peaceful babbling sounds all night," a soothing natural soundtrack to a night under the stars.
• Abundant Firewood Access: Reviews suggest that the beaver pond area provides a good source of available downed wood (often from the beaver's work) for the fire ring, though all collection must be from dead wood found lying on the ground.
• An Authentic Test of Skill: The challenges mentioned by past hikers—including the potential for mud, limited level tent spots, and overgrown trail sections—mean that successfully camping here is a rewarding experience that proves one's preparedness for true North Shore backcountry conditions.

Contact Information

Since Woodland Caribou Pond Camp is a remote, designated campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, the primary contact is the organization responsible for its maintenance and trail management.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA (General area of the trail section).

Phone: (218) 834-2700 (Superior Hiking Trail Association – SHTA Office, for general trail information, conditions, and to report incidents).

Mobile Phone: +1 218-834-2700

(Note: Always consult the SHTA website for the most current trail conditions and necessary planning information before embarking on a hike.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Woodland Caribou Pond Camp is ideally suited for Minnesota locals who view the Superior Hiking Trail as a cherished state asset and who are seeking to test their skills and escape the crowds. For the local backpacker, particularly those in the northern and central regions, this campsite represents a necessary pilgrimage for SHT enthusiasts. It offers the challenge and deep wilderness feel that defines North Shore hiking. The non-reservable, free nature of the SHT campsites, including this one, embodies the open and community-minded spirit of Minnesota's outdoor culture, where hikers trust each other to share space and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

This camp is a fantastic option for those prioritizing the journey over the destination, rewarding the effort of a long hike with the beauty of the pond, the sound of the creek, and the hard-earned solitude. If you are a seasoned Minnesota adventurer looking for a quiet retreat far from the bustling state parks and more accessible trailheads, Woodland Caribou Pond Camp offers an authentic, untamed slice of the North Woods that is both humbling and deeply satisfying. It is a true backpacker's stop, a place where local pride in the SHT’s wild character is fully realized.

Woodland Caribou Pond Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA