Big Bend Camp

For Minnesotans drawn to the allure of the backcountry, where the rhythm of nature dictates the day, Big Bend Camp on the renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) offers a truly authentic and serene wilderness experience. Located near Two Harbors, this campsite is not a drive-in destination but a reward for those who embrace the journey, whether on a day hike, an overnight excursion, or a longer backpacking trip along the SHT. Big Bend Camp embodies the essence of remote camping, providing a quiet and spacious haven for hikers seeking solitude amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Minnesota's North Shore. It's a testament to the state's incredible network of trails, inviting locals to step away from the everyday and immerse themselves in the undisturbed beauty of our natural environment.

Big Bend Camp is strategically nestled along the Superior Hiking Trail, near the charming community of Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA. As a designated backcountry campsite on the SHT, its accessibility is exclusively on foot. This means hikers will need to plan their approach from one of the numerous trailheads that provide access to this section of the SHT. Two Harbors serves as a convenient gateway town, offering parking options at various trailheads (though always check for overnight parking regulations, as these can vary, and some state park trailheads may require a park sticker). The Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) maintains detailed maps and guidebooks that are invaluable for planning your route to Big Bend Camp, indicating distances between campsites and trailheads. While the campsite feels wonderfully remote, its connection to the well-marked and maintained SHT ensures a navigable journey for prepared hikers. For Minnesotans, this location provides an ideal opportunity for a genuine wilderness escape without requiring extensive travel to more distant wilderness areas, making it a highly desirable spot for local outdoor enthusiasts.

As a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, Big Bend Camp provides essential, yet minimalist, services designed to support a self-sufficient and low-impact camping experience. It's crucial for campers to understand that this is not a developed campground with extensive amenities like flush toilets or potable water spigots. Instead, the services align with the Leave No Trace principles that guide SHT camping. Based on the standard provisions for SHT backcountry sites, services typically include:

• Designated Tent Pads: Cleared and leveled areas are provided for pitching tents, helping to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation. These are designed to accommodate multiple parties, as SHT campsites are shared.
• Hammock-Friendly Spots: A notable feature, confirmed by user reviews, is the availability of "Lots of room for hammocks." One reviewer mentioned finding "at least 3 hangable spots," though another noted it was "Not ideal for hammock campers but I made it work," suggesting some sites might be better suited than others for hammock setup.
• Fire Ring: A single, communal fire ring is typically available at the campsite for safe campfires. Campers must adhere to any fire bans and always ensure fires are completely extinguished. It is recommended to carry a camp stove to minimize reliance on campfires.
• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air privy or similar basic toilet facility is provided to manage human waste properly and maintain sanitation in the wilderness.
• Natural Water Source: Access to a natural water source, likely the nearby river as indicated by reviews ("easy access to the river for water," "water source is nearby"). It is absolutely imperative that all water collected from natural sources be filtered and treated to make it safe for drinking, as it is not potable.
• Shared Use: All SHT campsites are shared, meaning multiple hiking parties may occupy the site simultaneously. Campers should be prepared to share the designated tent pads, fire ring, and latrine.

Big Bend Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail offers a distinct set of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for backcountry enthusiasts. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, natural beauty, and the immersive wilderness experience it provides. Key highlights, as reflected in user experiences, include:

• Quiet and Remote Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently praise the site for being "Quiet and remote." This seclusion is a major draw for those seeking an escape from noise and crowds, allowing for a truly peaceful night under the stars.
• Easy River Access for Water: A significant practical highlight is the "easy access to the river for water." This proximity to a reliable water source is crucial for backpackers, even though the water requires filtration and treatment.
• Hammock and Tent Versatility: While one review noted it was "Not ideal for hammock campers but I made it work," another stated "Lots of room for hammocks," suggesting there are indeed viable spots for hammock users, alongside ample space for traditional tent setups. This versatility makes it suitable for different camping styles.
• Scenic Lunch Spot: Even for those not staying overnight, the camp serves as a "nice lunch spot and water refill," indicating its pleasant setting and convenient location along the trail for day hikers.
• Minimal Train Noise: Despite being able to "hear the trains running in the background," reviews clarify that this noise is "so distant it's drowned out by something as quiet as my pocket stove." This suggests that any train sounds are negligible and do not significantly detract from the wilderness ambiance, alleviating a common concern for remote sites near infrastructure.
• Spacious Campsite: The mention of "Lots of room" generally points to a less cramped camping experience, allowing for more personal space even when shared with other hikers.
• Immersive Forest Setting: The campsite is nestled within the Northwoods environment, offering opportunities for appreciating the local flora and fauna, and the distinct sounds of the wilderness.
• No Fees or Reservations: Like most SHT backcountry campsites, Big Bend Camp does not require permits, fees, or reservations, offering spontaneity for campers (though sharing sites is expected).

For those planning a backpacking trip to Big Bend Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail, here is the essential location information:

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA

As a backcountry campsite on a long-distance trail, Big Bend Camp does not have a direct phone number for the campsite itself, nor is there on-site staff. It operates under the umbrella of the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), which manages the trail and its campsites. For all inquiries related to the Superior Hiking Trail, including trail conditions, alerts, guidelines for backcountry camping, and maps, the primary resource is the SHTA. Their main office and Trail Information Center are located in Two Harbors. While a direct phone number for the SHTA office is 218-834-2700, it is always recommended to consult their official website, superiorhiking.org, for the most current and comprehensive information, including detailed trail sections, campsite descriptions, and any critical updates on trail closures or conditions. Hikers should also consider purchasing the official Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook for detailed maps and in-depth knowledge before embarking on their adventure to Big Bend Camp.

Big Bend Camp stands as an exceptional destination for Minnesota locals seeking an authentic and immersive backcountry camping experience on the Superior Hiking Trail. Its location near Two Harbors makes it a relatively accessible wilderness escape for many, allowing for rewarding day hikes or overnight trips without extensive travel. The campsite's most compelling features are its quiet and remote atmosphere, providing a true sense of solitude amidst nature, and its convenient access to the river for water (though always requiring filtration). For hammock enthusiasts, the ample hanging spots are a significant draw, ensuring comfortable sleeping arrangements. While the distant sound of trains is a minor background note, it does not detract from the overall tranquility, as noted by experienced campers. This site is a perfect reflection of the SHT's commitment to providing rustic, shared campsites that foster a deep connection with Minnesota's unparalleled Northwoods. For those in the Gopher State looking to challenge themselves on the trails, unwind by a natural water source, and enjoy a night under the vast Minnesota sky, Big Bend Camp offers an ideal and memorable adventure, proving that some of the best wilderness experiences are right here in our own backyard.

Big Bend Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA