Blesener Creek Camp

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! If the thought of falling asleep to the gentle sounds of a flowing creek, surrounded by the tranquility of our North Woods, sounds like your ideal getaway, then Blesener Creek Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail is a destination you absolutely must consider. Tucked away between two branches of a picturesque creek near Finland, Minnesota, this backcountry campsite offers a uniquely peaceful and immersive experience for those who truly appreciate the rugged beauty of our state. For locals seeking a serene escape that combines challenging hiking with profound natural beauty, Blesener Creek Camp stands out as a top choice.

Blesener Creek Camp is a testament to the pristine, leave-no-trace philosophy that defines the Superior Hiking Trail. It's a place where modern distractions fade away, replaced by the sounds of the wilderness and the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Unlike highly developed campgrounds, Blesener Creek Camp caters to self-sufficient hikers and backpackers who are prepared for a more primitive setting. This article is crafted to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Blesener Creek Camp such a highly-rated spot for local adventurers. We'll detail its precise location, accessibility, the essential services it provides, and the unique features that make it a favorite among experienced campers on the SHT, all from the perspective of a Minnesota local seeking an authentic wilderness connection.

Blesener Creek Camp is strategically located on the world-renowned Superior Hiking Trail, with its address being Superior Hiking Trail, Finland, MN 55603, USA. This places it deep within the heart of Minnesota's stunning North Shore region, a landscape characterized by its dramatic bluffs, lush forests, and numerous rivers and creeks cascading towards Lake Superior. For Minnesotans, this is an accessible yet wonderfully remote part of our state, offering a true escape into nature.

As a backcountry campsite, Blesener Creek Camp is exclusively accessible by foot via the Superior Hiking Trail. This means you cannot drive directly to the campsite; instead, you must hike in, making the journey an integral part of the experience. The campsite is situated between two branches of a creek, suggesting a scenic and somewhat remote location along the trail. Various trailheads in the Finland area provide access to this section of the SHT. For instance, the trail segment from Crystal Creek to Blesener Creek is noted as a significant point-to-point hike, indicating its position within a network of longer trail sections.

Driving to the Finland area from major Minnesota urban centers, such as the Twin Cities, is a picturesque journey, typically along Highway 61, offering continuous views of Lake Superior. Once you reach the general vicinity of Finland, you'll consult detailed maps provided by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) to locate the appropriate trailhead for your hike. The distance to Blesener Creek Camp will vary depending on your chosen starting point, but it will involve navigating the well-marked SHT through varied terrain. The hike-in nature of this camp ensures its tranquility and helps preserve its pristine condition, appealing strongly to Minnesotans who value solitude and an immersive natural experience. Always check the latest SHTA trail conditions and maps before embarking on your trip for the most up-to-date access information.

• Designated Tent Areas: Reviews highlight "Good areas for a couple of tents," confirming that the campsite provides established, relatively flat spots for pitching traditional tents. This helps prevent campers from creating new, undesirable tent sites.

• Hammock-Friendly Spots: The camp is noted as "even better for hammocks," suggesting an abundance of suitable trees for hanging hammocks, offering a comfortable alternative for overnight stays.

• Fire Ring and Bench Area: A reviewer specifically mentions "a nice fire ring and bench area," indicating a dedicated space for campfires and communal gathering, which is a valued amenity for backcountry campers (always check for fire bans).

• Backcountry Pit Toilet: The presence of a "pit toilet isn't too far away on a separate trail" confirms the provision of essential human waste management facilities, contributing to the cleanliness and sustainability of the campsite. (Remember to "bring your own TP" as advised!)

• Access to Natural Water Source: Being located "between two branches of a creek," Blesener Creek Camp offers convenient access to a natural water source. However, it is paramount that all water collected from the creek is filtered or treated before consumption to ensure safety.

• Trail Access: As a Superior Hiking Trail campsite, its most fundamental "service" is direct access to the extensive trail system, allowing for seamless continuation of backpacking trips or embarking on day hikes.

• Soothing Creek Sounds: A standout feature is the "wonderful sounds to sleep to with the flowing water," as the camp is nestled between two branches of a creek. This provides a uniquely tranquil and immersive natural ambiance, making for a very relaxing overnight stay.

• Excellent for Hammock Camping: While suitable for tents, the specific mention that it's "even better for hammocks" makes Blesener Creek Camp a prime destination for hammock enthusiasts, providing optimal tree configurations for comfortable hangs.

• Highly-Rated Location on the SHT: Described as "One of the best located campsites on the SHT," this highlights its scenic value and strategic position for hikers, indicating it's a popular and desirable spot within the trail system.

• Well-Equipped Common Area: The presence of a "nice fire ring and bench area" provides a comfortable and functional space for campers to prepare meals, socialize, and enjoy the classic campfire experience.

• Seclusion and Natural Beauty: As a backcountry campsite, Blesener Creek Camp offers a high degree of privacy and immersion in the North Shore wilderness, appealing to those seeking solitude and an escape from developed areas.

• Bear Bagging Challenge (and opportunity): While a reviewer noted the difficulty in finding suitable trees for a bear cable/bag, this highlights the rustic nature and encourages campers to be prepared with their own bear-resistant food storage methods, contributing to the authentic backcountry experience.

Blesener Creek Camp is a backcountry campsite located on the Superior Hiking Trail. As such, it does not have a dedicated on-site office, individual contact person, or direct phone number for specific campsite inquiries or reservations. Backcountry campsites along the SHT typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require permits or fees.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Finland, MN 55603, USA

For all official and up-to-date information regarding Blesener Creek Camp, including its exact location on trail maps, current trail conditions, water levels in the creek, and general guidelines for camping on the Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesotans should primarily consult the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

The SHTA is the authoritative organization responsible for maintaining the trail and providing resources to hikers. Their contact information is as follows:

Phone: (218) 834-2700

Mobile Phone: +1 218-834-2700 (This is the same number, provided for clarity as a mobile format)

You can also find extensive resources on their official website (a quick online search for "Superior Hiking Trail Association" will lead you there). Their website provides detailed maps, trail alerts, FAQs, and general contact information for their main office in Two Harbors, MN. It is always highly recommended to check the SHTA's official resources for the most current information before planning your trip to Blesener Creek Camp to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For Minnesotans who truly appreciate the tranquility and raw beauty of our state’s wilderness, Blesener Creek Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Its unique setting, nestled "between two branches of a creek," provides the calming, "wonderful sounds to sleep to with the flowing water" that many locals seek for a truly restful escape. This inherent natural ambiance sets it apart from more developed sites.

The fact that it's considered "One of the best located campsites on the SHT" speaks volumes about its appeal to experienced local hikers and backpackers. Despite being "not very big," its quality over quantity, combined with "Good areas for a couple of tents" and being "even better for hammocks," makes it versatile for various types of backcountry campers. This adaptability is highly valued by Minnesotans who may prefer different sleeping setups. The presence of a "nice fire ring and bench area" provides a comfortable focal point for evenings, enhancing the classic camping experience.

While the challenge of finding suitable trees for a bear bag was noted, this detail actually reinforces the camp's authentic backcountry character. For self-reliant Minnesotans, this is an expected part of wilderness camping and encourages proper preparedness for food storage, a crucial aspect of Leave No Trace principles. The readily accessible pit toilet, though requiring you to "bring your own TP," demonstrates a commitment to maintaining sanitation in a primitive setting. Blesener Creek Camp offers an immersive, serene, and genuinely wild experience that connects Minnesotans with the untamed beauty of our North Shore. For any local seeking a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature lull you to sleep and the simplicity of the wilderness rejuvenates your spirit, Blesener Creek Camp is an outstanding choice along our beloved Superior Hiking Trail.

Blesener Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Finland, MN 55603, USA