Durfee Creek Camp

For Minnesotans who truly embrace the challenge and solitude of backcountry hiking, Durfee Creek Camp offers an authentic and rewarding experience on the iconic Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Located near the charming North Shore town of Grand Marais, this primitive, hike-in-only campsite is designed for those who prefer to carry their shelter on their back and immerse themselves completely in the wilderness. It's a testament to the SHT's philosophy of providing rustic, trailside accommodations for thru-hikers and backpackers exploring Minnesota's breathtaking North Shore. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, Durfee Creek Camp requires effort to reach, but repays that effort with quietude, natural beauty, and a genuine sense of accomplishment.

The Superior Hiking Trail itself is a magnificent testament to Minnesota's natural splendor, winding over 300 miles along the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. Durfee Creek Camp is one of many designated backcountry campsites along this renowned trail, providing essential rest stops for those undertaking multi-day treks. As a "tent-only" site, it's designed for minimal impact, encouraging campers to embrace Leave No Trace principles and maintain the pristine condition of the surrounding forest. The experience here is about self-sufficiency, connecting with the natural environment, and appreciating the simple necessities of trail life.

Reviews from fellow hikers highlight the key characteristics of Durfee Creek Camp: a beautiful, quiet spot with a good water source, even if it requires a short walk. While the site might be smaller than some guidebooks suggest, it provides a cozy and intimate setting for a few tents or hammocks, perfect for those seeking true solitude. The presence of common North Shore companions like "bugs" (which are manageable with preparation) and the occasional challenge of finding the "best site" on the SHT only add to the authentic backcountry narrative. For Minnesotans who find their peace amidst towering trees and the whisper of the wilderness, Durfee Creek Camp offers a genuine and memorable segment of their Superior Hiking Trail adventure.

Durfee Creek Camp is located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. As a backcountry campsite, it has no direct road access. It is reached solely by hiking along the SHT. Hikers typically access the trail from various trailheads along Minnesota's North Shore, with Grand Marais serving as a major hub for resupply and access to different sections of the SHT.

To reach Durfee Creek Camp, hikers would need to consult a Superior Hiking Trail guidebook or map to determine the nearest public access points or trailheads. For example, if hiking south from Grand Marais, it would be a specific distance along the trail. Conversely, if hiking north from a trailhead further south, it would be encountered after a certain number of miles. The exact mileage and elevation gain to reach the site depend entirely on the chosen starting point.

The trail itself varies in difficulty, from relatively flat sections to challenging climbs over rugged terrain. Hikers should be prepared for typical backcountry trail conditions, including roots, rocks, mud, and uneven surfaces. Since it is a hike-in-only site, all gear, food, and water (beyond what can be filtered from the creek) must be carried in. The "water source just north a little on the trail" mentioned in reviews indicates a reliable, natural water source, but it requires filtering or treating before consumption. This remote, trailside accessibility is a key feature, making Durfee Creek Camp an essential stop for those undertaking a multi-day journey on Minnesota's renowned Superior Hiking Trail.

As a primitive, backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, Durfee Creek Camp offers minimal services, emphasizing a self-sufficient camping experience in the wilderness.

• Tent-Only Campsites: The site is designed for tent camping (or hammocking) and is suitable for a small number of tents (as noted by a reviewer, possibly 2-4 small tents or hammocks comfortably, despite guidebook suggestions).
• Picnic Table (Informal): Some backcountry sites may have an informal log bench or space that serves as a picnic area, but a traditional picnic table is unlikely.
• Fire Ring: An established fire ring is typically available for campfires, though hikers must always adhere to current fire restrictions or bans, which are common along the SHT, especially during dry conditions.
• Latrine (Vault Toilet/Privy): A basic, designated latrine (usually a pit toilet or privy) is provided, typically a short walk from the main camping area, ensuring proper human waste disposal.
• Natural Water Source: A reliable natural water source (Durfee Creek) is available "just north a little on the trail." This water MUST be filtered or treated before consumption.
• No Potable Water: There is no source of pre-treated or potable drinking water at the campsite.
• No Electrical Hookups: As a primitive backcountry site, there are no electrical hookups or any other utilities.
• No Trash Service: Campers are required to pack out all trash, food waste, and anything else they pack in, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• First-Come, First-Served: Most SHT backcountry campsites, including Durfee Creek, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are taken for individual sites.

Durfee Creek Camp, and its position on the Superior Hiking Trail, offers several distinctive features and highlights for backcountry enthusiasts.

• Prime SHT Location: It serves as a strategic overnight stop for hikers on longer sections of the Superior Hiking Trail, particularly for those exploring the segment near Grand Marais.
• Reliable Water Source: The presence of Durfee Creek as a "real good water source" is a significant advantage for backpackers, allowing for water replenishment (after filtering/treating).
• Peaceful Backcountry Solitude: Being a hike-in only, primitive site, Durfee Creek offers a quiet and secluded camping experience, far from road noise and crowds, allowing for deep immersion in nature.
• Beautiful Forest Setting: The campsite is nestled within a pretty forested area, offering a serene environment and the classic Northwoods ambiance.
• Proximity to Grand Marais: While remote, its location near Grand Marais means hikers can access supplies, services, and amenities in town before or after their backcountry adventure.
• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Superior National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, offering potential sightings of deer, moose, various bird species, and smaller forest creatures.
• Authentic Thru-Hiking Experience: It provides an authentic experience of thru-hiking the SHT, challenging campers to be self-sufficient and adaptable.
• Dark Skies: With minimal light pollution, the campsite offers excellent opportunities for stargazing on clear nights, revealing a breathtaking view of the night sky.
• Hammock-Friendly: As noted by a reviewer, the site can accommodate hammocks, which are a popular choice for SHT hikers seeking comfort and minimal impact.

For Durfee Creek Camp, as a primitive backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, direct contact information like a dedicated phone number for the camp itself is not available. All inquiries are typically handled by the Superior Hiking Trail Association or the managing land agency (often the US Forest Service).

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (This is a general reference to its location along the trail near Grand Marais; it is not a physical address for driving.)

For information regarding the Superior Hiking Trail, maps, trail conditions, and general regulations for backcountry camping, it is best to contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association:

Superior Hiking Trail Association

General Phone: (218) 834-2700

Website: shta.org (Crucial for up-to-date information)

It is absolutely essential for anyone planning to camp at Durfee Creek to consult the official Superior Hiking Trail Association website and guidebook. These resources provide detailed maps, mileage, information on water sources, latrine locations, and any current alerts, such as fire bans (which are critical in the Northwoods) or trail closures. Given the primitive nature of the site, hikers must be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles, carrying all necessary gear, food, and water filtration/treatment. Plan your route carefully, inform someone of your itinerary, and be prepared for variable weather conditions typical of Minnesota's North Shore.

For Minnesotans, Durfee Creek Camp offers a quintessential and deeply rewarding backcountry experience, embodying the rugged spirit of our state's wilderness. What makes it so suitable for locals is its integral role in enabling multi-day adventures on the beloved Superior Hiking Trail. We cherish our state's natural beauty, and the SHT is a crown jewel, providing accessible yet challenging opportunities to immerse ourselves in the iconic North Shore landscape. Durfee Creek Camp serves as a vital rest stop, making longer thru-hikes more feasible and enjoyable for our active outdoor community.

The primitive nature of the campsite, with its reliance on natural water sources and basic latrines, perfectly aligns with our local values of self-sufficiency and respect for the wilderness. We understand that true connection with nature often means leaving some comforts behind, and Durfee Creek delivers that authentic, unplugged experience. The quiet solitude found here, far from roads and crowds, is a cherished commodity, allowing us to de-stress and reconnect with ourselves amidst the towering pines and the sounds of the forest. We're accustomed to planning and carrying our own gear, and this campsite rewards that preparedness with a pristine and peaceful overnight stay.

Furthermore, the challenges and rewards of backcountry hiking, including navigating the trail, managing gear, and being aware of wildlife (even the "bugs" are part of the authentic experience!), are deeply satisfying for many Minnesotans. The reliable water source at Durfee Creek, though requiring filtration, is a crucial highlight for backpackers. Its proximity to the vibrant trail town of Grand Marais also offers the perfect bookends to a trip – a place to resupply, grab a good meal, and reflect on the adventure. Durfee Creek Camp isn't just a dot on a map; it's a vital component of a transformative journey on the Superior Hiking Trail, offering a true taste of Minnesota's wild heart for those willing to earn it.

Durfee Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA