East Kennedy Creek Camp

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! If you're on the hunt for a secluded and comfortable backcountry camping experience along our state's majestic North Shore, allow us to introduce you to East Kennedy Creek Camp. Located on the renowned Superior Hiking Trail near Silver Bay, this campsite offers a unique blend of privacy, scenic beauty, and surprising comfort for a primitive setting. For those of us who appreciate a quiet night under the stars, away from the crowds and, ideally, the bugs, East Kennedy Creek Camp presents a compelling option for your next outdoor adventure in Minnesota.

East Kennedy Creek Camp embodies the essence of the Superior Hiking Trail's backcountry offerings: rustic, hike-in, and designed for self-sufficient adventurers. It’s a place where thoughtful design, even in a wilderness context, enhances the outdoor experience. Whether you're planning a multi-day backpacking trip or a peaceful overnight escape, understanding the specific characteristics of this camp is key to a successful visit. This article is crafted to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes East Kennedy Creek Camp a noteworthy destination for local outdoor enthusiasts. We'll delve into its precise location, accessibility, the services it typically provides, and the distinctive features that set it apart, all from the perspective of a Minnesota local seeking an authentic and enjoyable wilderness experience.

East Kennedy Creek Camp is strategically positioned along the famed Superior Hiking Trail, with its address being Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA. This places it within the stunning North Shore region of Minnesota, an area celebrated for its rugged landscapes, dense forests, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. For Minnesotans, this location offers an ideal opportunity to explore a beloved segment of our state’s premier long-distance hiking trail.

As a backcountry campsite, East Kennedy Creek Camp is accessible exclusively by foot via the Superior Hiking Trail. This means prospective campers must plan to hike in, as there is no direct vehicle access to the site itself. The camp is located a "decent distance" off the main trail via a spur trail, which contributes significantly to its sense of privacy. Reviewers note that this spur trail is "long but there are tent pads carved out along it," which further enhances the feeling of seclusion for individual campers.

To reach East Kennedy Creek Camp, visitors will typically drive to a designated Superior Hiking Trail trailhead near Silver Bay. From there, you’ll embark on a hike along the well-marked SHT until you reach the spur trail leading to the camp. The drive from major Minnesota cities like the Twin Cities to Silver Bay is a scenic one along Highway 61, the North Shore Scenic Drive, offering continuous views of Lake Superior. It is crucial to consult detailed maps from the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and check current trail conditions before your trip, as hike distances and conditions can vary. The hike-in nature of this camp preserves its wild and tranquil character, appealing directly to Minnesotans who prioritize solitude and an immersive natural experience.

• Carved-out Tent Pads: The campsite features "tent pads carved out along" the spur trail, providing distinct and relatively flat areas for pitching tents. This design contributes to privacy and minimizes impact on the surrounding environment.

• Hammock Trees: Reviewers confirm "large enough trees for hammocks," making East Kennedy Creek Camp suitable for hammock campers who prefer this type of shelter.

• Fire Ring: Like most Superior Hiking Trail backcountry campsites, East Kennedy Creek Camp is expected to have a designated fire ring for responsible campfires. Campers must always check for current fire bans and utilize only the established ring.

• Backcountry Latrine: SHT campsites typically include a rustic backcountry latrine (pit toilet) to ensure proper waste management and maintain the cleanliness of the wilderness area.

• Access to Natural Water Source (with considerations): The camp is named after Kennedy Creek, indicating a nearby natural water source. However, a crucial note from reviewers warns that "Kennedy Creek is unreliable in dry conditions or the end of summer/fall." This means campers must be prepared to carry sufficient water or utilize alternative sources. A suggestion provided is to "get water from another source if you follow the Wolf Ridge ELC trail a short distance," implying potential access to a more reliable well or spigot at the nearby Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, though this would require verification and planning.

• Trail Access: The primary "service" is direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail, enabling seamless continuation of backpacking trips or embarking on day hikes from the campsite.

• Enhanced Privacy: A significant highlight of East Kennedy Creek Camp is the exceptional privacy it offers. The "long spur" trail with "tent pads carved out along it" and "each site is a reasonable distance from each other" creates a sense of seclusion highly valued by backcountry campers.

• Less Buggy Location: One of the most appealing features, as noted by a reviewer, is that it's "not buggy here," indicating a favorable microclimate possibly due to its distance from the immediate creek bank. This is a considerable advantage for summer camping in Minnesota.

• Flexible Tent and Hammock Camping: The campsite caters to both traditional tent campers with "nice flat tent area's" and hammock campers, thanks to "large enough trees for hammocks." This versatility makes it appealing to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Distance from Main Trail: Being "Off the trail a decent distance" further enhances the quiet and secluded atmosphere, minimizing disturbances from other hikers passing by on the main SHT.

• Cleanliness: The campsite is described as "Clean," which is a testament to both the park management and the respectful practices of previous campers, indicating a well-maintained primitive site.

• Proximity to Wolf Ridge ELC (Potential Water): The mention of a possible alternative water source via the "Wolf Ridge ELC trail a short distance" is a valuable piece of information for planning, offering a backup for water in dry conditions and potentially adding an interesting side trip.

East Kennedy Creek Camp is a backcountry campsite located on the Superior Hiking Trail and, as such, does not have a dedicated on-site office or individual contact person for direct inquiries or reservations. Backcountry sites along the Superior Hiking Trail typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require permits or fees.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA

Phone: (218) 834-2700

Mobile Phone: +1 218-834-2700

These phone numbers belong to the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), which is the primary organization responsible for the maintenance, information, and oversight of the trail and its campsites. For Minnesotans planning a trip to East Kennedy Creek Camp, it is highly recommended to contact the SHTA for the most current information regarding trail conditions, water source reliability (especially important for this site), and any specific advisories for this section of the trail. Their official website (easily found by searching "Superior Hiking Trail Association") is an invaluable resource, offering detailed maps, trail alerts, FAQs, and general contact information for their main office in Two Harbors, MN. Always verify information directly with the SHTA before embarking on your hike to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For Minnesotans who seek a genuinely private and comfortable backcountry experience, East Kennedy Creek Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail is an exceptionally suitable choice. Its distinct features cater directly to the desires of local outdoor enthusiasts looking for solitude, thoughtful campsite design, and a break from the pervasive summer bugs that can often define Minnesota camping. The enhanced privacy offered by the "long spur" trail and the well-spaced, "carved out" tent pads is a significant draw, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature without the feeling of being crowded.

The highly appealing aspect of it being "not buggy here" is a huge bonus for any local camper, promising a more comfortable and enjoyable wilderness experience, especially during peak insect seasons. The versatility in sleeping arrangements, with "nice flat tent area's along with hammock trees," means that whether you prefer a traditional tent or the airy comfort of a hammock, this site can accommodate you, making it accessible to a wider range of local campers. Its "Clean" condition speaks to the respect shown by previous visitors and the effectiveness of trail management, ensuring a pleasant environment.

While the note about Kennedy Creek being "unreliable in dry conditions" is a crucial piece of information, it serves as a testament to the authentic backcountry experience, encouraging responsible planning and self-sufficiency – qualities well-honed in experienced Minnesota campers. The mention of the Wolf Ridge ELC trail as a potential alternative water source also highlights a practical solution for locals who know how to utilize nearby resources. East Kennedy Creek Camp offers a true retreat into the North Shore wilderness, where the quiet solitude and the lack of bothersome insects can make for a profoundly restorative outdoor adventure. For any Minnesotan ready to embrace a hike-in camping experience that prioritizes peace, privacy, and comfort in nature, East Kennedy Creek Camp stands as an excellent and highly recommended destination along our beloved Superior Hiking Trail. Always remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this beautiful site for future generations.

East Kennedy Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA