Kimball Creek Camp

For Minnesotans drawn to the rugged beauty of the North Shore and the challenge of the Superior Hiking Trail, Kimball Creek Camp offers a quintessential wilderness experience. This hike-in campsite, nestled beside a "babbling creek," embodies the spirit of backcountry adventure that so many of us cherish. It's a place where the sounds of rushing water lull you to sleep and the embrace of the deep woods provides a true escape from everyday life. If you're a backpacker or someone looking to immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of Minnesota's iconic North Shore, Kimball Creek Camp is a notable stop worth considering on your journey.

This article is crafted specifically for our fellow Minnesotans, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Kimball Creek Camp a unique and rewarding destination. We'll explore its specific location along the Superior Hiking Trail, the essential amenities it provides, and the highlights that define this backcountry gem. Prepare to discover why this site is perfectly suited for locals seeking genuine outdoor adventure right here in our incredible state.

Kimball Creek Camp is not your typical drive-up campground with extensive amenities. Instead, it is a designated backcountry campsite along the renowned Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), a 310-mile footpath winding along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. As a hike-in site, it offers a more primitive and immersive wilderness experience, catering to backpackers and serious hikers. The camp is set beside Kimball Creek, providing a natural water source and the soothing ambiance of flowing water. It's designed to be a fundamental stopping point for those traversing sections of the SHT, offering basic necessities while prioritizing the natural environment. While facilities are minimal, the true value lies in its remote location and the opportunity to deeply connect with the stunning forests and waterways of this iconic Minnesota landscape.

Kimball Creek Camp is located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, specifically near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. As a hike-in campsite, it is not accessible by vehicle. Instead, visitors must hike to the site along the SHT. This means that access depends on your chosen trailhead and the distance you plan to cover. The Superior Hiking Trail features numerous trailheads, typically 3 to 11 miles apart, with parking available at each.

To reach Kimball Creek Camp, you would park at a designated SHT trailhead and then hike to the campsite. It's crucial to consult a Superior Hiking Trail guidebook or map to understand the exact mileage and elevation changes to the camp from your chosen starting point. One reviewer noted, "Be aware the trail is steep, but no different than other sections of the superior trail," indicating that the hike to the camp can be challenging but consistent with the SHT's terrain. The location next to Kimball Creek ensures a water source, which is vital for backpackers. This remote accessibility ensures a quieter, more secluded experience, appealing to those who desire to escape the more heavily trafficked areas and truly earn their wilderness solitude.

As a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, Kimball Creek Camp provides essential, basic services designed to support hikers and minimize environmental impact. It is crucial for campers to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Tent Pads: The site typically offers designated tent pads, providing relatively flat and cleared areas for setting up tents. However, reviews indicate these pads can be "pretty small," so groups with larger tents or multiple tents "might have to pack them in pretty tight."

• Fire Ring: A centrally-located fire ring is generally provided for campfires (always check for fire bans and bring your own firewood or gather dead and downed wood responsibly from the immediate vicinity).

• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air backcountry latrine (often a pit toilet) is available for waste disposal. Campers should bring their own toilet paper and be prepared for basic facilities.

• Water Access: The camp's location "next to a babbling creek" ensures "Good water access." This natural water source will require treatment (filtering or boiling) before consumption, as it is not potable.

• Hanging Trees: The presence of "some good hang-bag trees" is a valuable feature for food storage, essential for bear country and protecting food from other wildlife. Campers should bring their own bear bags or canisters.

• Limited Facilities: It's important to remember that this is a primitive site. There are no trash bins, running water, or flush toilets. Campers are expected to pack out all trash and waste.

• Shared Site: SHT campsites are generally shared, meaning you might be camping alongside other hikers. Courtesy and consideration for fellow campers are essential.

Kimball Creek Camp offers several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its appeal for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast.

• Babbling Creek Ambiance: The most prominent feature is its location "next to a babbling creek." This provides a constant, soothing natural soundtrack, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere and offering a serene backdrop for relaxation and sleep. As one reviewer stated, "The creek is beautiful and well worth the trip!"

• Prime Water Access: "Good water access" directly from the creek is a significant benefit for backpackers who rely on natural sources for hydration (after proper treatment).

• Authentic Backpacking Experience: As a hike-in site on the SHT, it provides a genuine backcountry experience, appealing to those who enjoy the challenge and solitude of wilderness trekking. It's a reward after a "Beautiful hike!" and navigating "steep" sections of the trail.

• Connection to the Superior Hiking Trail: Being part of the SHT means campers have direct access to one of Minnesota's premier long-distance hiking trails, with opportunities to explore diverse landscapes, stunning overlooks, and other natural wonders of the North Shore.

• Natural Beauty: The overall setting within forested terrain and along a picturesque creek contributes to the site's natural beauty and immersive appeal. The trail itself offers views of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains, and inland woodlands.

• Muddy Path Awareness: One review highlighted that "the path down to the latrine/creek area was muddy and treacherous when we were there; it's easy to slip and fall." This serves as a practical feature/highlight, reminding visitors to wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution, especially during wet conditions. It adds to the rugged character of the site.

• Wildlife Potential: As a wilderness campsite, there's potential for wildlife viewing, although specific sightings aren't guaranteed. This could include various bird species, deer, and other forest animals.

As a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, Kimball Creek Camp does not have a direct phone number or specific office on-site. It is managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and various landowners.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. This is a general address for the trail system in the area. For precise location and detailed planning, you will need an SHT guidebook or map.

Phone: The best way to get information about Kimball Creek Camp and the Superior Hiking Trail in general is to contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association. While no specific phone number was provided in the prompt for the SHTA, a quick search often provides their main contact line or website. Their website (superiorhiking.org) is the authoritative source for detailed maps, campsite information, trail conditions, rules, and FAQs. It is highly recommended to visit their site and consider purchasing their guidebook for comprehensive planning. This will provide critical information on water sources, distances, and any alerts (like trail closures or fire bans) that could impact your trip.

Kimball Creek Camp is an ideal destination for Minnesotans who truly embrace the challenge and rewards of backpacking and seeking out authentic wilderness experiences. For our local adventurers, it offers an accessible entry point to the iconic Superior Hiking Trail, allowing us to connect deeply with the breathtaking North Shore landscape that defines so much of our state's natural identity. This isn't a campsite for everyone; it's for those who appreciate the quiet solitude that comes with a hike-in location and are prepared for a more primitive setting.

The "babbling creek" provides a serene soundtrack and a vital water source (with proper treatment), enhancing the immersive experience of being truly in nature. While the "small" tent pads might require creative packing for larger groups, and the "muddy and treacherous" path to the latrine adds to the rugged reality of backcountry travel, these elements are part of the authenticity that many Minnesotans value. It’s a place to disconnect from digital distractions, test your self-reliance, and find rejuvenation in the simple beauty of a Northwoods stream. Choosing Kimball Creek Camp means choosing an adventure that strengthens your connection to Minnesota's wild heart, offering profound peace and unforgettable memories right in our own extraordinary state.

Kimball Creek Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA