Middle Gooseberry Camp

For Minnesotans who embrace the call of the wild and find solace in the rhythm of the trail, Middle Gooseberry Camp offers an authentic and rewarding outdoor experience. Nestled along the famed Superior Hiking Trail near Two Harbors, this isn't your typical drive-up campground. Instead, it embodies the spirit of backpacking and primitive camping, providing a tranquil haven for those willing to venture a little deeper into Minnesota's stunning North Shore wilderness. If you're seeking solitude, direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail, and a genuine connection with the Gooseberry River, Middle Gooseberry Camp is a destination worth exploring.

This article is tailored for our local Minnesota audience, aiming to provide clear, factual, and engaging information about Middle Gooseberry Camp. We'll delve into its unique accessibility, the type of experience it offers, and what features make it stand out for the avid hiker and backpacker. Understanding the nuances of a remote campsite is key to a successful trip, and we're here to equip you with the essential details to plan your next North Shore adventure, ensuring it's both enjoyable and aligns with your expectations for a primitive camping experience.

Middle Gooseberry Camp is located on the Superior Hiking Trail, near Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA. This address immediately indicates its primary mode of access: it is a hike-in campsite, directly situated along one of Minnesota's most renowned long-distance footpaths. This means that vehicular access directly to the campsite is not available. As one customer review succinctly put it, "Directions lead to a locked gate that says no ATV." This confirms that personal vehicles, including ATVs, cannot reach the camp directly.

To access Middle Gooseberry Camp, visitors must plan to hike in from a designated trailhead along the Superior Hiking Trail. The exact distance will depend on your chosen starting point, but it's essential to be prepared for a backpacking trip with all your gear. The campsite's location near Two Harbors suggests that trailheads within or close to Gooseberry Falls State Park or other points along the Superior Hiking Trail in that vicinity would serve as your entry point. This makes it particularly accessible for hikers coming from Duluth and the Twin Cities who are familiar with the North Shore's extensive trail network. While the hike requires physical effort, it rewards campers with a secluded experience often unattainable at drive-in campgrounds. Planning your route, understanding trail conditions, and being equipped for self-sufficient backpacking are crucial for a successful visit to Middle Gooseberry Camp.

Middle Gooseberry Camp, as a primitive campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, offers a minimalist set of services designed to support a traditional backpacking experience while preserving the natural environment. These services align with "leave no trace" principles, emphasizing self-sufficiency and respect for the wilderness.

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite will likely have established, cleared areas specifically for pitching tents. These are designed to minimize impact on vegetation and ensure a comfortable, level sleeping surface.
• Fire Rings: Typically, primitive campsites provide a designated fire ring or pit for campfires. It is crucial for campers to be aware of and adhere to any fire restrictions or bans that may be in place, especially during dry periods. Bringing your own firewood is often recommended, as collecting wood in state forests or along the trail is generally prohibited.
• Vault Toilets: Basic, non-flush vault toilets (latrines) are usually available at established backcountry campsites. These are essential for waste management in remote areas and help maintain sanitation.
• Water Access: A significant service at Middle Gooseberry Camp, as highlighted by a customer review, is "Right on the river, very easy access to water." This indicates that campers have direct access to the Gooseberry River for water. It is absolutely critical to note that river water is NOT potable and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. Campers should bring appropriate water purification systems (filters, purifiers, or tablets).
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: This fundamental principle applies. Campers are responsible for packing out all trash and waste, leaving no trace of their visit. There are typically no garbage receptacles at primitive sites.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: While not explicitly stated, in wilderness areas like the North Shore with wildlife present, campers are strongly advised to use bear-resistant food containers or employ proper bear bagging techniques to protect food from animals.

It is important for prospective campers to understand that Middle Gooseberry Camp does not offer amenities such as electricity, running water, showers, picnic tables at every site, or direct vehicle access. The focus is on a raw, natural camping experience, ideal for those who are prepared for self-reliance in the backcountry.

Middle Gooseberry Camp's most compelling features and highlights stem from its prime location and its status as a primitive, trailside campsite:

• Direct Superior Hiking Trail Access: The campsite's location directly on the Superior Hiking Trail is its defining feature. This provides unparalleled convenience for backpackers undertaking section hikes or thru-hikes, offering a designated, established overnight stop. For day hikers looking for a challenging trek with a camping reward, it’s an ideal destination.
• Riverside Location: As noted by a customer, the camp is "Right on the river, very easy access to water." This proximity to the Gooseberry River offers several benefits:
  • Scenic Beauty: The sound of the flowing river and the views of the water and surrounding riparian forest create a tranquil and picturesque setting.
  • Water Source: Easy access to water, essential for cooking, cleaning, and filtering for drinking (after purification).
  • Fishing Opportunities: The Gooseberry River is known for trout fishing, offering potential recreational activity for anglers.
• Seclusion and Serenity: Being a hike-in site means significantly fewer visitors compared to drive-in campgrounds. This fosters a deeper sense of solitude and allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the quiet of the North Shore wilderness, away from vehicle noise and large crowds.
• Authentic Backpacking Experience: Middle Gooseberry Camp provides a genuine primitive camping environment, appealing to those who enjoy the challenge and simplicity of carrying all their necessities and living minimally in nature. This fosters self-reliance and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.
• Gateway to Gooseberry Falls State Park: While remote, its location along the Superior Hiking Trail implies proximity to the broader Gooseberry Falls State Park area, allowing ambitious hikers to incorporate a visit to the iconic waterfalls as part of a longer trek.

As a primitive campsite located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, Middle Gooseberry Camp does not typically have a dedicated direct phone number or a specific mailing address beyond its geographical location. These types of sites are managed as part of the broader trail system. For information regarding Middle Gooseberry Camp, including trail conditions, regulations, and any necessary permits (though often not required for individual SHT campsites), it's best to consult the organizations that manage the trail and surrounding public lands.

The primary source of information for campsites along the Superior Hiking Trail is the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA). They provide detailed maps, trail alerts, and general guidance for hikers.

Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA):

Website: (Search for "Superior Hiking Trail Association" to find their official site)

Phone: While they may not have a direct line for specific campsites, their general contact information can be found on their website for broader trail inquiries.

Address: (Refer to SHTA's official website for their office location, which is typically in Two Harbors or Duluth.)

Additionally, since the campsite is in the vicinity of Gooseberry Falls State Park, general inquiries about the region's state parks can be directed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

Minnesota DNR Information Center:

Phone: 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR (646-6367)

It is always advisable to check the SHTA website for the latest trail conditions, alerts, and any changes in campsite status before planning your trip, as conditions in the backcountry can change rapidly.

Middle Gooseberry Camp is uniquely suited for Minnesotans, particularly those with a deep appreciation for the state's natural beauty and a love for immersive outdoor experiences. For locals, this campsite offers an accessible yet genuinely wild escape, allowing them to fully embrace the backpacking culture that thrives along the North Shore. Its location directly on the Superior Hiking Trail means that Minnesotans, many of whom are familiar with this iconic pathway, can seamlessly integrate a stay at Middle Gooseberry Camp into a multi-day trek or a challenging day hike.

The primitive nature of the camp, while requiring preparedness and self-sufficiency, is precisely what appeals to many local outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a chance to truly disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with nature in its rawest form. The direct access to the Gooseberry River provides a convenient water source (after purification) and the calming sounds of flowing water, enhancing the natural ambiance that many Minnesotans seek in their outdoor adventures. This riverside setting also offers opportunities for quiet contemplation, photography, or even a bit of river fishing.

Moreover, for those who value solitude and the quietude of the wilderness over crowded campgrounds, Middle Gooseberry Camp delivers. Its hike-in accessibility naturally filters out casual visitors, creating a more intimate and respectful community among those who share the trail. It’s a place where locals can test their outdoor skills, experience the changing seasons of the North Shore intimately, and foster a deeper appreciation for Minnesota's incredible natural heritage. Middle Gooseberry Camp truly embodies the spirit of a secluded Northwoods getaway, perfectly aligning with the adventurous and nature-loving heart of Minnesotans.

Middle Gooseberry Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA