North Little Brule River Camp

For Minnesotans yearning for a true wilderness immersion, far from the sounds of traffic and the glare of screens, North Little Brule River Camp offers an authentic backcountry experience along the renowned Superior Hiking Trail. Located near Grand Marais, MN, this hike-in campsite is a testament to the rugged beauty of Minnesota's North Shore. It's a place where the gentle murmur of the Little Brule River replaces daily stresses, and the expansive forest canopy becomes your ceiling.

As a designated backcountry site on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), North Little Brule River Camp provides a primitive yet comfortable setting for backpackers and nature enthusiasts. Reviews from fellow adventurers paint a picture of a "great site" with "lots of room for tents and a few hammocks" and a "nice view over the Little Brule River." This camp embodies the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos, appealing to those who appreciate unspoiled natural environments and are prepared for a self-sufficient stay. The absence of modern amenities, including cell service, ensures a truly unplugged and restorative retreat into the heart of the Minnesota wilderness.

This article will serve as your guide to North Little Brule River Camp, providing essential details on its unique location and accessibility as a hike-in site, the basic provisions you can expect, and the natural features that make it a standout highlight on the Superior Hiking Trail. Discover why this tranquil campsite is a perfect destination for Minnesota locals seeking quiet solitude and an authentic connection with the state's magnificent North Shore.

North Little Brule River Camp is strategically located on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. This places it in the scenic Cook County, a prime destination for outdoor recreation on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, this is a designated backcountry campsite, meaning accessibility is exclusively by foot.

There are a couple of ways for Minnesota locals to access North Little Brule River Camp:

• From Judge C.R. Magney State Park: One common approach is to hike approximately 3.5 miles north from the Superior Hiking Trail's overnight parking trailhead located within Judge C.R. Magney State Park. A state park permit is required for parking here. This route offers a scenic trek through diverse forest landscapes before reaching the campsite.

• From Highway 61: Alternatively, the campsite can be accessed by hiking approximately 2 miles north from a point near Highway 61. However, it's important to note that there is typically no overnight parking available directly at this Highway 61 access point, making the State Park or shuttle services more viable for multi-day trips.

The hike to North Little Brule River Camp is considered moderately challenging in sections of the SHT, with the trail characterized by ascents and descents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, offering sweeping vistas. The trail may also descend along rivers, streams, and ponds. Hikers should be prepared for varied terrain, which can be steep, rocky, or muddy depending on recent weather. While the Superior Hiking Trail is well-maintained and marked with blazes and SHT logo signs, carrying a map and being familiar with backcountry navigation is always recommended. The "long gravel road" mentioned in some reviews likely refers to the approach roads to trailheads, not the path directly to this hike-in campsite itself.

As a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, North Little Brule River Camp offers basic, primitive services designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience. It's important for visitors to understand these limitations and come prepared.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site provides "space for 2-5 tents," indicating designated tent pads or flat areas suitable for pitching tents. This helps minimize impact on the surrounding environment.

• Fire Ring: A centrally-located fire ring is typically available at SHT campsites, allowing for safe campfires when conditions permit. Campers are responsible for gathering their own dead and downed wood.

• Benches: Many SHT campsites, including this one, are equipped with benches around the fire ring, offering a place to sit and socialize.

• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air backcountry latrine (outhouse) is provided for human waste, contributing to the cleanliness and hygiene of the campsite, as the SHT is known for its "impeccably maintained trail and campsites—each with outhouses."

• Natural Water Source: The campsite is located near a natural water source, the Little Brule River. However, as noted by reviewers, the water source can be "questionable" or require "some work" (e.g., getting water from "2 puddles"). This means all water from the river or any other natural source MUST be filtered and treated prior to consumption to remove pathogens like Giardia. Bringing a reliable water filter or purification tablets is essential.

• No Potable Water: There is no treated, potable water source at the campsite; campers must filter and treat all water they collect.

• No Showers or Electricity: As a primitive backcountry site, there are no showers or electrical hookups available.

• No Cell Service: Reviewers explicitly state "No cell service at all for us T-Mobile users," and generally, cell reception is very limited or non-existent along much of the SHT. This ensures a truly "unplugged" experience.

• Free Camping: Superior Hiking Trail campsites are free and do not require permits or reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. However, campsites must be shared if other parties arrive.

• Garbage Cans: While "large garbage cans" were mentioned in one older review, backcountry camping on the SHT generally emphasizes "pack it in, pack it out" for all waste. It is safest to assume you will need to pack out all your trash.

North Little Brule River Camp, and its surrounding section of the Superior Hiking Trail, offer a wealth of natural features and highlights that draw Minnesota's outdoor enthusiasts.

• Riverside Setting: The campsite offers a "nice view over the Little Brule River," with the river being "within 100'" of each site. The sound of the flowing river can be a constant, soothing companion, providing "great background noise at night."

• Scenic Trail Section: The Superior Hiking Trail in this area traverses diverse terrain, including segments that offer "sweeping vistas of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains, and inland woodlands." The trail also features descents along rivers and streams that have cut into ancient volcanic rock.

• Quiet and Secluded: Being a hike-in site, North Little Brule River Camp offers a significant degree of peace and quiet. Reviewers noted having "the campground to ourselves" on a Wednesday, highlighting the solitude available, particularly mid-week or during shoulder seasons.

• Old Growth Timber: The surrounding forests feature impressive old-growth timber, providing a majestic and immersive natural environment for hikers and campers.

• Wildlife Viewing: The North Shore region is rich in wildlife. While not explicitly mentioned for this site, hikers on the SHT often encounter deer, various bird species, and other forest animals. Be aware of ground squirrels, as noted in reviews for similar primitive sites, and properly secure food.

• Minimal Bugs (Sometimes): One reviewer noted "not many bugs" in mid-June due to windy conditions, which "blows most of the flying bugs away." While bugs can be prevalent in Minnesota during summer, this suggests periods of relief.

• Hammock-Friendly: The site is described as "moderately flag with room to hang," indicating suitable trees for hammock camping in addition to tent pitching.

• Proximity to Lake Superior: Though not directly on the lake, the SHT frequently offers glimpses and access points to Lake Superior, providing opportunities for hikers to experience the grandeur of the largest freshwater lake in the world.

• Year-Round Potential: While primarily a spring-to-fall hiking destination, snowshoe travel is possible and encouraged on the SHT during winter months for experienced cold-weather campers.

For information regarding North Little Brule River Camp and the Superior Hiking Trail, direct contact is generally with the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), as they maintain these backcountry sites.

Address: North Little Brule River Camp is a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. There is no physical office or specific mailing address for the campsite itself. Its location is defined by its position along the trail system.

Phone: (951) 698-8954 (This phone number provided in the initial prompt is incorrect for this location and appears to be associated with a USDA Forest Service office in California. For information on the Superior Hiking Trail and its campsites, including North Little Brule River Camp, you should contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association.)

Correct Contact for Superior Hiking Trail Information:

For up-to-date information, trail conditions, campsite details, and guidebooks, the primary resource for Minnesota locals is the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA). Their website is the best place to find contact information, trail maps, and specific details about each campsite, including water source reliability.

It is crucial to consult the SHTA's official website or direct resources for the most current and accurate information regarding this backcountry campsite, as conditions on the trail and at primitive sites can change.

North Little Brule River Camp is an ideal destination for Minnesota locals who embrace the spirit of self-sufficient backcountry adventure. Its location on the renowned Superior Hiking Trail near Grand Marais offers an accessible yet deeply immersive wilderness experience right in their own state. For Minnesotans, known for their appreciation of lakes, forests, and outdoor pursuits, this campsite provides a quintessential North Shore escape.

The primitive nature of the camp, with its hike-in access and lack of modern conveniences, is precisely its appeal. It encourages a disconnect from the digital world and a reconnect with nature's rhythms, allowing for true relaxation amplified by the "great background noise" of the Little Brule River. The ability to pitch a tent in a spacious, "moderately flag" area with a view of the river and ample trees for hammocks speaks directly to the preferences of many local outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, its position on the Superior Hiking Trail means endless opportunities for exploration, whether for a short overnight trip or as part of a longer thru-hike. The knowledge that these campsites are maintained by dedicated organizations like the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) provides a sense of community and stewardship that resonates with Minnesota's strong outdoor culture. For the local seeking solitude, breathtaking natural beauty, and a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience that fosters self-reliance, North Little Brule River Camp offers an authentic slice of Minnesota's wild heart, promising memorable nights under the stars along one of the state's most cherished trails.

North Little Brule River Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA