Palisade Creek East Campsite

For Minnesotans drawn to the rugged, breathtaking beauty of the North Shore and the challenge of true wilderness backpacking, Palisade Creek East Campsite stands as an iconic and rewarding destination. This is not a drive-in campground with manicured lawns and electrical hookups; instead, it's a backcountry gem nestled along the legendary Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Here, the focus is entirely on immersion in nature, where the sounds of the forest and the nearby creek, rather than distant traffic, define your experience. It's a place where you earn your views and your solitude, making it a highly cherished spot for those who truly embrace Minnesota's wild side.

Located within the majestic Tettegouche State Park near Silver Bay, Palisade Creek East Campsite offers a quintessential Northwoods backpacking adventure. Imagine hiking through dense forests, ascending rocky bluffs, and finally arriving at a peaceful campsite where you can rest, recharge, and revel in the stunning natural surroundings. This site provides the fundamental necessities for a self-sufficient stay, inviting you to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the raw, untamed spirit of the Minnesota landscape. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day trek along the SHT or seeking a challenging overnight escape, Palisade Creek East Campsite promises an unforgettable journey into one of our state's most beloved regions.

Palisade Creek East Campsite is situated in Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA, directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). As a backcountry campsite, it is accessible exclusively by foot. There are no roads or vehicle access directly to the campsite itself. All gear and supplies must be carried in by backpackers.

The campsite is located within Tettegouche State Park, one of Minnesota's premier state parks, renowned for its rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and stunning Lake Superior views. Access to Palisade Creek East Campsite typically involves hiking a section of the Superior Hiking Trail. A common approach point would be from the Tettegouche State Park Visitor Center or other designated SHT trailheads along Highway 61 near Silver Bay. From these trailheads, hikers would follow the marked Superior Hiking Trail, eventually reaching the campsite near Palisade Creek. The SHT in this area can be quite challenging, featuring significant elevation changes, rocky terrain, and sometimes muddy sections, so proper hiking footwear and physical preparedness are essential. Hikers should consult official Superior Hiking Trail Association maps and Tettegouche State Park maps for precise mileage and elevation profiles to plan their journey effectively. The remote nature of this site ensures a deep wilderness experience, far from developed areas.

Palisade Creek East Campsite is a primitive backcountry site on the Superior Hiking Trail, designed for self-sufficient backpackers. It provides only the most basic amenities to minimize environmental impact and preserve the wilderness character. Campers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles strictly.

• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: The campsite features cleared, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents. These "stamped down tent pads" help concentrate impact and protect vegetation. While reviews for this specific site aren't detailed on space, SHT backcountry sites typically accommodate a few tents.

• Fire Ring: A designated metal fire ring is provided for campfires. Campers are permitted to use only dead and downed wood found on the forest floor for fires. It is crucial to always check for any current fire bans or restrictions issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the U.S. Forest Service before lighting a fire.

• Benches: Most SHT campsites, including those at Palisade Creek, are equipped with simple log or wooden benches around the fire ring for comfortable seating and gathering.

• Backwoods Latrine: A primitive, open-air latrine (sometimes referred to as an "outhouse without the house") is available at a short distance from the main camping area. This provides a designated spot for human waste, though campers are expected to pack out all non-decomposable items like toilet paper and hygiene products.

• Water Access: While not a direct service, the campsite's proximity to Palisade Creek means it has access to a natural water source. However, this is non-potable water and *must* be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure it is safe for drinking and cooking.

• No Garbage Service: Adhering to the "pack it in, pack it out" wilderness ethic, there are no garbage receptacles or disposal services at Palisade Creek East Campsite. All trash, food scraps, and waste must be carried out by campers, leaving no trace of their visit.

• No Fees or Reservations: Superior Hiking Trail backcountry campsites are generally free to use and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No permits are typically required for camping at these designated sites.

• Rugged North Shore Scenery: The campsite is located within a highly scenic and rugged section of the North Shore, offering classic Minnesota wilderness views. The terrain in Tettegouche State Park, where the campsite resides, is known for its dramatic cliffs, deep ravines, and stunning overlooks of Lake Superior.

• Direct Superior Hiking Trail Access: As an SHT designated campsite, it provides direct access to one of Minnesota's premier long-distance hiking trails. This is ideal for multi-day backpacking trips or as a destination for a challenging overnight hike.

• Proximity to Palisade Head: While not directly at the campsite, Palisade Head, a towering 200-foot cliff offering panoramic views of Lake Superior, is a prominent landmark in the area and part of Tettegouche State Park. Its proximity makes it a potential hiking objective from the campsite for those with energy and time.

• Peaceful and Secluded: The backcountry nature of Palisade Creek East Campsite ensures a high degree of solitude and tranquility. Away from roads and developed areas, campers can truly experience the quiet of the wilderness.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The forested environment provides opportunities to observe various Northwoods wildlife, including deer, moose, and a wide array of bird species, enhancing the natural experience.

• No Fees and First-Come, First-Served: The absence of fees and the first-come, first-served policy for SHT campsites make them an accessible and spontaneous option for backpackers, reducing the barrier to entry for wilderness adventures.

• Promotes Leave No Trace Ethics: Camping at a site like Palisade Creek East inherently encourages and requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, fostering a deep respect for the environment and promoting sustainable outdoor recreation practices.

• Challenging Hiking Terrain: For those who enjoy a physical challenge, the SHT in this region offers strenuous climbs and descents, providing a rewarding hiking experience.

Address: Palisade Creek East Campsite, Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA (within Tettegouche State Park, on the SHT).

Phone: As a primitive backcountry campsite, there is no direct phone number for Palisade Creek East Campsite itself. For official information regarding Tettegouche State Park, its regulations, trail conditions, or for general inquiries about the Superior Hiking Trail, contact the relevant authorities:

• Tettegouche State Park Office (Minnesota DNR): (218) 353-8800

• Superior Hiking Trail Association: (218) 834-2700

• Minnesota DNR Information Center (Toll Free): 888-646-6367

Website: The most reliable sources for information will be the official websites for the Minnesota DNR (specifically for Tettegouche State Park) and the Superior Hiking Trail Association.

• Tettegouche State Park - Minnesota DNR
• Superior Hiking Trail Association

For Minnesotans with a deep-seated love for the wild and an adventurous spirit, Palisade Creek East Campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail represents a quintessential North Shore experience. It's ideally suited for locals because it offers a genuine backcountry escape within a relatively accessible and highly celebrated part of our state. For those who seek to truly disconnect, challenge themselves physically, and immerse in the solitude of nature, this no-fee, primitive campsite is an unbeatable choice.

The campsite's location within Tettegouche State Park and directly on the SHT means that world-class hiking is literally at your tent flap. Minnesotans who cherish our state's dramatic Lake Superior coastline will find the rugged terrain and potential for breathtaking overlooks incredibly rewarding. While it requires self-sufficiency, including filtering your own water and packing out all waste, these aspects foster a deeper connection to the environment and reinforce the valuable Leave No Trace ethic, a principle many Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts already embrace. Whether you're planning a challenging multi-day SHT thru-hike or a demanding overnight trip to truly earn that peaceful night under the stars, Palisade Creek East Campsite offers an authentic, untamed slice of the Northwoods that speaks directly to the heart of Minnesota's outdoor culture. It's an opportunity to truly experience the wild beauty that defines our beloved North Shore.

Palisade Creek East Campsite

Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA