South Cross River Camp

For Minnesotans who find their solace and adventure along the winding paths of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), South Cross River Camp offers a unique backcountry experience. This isn't a conventional campground with paved sites and extensive amenities, but rather a designated wilderness campsite that serves as a vital resting point for hikers exploring Minnesota's breathtaking North Shore. It embodies the rugged beauty and raw natural appeal that draws so many to the SHT, providing a direct connection to the powerful Cross River.

The Superior Hiking Trail itself is a magnificent footpath stretching hundreds of miles along the high ridges overlooking Lake Superior. It is renowned for its diverse terrain, stunning vistas, and the opportunity it provides for deep immersion in the boreal forest ecosystem. Campsites along the SHT, including South Cross River Camp, are designed to be rustic, blending into the natural environment and offering essential facilities for backpackers. They are "hike-in" sites, meaning they require effort and a love for the outdoors to reach, which only adds to their appeal for true wilderness enthusiasts.

South Cross River Camp, in particular, is noted for its distinctive location right next to the Cross River. This proximity offers a unique ambiance, with the constant sound of "rushing water" and "cascade" providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. While some might find the noise considerable, others find it to be a soothing and immersive experience, a constant reminder of the river's power and beauty. It's a spacious site, offering ample room for tents and gear, making it a comfortable stop for individuals or small groups on their SHT journey.

It’s important for visitors to understand that this is a backcountry site. There are no reservations or fees required, but it operates on a "share the site" principle, meaning you might be sharing space with other hikers. This fosters a sense of camaraderie among trail users, a common and cherished aspect of the SHT experience. For Minnesotans seeking an authentic backpacking adventure with direct river access and a unique sonic landscape, South Cross River Camp provides a memorable overnight stop.

Location and Accessibility

South Cross River Camp is located directly on the Superior Hiking Trail, within the general vicinity of Schroeder, MN 55613, USA. This places it in Cook County, a picturesque region of Minnesota's North Shore, known for its dramatic landscapes, Lake Superior shoreline, and extensive recreational opportunities. The camp is specifically situated by the Cross River, a prominent natural feature in this section of the SHT.

As a designated backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, South Cross River Camp is only accessible by hiking. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite, requiring visitors to carry all their gear in and out. The SHT is segmented into various sections, with numerous trailheads providing access points. Hikers would typically park at a designated trailhead near Schroeder, such as the one for the Cross River section of the SHT, and then hike to the campsite. The distance to the camp from various trailheads can vary, and it's essential for hikers to consult official Superior Hiking Trail maps and guidebooks for precise distances, elevation changes, and trail conditions.

The trail section around the Cross River is well-known, and the camp serves as a convenient overnight point for those doing multi-day hikes or section hikes in the area. While the SHT generally follows high ridges offering expansive Lake Superior views, this campsite offers a different perspective, nestled closer to the river, providing a unique riparian environment. Hikers should be prepared for typical SHT terrain, which can be rugged, with ascents and descents. Due to its location on the SHT, shuttle services are often available in the broader North Shore area for hikers looking to plan point-to-point trips.

Services Offered

As a rustic, backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, South Cross River Camp provides basic, essential services for backpackers, adhering to the Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: The camp offers spacious areas for pitching tents. While not formally defined pads, there's ample room for multiple tents.
• Fire Ring: A central fire ring is typically provided for campfires. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire and utilize existing fire rings.
• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, rustic latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox") is available. Reviews note that it might be "well exposed," indicating a more basic setup compared to more private alternatives.
• Natural Water Source: The campsite is located right next to the Cross River, providing convenient access to a natural water source. However, all water collected from the river must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure it is safe for drinking.
• Shared Site Policy: SHT campsites are first-come, first-served and are meant to be shared with other hikers if necessary. No permits or fees are required for camping at these sites.

Features / Highlights

• Riverside Location: The most prominent feature is its direct proximity to the Cross River, offering unique water views and sounds.
• Sound of Rushing Water: Visitors frequently note the "cascade and rushing water" nearby, providing a constant natural soundtrack. This can be a highlight for those who enjoy the sound of moving water but may be perceived as noisy by others.
• Spacious Campsite: The camp is described as "spacious," providing ample room for tents, gear, and movement, making it comfortable for multiple hikers or a small group.
• Northwoods Setting: Surrounded by the typical Superior Hiking Trail landscape of pine forests and other native vegetation, offering a classic Minnesota wilderness atmosphere.
• Access to Superior Hiking Trail: Serves as a convenient and well-known overnight stop for hikers traversing this section of the SHT, allowing for continued exploration of the trail's diverse terrain.
• "Nice Roar from the River to Sleep To": One review specifically highlights the calming effect of the river's sound for sleeping, indicating a positive interpretation of the river noise.

Contact Information

As a designated backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, South Cross River Camp does not have a direct phone number or on-site staff. It is maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

For general inquiries about the Superior Hiking Trail, trail conditions (including potential closures or alerts near the Cross River), maps, or volunteer opportunities, you should contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association directly.

Superior Hiking Trail Association

Address: P.O. Box 395, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA (This is their mailing address for the main SHTA office)

Phone: (218) 834-2700 (This is the general contact number for the SHTA)

Email: info@superiorhiking.org

For the most up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to visit the official Superior Hiking Trail Association website (superiorhiking.org), especially their "Trail Conditions" page, before planning your trip. This will provide essential details on any alerts, maintenance, or specific information relevant to the Cross River section of the trail. Local outfitters in nearby towns like Tofte or Grand Marais can also offer valuable insights and gear.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesotans, South Cross River Camp offers a quintessential North Shore backcountry experience that deeply resonates with our state's love for the outdoors. Its location directly on the Superior Hiking Trail makes it an incredibly suitable choice for locals, whether they are embarking on a challenging multi-day thru-hike or simply seeking a rugged overnight escape from the everyday.

What makes this campsite particularly appealing for Minnesotans is its raw, untamed character. We often seek out places where nature truly takes center stage, and the proximity to the rushing Cross River delivers exactly that. The constant sound of the "cascade and rushing water" can be a unique highlight, providing a natural auditory backdrop that connects you intimately with the powerful forces of the Northwoods. While some might initially find it "noisy," many locals appreciate this immersive soundscape as part of the authentic wilderness experience – indeed, some find it a "real nice rear from the river to sleep to."

The spacious nature of the camp ensures that, even with the SHT's shared campsite policy, there's ample room to set up a comfortable camp. This flexibility is valuable for individuals, pairs, or small groups of friends or family enjoying a backpacking trip. The lack of reservations and fees, a hallmark of SHT campsites, adds to its accessibility for spontaneous adventures, a common spirit among Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts.

South Cross River Camp isn't about luxury; it's about authenticity. It’s about carrying what you need, setting up camp by a wild river, and appreciating the simple necessities provided – a fire ring, a place for your tent, and a latrine. This simplicity fosters a deeper connection to the environment and to the self-reliance that many Minnesotans value in their outdoor pursuits. For any local eager to embrace the true spirit of backpacking on the iconic Superior Hiking Trail, South Cross River Camp provides a memorable, rugged, and deeply rewarding experience right here in our own backyard.

South Cross River Camp

Superior Hiking Trail, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA