East Kennedy Creek Camp

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For Minnesota's dedicated backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a genuine wilderness experience on the iconic North Shore, **East Kennedy Creek Camp** provides a highly-rated and strategically located stop along the **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)**. This is not a drive-up facility; it is a primitive, hike-in campsite specifically maintained for those traversing the SHT, offering a peaceful and well-managed refuge in the North Woods near Silver Bay.

East Kennedy Creek Camp is particularly well-regarded by local users for its **secluded nature** and thoughtful layout. Customer reviews consistently praise the privacy of the individual tent pads, which are reportedly "carved out along" the spur trail leading to the main site. This design gives hikers a welcome sense of solitude, a key feature that distinguishes it from more communal trail camps.

Situated within the rugged landscape of Lake County, the camp is an ideal overnight stop for section hikers tackling the route between trailheads or for those exploring the wider area that connects to the nearby Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (ELC). While the site is known for being clean and offering nice, flat tent areas, users must be aware of the key challenge noted by veterans: the namesake **Kennedy Creek can be an unreliable water source** during dry conditions or late summer/fall. Preparation and knowledge of alternative water sources are essential for a successful and enjoyable stay.

As with all SHT campsites, East Kennedy Creek operates on a "Leave No Trace" principle, requiring guests to pack out all trash, share the communal facilities, and respect the fragile ecosystem of the North Shore forests.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

East Kennedy Creek Camp is nestled in the wilderness near the town of **Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA**, an area renowned for its proximity to both Lake Superior and the rugged, inland forests of the Sawtooth Mountains. Its address on the Superior Hiking Trail signifies its status as a backcountry facility, meaning **access is exclusively by foot** via the SHT.

The site is reached via a designated spur trail off the main SHT path, a distance described in one review as "long but there are tent pads carved out along it." The seclusion praised by users is directly tied to this long spur, which removes the campsite a decent distance from the main trail, enhancing the sense of peace and privacy.

Hikers typically access this section of the SHT from nearby trailheads such as those located off Lake County Road 2 (Lax Lake Road) or County Road 1 (near Tettegouche State Park). Navigating to the nearest trailhead involves driving along State Highway 61, the scenic route that hugs the North Shore of Lake Superior, followed by a turn inland onto paved or gravel county roads. The nearest population center is Silver Bay, which can be an important logistical point for resupply or transportation needs.

The camp’s location is roughly at trail mile marker 190 (estimated, based on surrounding campsites), placing it in a well-traveled and scenic portion of the trail that features the typical elevation changes and challenging terrain of the region. Hikers should anticipate moderate to difficult hiking to reach this overnight destination.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

As an official, primitive **Superior Hiking Trail campsite**, East Kennedy Creek Camp provides the essential, minimal services necessary for a comfortable and responsible backcountry overnight stay. These services reflect the SHTA's commitment to maintaining a low environmental impact.

• **Multiple Tent Pads/Areas:** The camp offers several designated, relatively flat areas for pitching tents. Reviews confirm these are "carved out" and spaced apart to maximize privacy. The official capacity is generally for 2-5 tents, and sites are first-come, first-served.
• **Hammock-Friendly Trees:** Users have noted that the site features "large enough trees for hammocks," accommodating a variety of overnight shelter preferences.
• **Shared Fire Ring:** A single, centralized fire ring is provided for campfires. Hikers are required to use only this designated ring and must check current fire restrictions before lighting any flame.
• **Open-Air Latrine:** A basic composting or pit toilet facility is available on-site to ensure the proper disposal of human waste away from the water source and campsites.
• **Water Source (Conditional):** The camp is situated near Kennedy Creek. **Crucially, this creek is known to be unreliable in dry conditions.** Hikers must be prepared with alternative plans, such as treating water from the creek when it is flowing, or obtaining water from the Wolf Ridge ELC trails a short distance away, as suggested by local trail intelligence.

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🌟 **Features / Highlights**

East Kennedy Creek Camp stands out as a highly desirable stop on the Superior Hiking Trail due to specific characteristics that enhance the hiker's experience in the rugged Minnesota wilderness.

• **Exceptional Privacy:** The long spur trail and the strategic spacing of individual tent pads—noted by hikers as being "a reasonable distance from each other"—make this one of the more private and quiet SHT campsites, a significant feature for those seeking solitude.
• **Flat, Managed Tent Areas:** Despite the typically rugged North Woods terrain, users specifically highlight the presence of "nice flat tent area's," which greatly simplifies the task of setting up camp after a long day of hiking.
• **Proximity to Wolf Ridge ELC:** The camp is located near the **Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center**, offering a potential alternative water source during dry periods by following the ELC trail system for a short distance. This proximity is a critical highlight for logistical planning.
• **Low Bug Activity (Relative to Water):** Customer reviews note the camp's distance from the main water source, stating it is "far enough from the water that it is not buggy here," providing a more comfortable evening experience during the summer months.
• **Classic North Woods Environment:** Surrounded by a mix of mature hardwood and coniferous trees, the setting offers beautiful forest immersion and serves as a vital habitat for local Minnesota wildlife.

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📞 **Contact Information**

East Kennedy Creek Camp is an unmanned, backcountry location. For detailed information, trail conditions, and management inquiries, contact should be made with the organization responsible for the maintenance and stewardship of the Superior Hiking Trail.

• **Address:** Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
• **Phone (Superior Hiking Trail Association - SHTA):** (218) 834-2700 / +1 218-834-2700
• **Management:** Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

Choosing **East Kennedy Creek Camp** is a strategic choice for the well-prepared backpacker exploring the Silver Bay segment of the Superior Hiking Trail. This camp is worth choosing for three primary reasons that enhance the overall Minnesota wilderness adventure:

The **Exceptional Design for Privacy and Comfort** is its strongest asset. The intentional layout of separate tent pads along a longer spur trail provides a level of personal space rarely found at popular SHT stops. For local users looking for a night of quiet reflection without the necessity of interacting with large groups, the secluded nature of this camp is a major draw. The confirmed presence of flat tent areas and excellent hammock-hanging opportunities further contributes to a higher quality of rest.

Furthermore, its **Strategic Location for Section Hiking** makes it a practical choice. It offers a well-placed rest stop between major trailheads in a beautiful and rugged section of the North Shore, near the Wolf Ridge area. This positioning is ideal for planning a multi-day trip, allowing hikers to break up long mileage days with a highly pleasant overnight stay.

Finally, the **Emphasis on Preparedness** at this specific site provides a valuable learning opportunity. Knowing that the Kennedy Creek water source can be unreliable encourages hikers to practice essential backcountry skills—namely, carrying sufficient water, knowing how to filter and treat all natural sources, and having a backup plan via the nearby Wolf Ridge ELC trail system. For those who value a self-reliant, "challenge-accepted" style of camping, East Kennedy Creek Camp offers a perfect balance of scenic beauty and thoughtful, hiker-centric design, making it a favorite for many seasoned SHT adventurers.