East Rollins Creek Camp

Embrace the Wilderness: The East Rollins Creek Camp on the Superior Hiking Trail

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts, the **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)** represents the pinnacle of North Shore adventure. Stretching over 300 miles along Lake Superior’s spectacular shoreline, it offers a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience. Nestled along this iconic path, away from the car traffic and developed campgrounds, is the **East Rollins Creek Camp**. This is not a drive-up destination; it is a true backcountry campsite, designed specifically for SHT backpackers looking for a rustic, first-come, first-served overnight stay in the heart of the Northwoods.

The East Rollins Creek Camp provides a peaceful respite for those traversing the segments between Tofte and Lutsen. The site’s primary appeal is its immediate connection to the natural environment, particularly its location right on the banks of Rollins Creek. This offers a vital, reliable water source (with proper filtration) and the soothing sound of moving water that serves as the soundtrack to a night under the stars. It is the perfect embodiment of the SHT camping philosophy: established, simple, and meant to be shared by fellow hikers.

Location and Accessibility: A True Hike-In Destination

The East Rollins Creek Camp is situated off the main Superior Hiking Trail near the communities of Tofte and Lutsen in northeastern Minnesota. Its address—Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA—indicates its hike-in-only nature. This site is accessed via a short spur trail off the main SHT footpath, ensuring a genuine wilderness experience that is inaccessible by vehicle.

The campsite is strategically located between key trailheads in the area, often used by section hikers and thru-hikers planning their nightly stops. It is positioned near the popular Oberg Mountain and LeVeaux Mountain areas, meaning hikers often reach it after a day of climbing to enjoy the scenic overlooks of Lake Superior and the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains. Accessibility is entirely dependent on foot travel, requiring hikers to carry all necessary gear, food, and supplies for their stay. This commitment to backpacking is what preserves the site’s primitive, quiet character.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA (Designated Campsite on the SHT)

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry campsite managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association, the services at East Rollins Creek Camp are purposefully minimal and rustic, adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles. Hikers should be prepared to be self-sufficient and not expect modern amenities.

• Designated Tent Pads: Space is provided for a limited number of tents (generally 2-5, accommodating up to 9 people), designed to concentrate impact. Note: The terrain here has been described as small and potentially sloped.
• Water Source: **Rollins Creek** provides a reliable water source. **Crucial Note**: All water from the creek must be treated, filtered, or boiled before consumption.
• Fire Ring: A centrally-located metal fire ring with a bench is typically provided for campfires (always check for current fire bans and restrictions).
• Latrine: An open-air, backcountry latrine (outhouse) is provided a short distance from the main site to manage human waste effectively.
• No Fees or Reservations: The campsite operates on a **first-come, first-served** basis and requires no permits or fees, consistent with the SHT system outside of State Parks.
• Garbage Service: Absolutely none. All campers must **pack out** all trash, waste, and food scraps ("Pack it in, pack it out").

Features / Highlights That Define the Camp

The features that make East Rollins Creek Camp a memorable stop for SHT trekkers are its intimate connection to the creek and its placement within the stunning North Shore environment.

• **Creek-Side Ambiance**: The site is literally "right on the river," providing constant, calming white noise and easy access to water. The ability to simply walk a "stone throw from West Rollins Creek" (which is the location of the creek itself, not the separate West Rollins Camp) is a significant luxury on the trail.
• **Intimate, Sheltered Setting**: Surrounded by the rugged forests of the Superior National Forest, the campsite is often described as having "lots of overhead trees," which provide shade and shelter, though hikers should be mindful of potential falling branches after storms.
• **Gateway to North Shore Peaks**: Its proximity to Oberg and LeVeaux Mountains means hikers often start or end their day with spectacular lake overlooks, easily accessible from the main trail.
• **Rustic Simplicity**: The camp’s simplicity is a highlight in itself, appealing to those seeking a minimalist, non-commercial camping experience where the focus is entirely on the hike and the surrounding nature.
• **Connection to the SHT System**: As one of the many well-maintained, designated campsites along the SHT, it provides a reliable and crucial stopping point for multi-day treks, allowing for predictable daily mileage planning.

Contact Information

Since East Rollins Creek Camp is a primitive, hike-in SHT campsite, there is no direct office or phone number for the site itself. All management, regulations, and information are handled by the non-profit organization that maintains the trail system, or the federal/state agencies for the land it crosses (Superior National Forest in this area).

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Primary Contact (Superior Hiking Trail Association): General inquiries, trail conditions, and maps are best directed to the SHT Association.

Phone: Inquiries related to the SHT system should be directed to the SHT Association office. (Check their official website for current contact numbers, which is often a Minnesota-based landline).

Emergency: In the event of an emergency, hikers should dial 911 (recognizing that cell service is often unreliable in remote North Shore areas) and be prepared with alternative communication methods.

What is Worth Choosing the East Rollins Creek Camp?

The East Rollins Creek Camp is worth choosing for the backpacker who is seeking an **unfiltered, highly accessible Superior Hiking Trail experience**. This site is all about the essentials: a reliable water source, a designated place to pitch your tent, a spot for a fire, and the solitude of the Northwoods. It is an ideal stop for those doing a multi-day trek on the SHT, serving as a well-placed overnight point with the added bonus of the creek right beside your tent.

If you prefer developed campgrounds with vehicular access, flush toilets, and electric hookups, this is absolutely not the site for you. However, if your definition of a "cool place to camp out for the night" involves the authentic sounds of the creek, the ability to fall asleep to a river's lullaby, and the satisfaction of earning your spot by hiking in, East Rollins Creek Camp offers a foundational, unmissable experience on Minnesota's favorite long-distance footpath. It truly captures the spirit of rugged, beautiful, and free backcountry camping along the magnificent North Shore.