McCarthy Creek Camp

For Minnesotans who cherish the rugged beauty of the North Shore and the challenge of a true backpacking adventure, McCarthy Creek Camp offers an authentic and rewarding experience. This isn't a drive-up campground with all the comforts of home; instead, it's a designated backcountry campsite strategically located along the iconic Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) near Two Harbors, MN. It embodies the essence of wilderness camping, providing essential amenities while allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural landscape.

McCarthy Creek Camp is a prime example of the well-maintained yet primitive campsites found along the SHT. It caters specifically to backpackers and hikers who are traversing sections of this renowned trail. Visitors consistently highlight its well-spaced tent pads, the soothing presence of a nearby waterfall, and the convenience of a running water source – features that are highly valued after a day of hiking. This campsite provides a fundamental and peaceful haven for those exploring the North Shore's captivating terrain, making it an excellent stop for locals looking to experience the wilder side of Minnesota.

McCarthy Creek Camp is situated directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), with its address given as Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA. Two Harbors is a picturesque city on the North Shore of Lake Superior, serving as a popular starting or ending point for many SHT sections. The SHT itself is a 310-mile footpath that generally follows the rocky ridges overlooking Lake Superior, traversing forests, rivers, and waterfalls.

Accessibility to McCarthy Creek Camp is exclusively by foot, as it is a backcountry campsite. This means there is no direct vehicle access to the campsite itself. Hikers would typically park at a designated Superior Hiking Trail trailhead in the vicinity of Two Harbors and then hike to the camp. The SHT boasts numerous trailheads, often located every 3 to 11 miles, with parking lots at each, making it convenient to plan day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips that include McCarthy Creek Camp. While the camp offers a feeling of deep wilderness, its connection to the well-marked and maintained Superior Hiking Trail system ensures that it is discoverable and reachable for prepared hikers. Proximity to Two Harbors means that resupply points, local services, and emergency assistance are within a reasonable drive from nearby trailheads, providing a practical balance for backpackers embarking on an authentic North Shore adventure.

McCarthy Creek Camp, as a Superior Hiking Trail backcountry campsite, offers a streamlined set of services designed to support backpackers while maintaining a low-impact wilderness experience. These are typical for SHT campsites:

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite features two primary tent pads. These are typically flattened, cleared areas designed to protect the natural environment and provide a stable surface for pitching tents. Reviews suggest they are large enough to accommodate small and medium tents, with space for multiple tents if needed.

• Hammock Hanging Options: The campsite explicitly caters to hammock campers, with trees suitable for hanging multiple hammocks around the tent pads and potentially near the bench area, though some spots might be less ideal due to proximity to shared spaces or trails.

• Fire Ring: A centrally located fire ring is provided for campfires. Hikers are expected to use only dead and downed wood and adhere to any local fire restrictions or bans.

• Benches: Benches are typically found around the fire ring, offering a place for hikers to sit, rest, and socialize.

• Open-Air Backcountry Latrine: Each SHT campsite, including McCarthy Creek Camp, has an open-air backcountry latrine (outhouse). While one review notes it's "kinda visible," it's generally set back from the main camp area to offer some privacy.

• Natural Water Source: A crucial amenity for backpackers, the camp boasts a "running water source very close." This typically refers to a nearby stream or creek from which water can be filtered or treated for drinking and cooking. It is essential to always treat natural water sources before consumption.

• No Permits or Fees Required: One of the significant advantages of SHT campsites is that they do not require permits, fees, or reservations. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and campers are expected to share sites if necessary.

• Pack-In, Pack-Out Policy: All garbage and waste, beyond human waste disposed of in the latrine, must be packed out by campers to preserve the pristine condition of the wilderness.

McCarthy Creek Camp's unique features and highlights make it a memorable stop for backpackers on the Superior Hiking Trail:

• Secluded Waterfall: A significant highlight is the "small waterfall... just far enough away to be heard but not annoyingly loud." This provides a soothing natural soundtrack to your camping experience, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere and offering a scenic backdrop.

• Spacious Tent Pads: Despite only having two main tent spots, they are described as "large enough to accommodate a small and medium tent each," ensuring comfortable sleeping arrangements even for small groups. This prevents overcrowding on the pads and protects the surrounding vegetation.

• Hammock-Friendly: The explicit mention of ample hammock-hanging opportunities sets this site apart for those who prefer to sleep suspended, adding to its versatility for different camping styles.

• Reliable Water Source: The presence of a "running water source very close" is a critical feature for backpackers, simplifying water collection and reducing the need to carry large quantities of water. Always remember to filter or treat this water.

• True Backcountry Experience: Being a hike-in only site means McCarthy Creek Camp offers a genuine wilderness experience, away from road noise and the crowds of car campgrounds. This allows for deep immersion in nature and a sense of accomplishment for backpackers.

• Integration with Superior Hiking Trail: The camp is part of the larger, well-maintained SHT system, meaning access to hundreds of miles of scenic hiking with breathtaking views of Lake Superior, deep gorges, and diverse forests.

• First-Come, First-Served Simplicity: The lack of a reservation system offers flexibility for backpackers, allowing for spontaneous trips, though it also means it can fill up quickly during peak seasons, emphasizing the "if you get here first" advice.

McCarthy Creek Camp is a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA). As such, it does not have a direct phone number or dedicated on-site staff. Information regarding the campsite, trail conditions, and general SHT inquiries are handled by the SHTA.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA (This address indicates its location along the trail near Two Harbors, not a physical mailing address for the camp itself.)

Phone: No direct phone number for McCarthy Creek Camp. For information on the Superior Hiking Trail and its campsites, contact the Superior Hiking Trail Association:

• Superior Hiking Trail Association Website: superiorhiking.org

• General inquiries can often be made through contact forms on their website or by checking their guidebooks and maps for specific details about individual campsites.

• For shuttle services along the SHT, which can aid in accessing trailheads leading to campsites like McCarthy Creek, services like Superior Hiking Shuttle (218-834-5511) may be available, but this is for transportation, not campsite management.

For Minnesotans, McCarthy Creek Camp represents an quintessential North Shore backpacking experience, perfectly suited for those who embrace adventure and cherish the state's natural wilderness. Its location directly on the Superior Hiking Trail makes it an ideal stop for residents looking to tackle sections of this world-class footpath, offering an accessible yet challenging outdoor pursuit right in their own backyard. This isn't just a campsite; it's a vital part of a larger, beloved trail system that provides endless opportunities for exploration.

The features of McCarthy Creek Camp—from its secluded waterfall providing ambient noise to the well-designed tent and hammock pads—cater specifically to the needs of backpackers, ensuring a comfortable overnight stay amidst a truly natural setting. The reliable access to a running water source is a practical highlight that significantly eases the logistical demands of backcountry camping. For locals, this means less time worrying about amenities and more time enjoying the spectacular views, the sounds of nature, and the invigorating challenge of the trail. Whether you're a seasoned thru-hiker or a weekend adventurer looking for a quiet escape from urban life, McCarthy Creek Camp offers a genuine and rewarding connection to Minnesota's wild heart, providing a sense of accomplishment and rejuvenation that only the North Shore can deliver.