South Cross River Camp

**South Cross River Camp: The Soundtrack of the Superior Hiking Trail**

For Minnesotans who live for the rugged beauty of the **North Shore**, the name **South Cross River Camp** evokes the best of backcountry camping: the constant, soothing roar of running water, deep forest cover, and a designated spot to rest weary feet. This camp is not a drive-up campground but a vital stopping point along the world-class, 310-mile **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)**, catering exclusively to hikers and backpackers. Its location near the popular, scenic section of the Cross River, close to the small North Shore community of Schroeder, makes it a highly sought-after destination for both thru-hikers and weekend section-hikers alike.

The core appeal of the South Cross River Camp lies in its **proximity to the cascading river**. The river's rushing water provides a powerful natural white noise—a feature often highlighted by visitors who describe it as a "real nice rear from the river to sleep to." While the noise is constant, it serves as a natural sound buffer, enhancing the sense of isolation and masking the sounds of other campers. The site is part of a network of over 90 designated SHT campsites, maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and the US Forest Service. These sites are designed to be primitive, first-come, first-served refuges that ensure campers adhere to **Leave No Trace** principles, making the experience authentically rugged and environmentally responsible. Its location, close to its counterpart, the North Cross River Camp (just 0.1 miles away), means that hikers have a good chance of securing a spot, though arriving early is always advised during peak seasons.

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**Location and Accessibility**

South Cross River Camp is located directly on the footpath of the **Superior Hiking Trail**, inland from Lake Superior in the **Superior National Forest**. The general location is within **Schroeder, MN 55613, USA**. Access to this camp is exclusively by foot via the SHT.

* **Nearest Trailheads:** The most common trailheads used to access this segment of the SHT are the **Temperance River Wayside Parking Lot** (off MN-61) and the **Cook County Road 1 (Cramer Road) Trailhead**. * **Foot Travel Only:** There is **no road access** to the camp. It must be reached by hiking several miles on the SHT from one of the nearest trailheads. The distance will vary based on the direction of travel (northbound or southbound) and the starting point chosen. * **Trail Terrain:** The segment of the SHT in this area, between Temperance River and Cook County Road 1, is known to follow both the historic Cross and Temperance Rivers, often traversing rich old-growth maple forests. The trail itself is generally well-marked with blue blazes, but like all of the SHT, it can be rugged, featuring roots, rocks, and elevation changes. * **Proximity to North Shore:** The location is ideally situated for Minnesotans section-hiking the popular middle stretches of the trail, placing them close to other scenic spots like the Temperance River State Park gorge.

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**Services Offered**

As a designated, free, backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, South Cross River Camp offers the essential, minimal facilities required for primitive, shared use. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all their gear and supplies, and operating under the assumption of no external support.

The standard, simple services provided at South Cross River Camp include:

• **Shared Campsite:** The site is **first-come, first-served** and designed to be shared. Campers are expected to make room for others, though the site is large and generally accommodates 2-5 tents comfortably.
• **Tent Pads:** **Multiple designated tent pads** are maintained to minimize impact on the forest floor, ensuring level spots for setting up camp. Reviewers note this site is spacious and can handle larger groups than average.
• **Fire Ring:** One centrally-located **rock or metal fire ring** is provided, often with nearby log benches for communal use (adhere to fire restrictions; campfires are not allowed outside of the provided rings).
• **Water Source:** The **Cross River** is the primary water source, located right next to the camp. This water is **non-potable** and must be properly collected, filtered, and treated before consumption.
• **Backcountry Latrine:** A simple, **open-air latrine** (or privy) is provided, typically a basic box toilet set discreetly a short distance from the tent pads. One reviewer noted it was "well exposed," which is a common feature of SHT privies.
• **No Fee/Reservation:** Use of the SHT campsites, including South Cross River, requires **no permits, fees, or reservations**.

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**Features / Highlights**

The South Cross River Camp's key highlights are deeply tied to its natural riparian environment and position on the SHT, making it a memorable stop for Minnesota hikers.

The highly-rated features and natural highlights of this campsite include:

• **Riverside Campfire:** The site features a **campfire ring right next to the river**, providing a scenic, tranquil setting for evening relaxation and cooking.
• **Constant River Sound:** The **cascading and rushing water** of the Cross River creates a continuous, high-volume natural soundscape—ideal for deep sleep and masking trail noises.
• **Excellent Space:** Reviewers consistently describe the site as **spacious**, often larger than many other SHT camps, making it a good choice for connecting with other backpackers or for larger permitted groups (maximum 9 people).
• **Twin Campsite Proximity:** Its close location to the **North Cross River Camp** (just 0.1 miles away) provides an excellent alternative option if the South site is already full, which is a rare but welcome contingency on the SHT.
• **Bridge and River Scenics:** The river features in this section, often including small cascades and rapids, make the site a beautiful location for photography and peaceful contemplation.
• **Central North Shore Base:** It is strategically located near the Tofte/Schroeder area, offering a prime launching point for hiking towards the Temperance River gorge to the south or the rugged terrain near Cook County Road 1 to the north.
• **Water Reliability:** As a river-side camp, the water source is typically **highly reliable**, even during dry summer months, which can be a concern at some ridge-top SHT camps.

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**Contact Information**

Since South Cross River Camp is a backcountry site, there is no direct phone or address. All official information, including trail maps and conditions, is managed by the non-profit **Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)** and the **US Forest Service**.

Primary Contact Details (Superior Hiking Trail Association / US Forest Service):

• Address (General SHTA): 7332 W. Grand Ave. #103, Duluth, MN 55807
• Phone (Superior National Forest/Tofte Ranger District): (218) 663-8060 (For fire restrictions and local conditions)
• Email/Website: Superior Hiking Trail Association website (The essential resource for maps, shuttle services, and current trail/campsite conditions.)
• Permits/Fees: **None required** for SHT campsites.

Note: Always check the SHTA website for the most current trail conditions, detours, and any emergency alerts before heading out, as the trail is dynamic and constantly maintained.

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**What is Worth Choosing: The Guaranteed River Serenity**

South Cross River Camp is an essential stop and absolutely worth choosing for any Minnesotan undertaking a backpacking trip on the Superior Hiking Trail. Its defining feature is the **guaranteed serenity** provided by its unique proximity to the **Cross River's cascades**.

What makes this site superior is the **powerful natural acoustics**. The constant, roaring white noise from the river provides an exceptional level of sound privacy, effectively isolating you from the nearby world and any other campers. This aural experience transforms a simple overnight stay into a deeply restful and restorative wilderness immersion. Furthermore, the combination of **spacious tent pads** and the scenic campfire right on the riverbank offers a high-quality, comfortable backcountry experience—a rare blend of primitive ruggedness and functional space.

For backpackers, the reliability of the **river as a water source** is a practical advantage, while the opportunity to camp beside such a dramatic natural feature elevates the aesthetic value of the site far above many inland forest camps. Choosing South Cross River Camp is choosing a spot where the rhythm of the wilderness is your dominant experience, making it a highly desirable, memorable, and necessary stop on any North Shore SHT itinerary. Just remember that it is a **shared site**, so be prepared to welcome fellow hikers around that riverside campfire.