Stewart River Camp

For Minnesotans who cherish genuine backcountry experiences and the rugged beauty of the North Shore, Stewart River Camp stands as a testament to rustic charm along the renowned Superior Hiking Trail. Located near Two Harbors, this hike-in campsite offers a vital resting point for backpackers and day hikers alike, providing a peaceful and spacious setting directly adjacent to the tranquil Stewart River. It's a place where the wild embrace of Minnesota's natural landscape truly takes center stage, inviting visitors to disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet solitude of the forest.

The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a crown jewel of Minnesota's outdoor recreation, stretching for hundreds of miles with countless opportunities for adventure. Stewart River Camp embodies the essence of SHT camping: simple, accessible, and deeply connected to nature. It's not a campground with amenities like showers or electric hookups, but rather a dedicated, Leave No Trace-style campsite designed for self-sufficient hikers. This provides a truly authentic backpacking experience, allowing Minnesotans to fully appreciate the raw beauty of the region. The close proximity to the river offers not only scenic views but also a convenient water source (requiring filtration, of course) and a calming natural soundtrack for your overnight stay.

While some might note the occasional train noise as a minor downside, for many, this simply adds to the unique character of the North Shore's working landscape. The emphasis at Stewart River Camp is on the immersive natural setting, the expansive space for setting up camp, and the easy access to the river, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a true wilderness escape within their home state.

Stewart River Camp is uniquely situated directly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), near Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA. This location is a key aspect of its identity, as it is primarily a hike-in campsite, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Instead, visitors reach it by traversing sections of the SHT, making the journey to the camp an integral part of the overall experience.

Two Harbors, a charming city on the North Shore of Lake Superior, serves as the closest major town. It offers services, supplies, and trailhead access points for various sections of the SHT. Hikers typically access the Stewart River Camp via specific trail segments. For instance, the section of the SHT that crosses the scenic Stewart River would lead directly to this campsite. While the camp itself is remote and nestled in the wilderness, the overall accessibility of the Superior Hiking Trail system from Minnesota's major cities, including Duluth, is well-established. Trailheads are generally marked, and shuttle services are available along portions of the SHT to assist with logistics for section hikers. This combination of a remote, natural setting and connection to a well-known trail system makes Stewart River Camp an accessible wilderness experience for Minnesota locals who are prepared for backpacking.

Stewart River Camp is a designated backcountry campsite along the Superior Hiking Trail, meaning its services are focused on providing essential, minimalist support for backpackers. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find amenities like flush toilets, showers, or electrical hookups. Instead, the services offered are designed to complement a Leave No Trace camping philosophy:

• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: The campsite offers flat, cleared spaces suitable for pitching tents. Reviews highlight "lots of space for tents," indicating ample room to spread out.

• Hammock-Friendly Space: Also noted in reviews, the site accommodates hammocks, suggesting suitable trees and clearings for hanging.

• Central Fire Ring: Typically, SHT campsites, including Stewart River Camp, feature one centrally located fire ring with benches, allowing for communal campfires (when fire conditions permit and safely extinguished).

• Backcountry Latrine: An open-air, self-composting latrine is usually provided at SHT campsites for waste disposal, located a short distance from the main camping area.

• Natural Water Source: Located "very close and easy access to river," the Stewart River itself serves as the primary water source. Campers are required to filter or treat all water from natural sources before consumption.

• Shared Use: SHT campsites are typically first-come, first-served and must be shared with other hikers. There are no reservations or fees required for these backcountry sites.

• Picnic Areas: While not formal tables, benches or log seating around the fire ring often serve as informal picnic spots.

Stewart River Camp, as a component of the vast Superior Hiking Trail, offers a distinct set of features and highlights that appeal to backpackers and nature lovers in Minnesota:

• Direct River Access: A significant highlight is its "very close and easy access to river." This allows for convenient water collection (with treatment), peaceful riverside relaxation, and the soothing sounds of flowing water, enhancing the wilderness ambiance.

• Spacious Camping Areas: Reviews emphasize "lots of space for tents and hammocks," which is a notable advantage, especially for a backcountry site. This allows for comfortable setup and a less crowded feel, even when other groups are present.

• Immersive Wilderness Setting: The camp is nestled deeply within the natural environment along the SHT, offering a true escape from urban noise and light pollution. This provides excellent opportunities for stargazing and wildlife observation.

• Strategic Location on the Superior Hiking Trail: As a designated SHT campsite, it serves as a crucial stop for thru-hikers and section hikers. Its position along a specific trail segment means it's part of a larger, well-maintained long-distance footpath, providing access to extensive hiking opportunities.

• Rustic and Authentic Backpacking Experience: The lack of modern amenities emphasizes self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to nature, appealing to experienced backpackers and those seeking a more rugged outdoor adventure.

• Scenic Surroundings: The trail section leading to and from Stewart River Camp, including the crossing of the river, is often noted for its mixed forests, ponds, and wetlands. While some sections of the SHT might have occasional mud, the overall scenery is appreciated.

• Shared Campsite Ethos: SHT campsites operate on a shared, first-come, first-served basis. This fosters a unique sense of community among hikers, often leading to friendly interactions around the fire ring and a shared appreciation for the trail.

• Opportunities for Exploration: From Stewart River Camp, hikers can easily continue their journey along the SHT to other notable campsites and points of interest, allowing for multi-day backpacking trips with diverse landscapes.

Stewart River Camp is a backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail and does not have a direct phone number or visitor center.

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

For detailed information about Stewart River Camp, including its exact location on SHT maps, water source reliability, and any current trail conditions or alerts, the best resources are the official Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) website (superiorhiking.org) and their detailed guidebooks and maps (such as the Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook or Trail Atlas). The SHTA website also provides FAQs regarding SHT campsites, including information on rules, shared use, and Leave No Trace principles.

General inquiries about the Superior Hiking Trail or its campsites would typically be directed to the Superior Hiking Trail Association. They do not publish a public phone number for general inquiries, as most information is provided online or through their published materials. For emergencies on the trail, always dial 911.

Stewart River Camp is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals who embrace the authentic backpacking and hiking culture of their state. Its placement directly on the Superior Hiking Trail near Two Harbors offers immediate access to one of Minnesota's most iconic long-distance footpaths. This isn't a typical drive-up campground; it's a true wilderness experience that encourages self-reliance and a deep connection with nature, which resonates strongly with many Minnesotans.

The camp's "very close and easy access to river" provides a crucial water source and a serene ambiance, enhancing the overall tranquility of the site. Its spacious layout for tents and hammocks ensures that, even with other hikers present, there's ample room to comfortably set up camp. While the occasional train noise is a minor consideration, for many, it's a small trade-off for the immersive natural setting and the exhilarating feeling of being deep in the Northwoods. For any Minnesotan looking to challenge themselves on the SHT, experience true backcountry camping, or simply find a peaceful retreat surrounded by trees and the sound of flowing water, Stewart River Camp offers an unparalleled and authentic adventure right in their beloved home state.