West Kennedy Creek Camp

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota’s dedicated outdoor community, a stay at a Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) campsite is the quintessential North Shore backpacking experience. The West Kennedy Creek Camp offers a classic, rugged example of this wilderness lodging. Situated in the backcountry near Silver Bay, this primitive, hike-in site provides a necessary and beautiful resting spot along the challenging and rewarding stretch of the SHT between Tettegouche State Park and the towns further north.

As a designated SHT campsite, West Kennedy Creek is maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA) and relies entirely on the hiker's adherence to Leave No Trace principles. It is a shared, first-come, first-served site—a key feature of the entire trail system that fosters a friendly, communal atmosphere among adventurers. It is often contrasted with its neighboring site, East Kennedy Creek, with the West site generally being described as being on the “higher of the two” locations. This higher elevation likely contributes to its status as a “Beautiful Backcountry Camp”, as noted by users, offering a more removed feel from the valley floor and potential marshy areas. However, this part of the North Shore bore the brunt of a significant ice storm around 2013, a historical detail that has left its mark on the immediate surroundings with "many rotting/broken trees." This contributes to the genuine, untamed atmosphere that experienced backpackers often seek out, demanding respect for the raw power of the Minnesota wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

West Kennedy Creek Camp is geographically located in the North Shore region, near Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA, deep within the corridor of the Superior Hiking Trail. Its location is specifically marked at SHT Mile 159.2 (mileage counting north from the southern terminus).

Accessibility is strictly hike-in only. There are no roads, car camping, or motorized access routes to the site. Hikers typically access this section of the SHT via trailheads on or near Highway 61. Common access points for those heading toward West Kennedy Creek include:

• Tettegouche State Park Trailhead: Located south of the site, requiring a significant hike, typically around 4.7 miles (one-way) to the Tettegouche State Park Campground or a longer hike to the Kennedy Creek area itself.
• Lake County Road 6 Trailhead: Located north of the site, providing an access point for shorter section hikes from the north.
• Section 13 Trailhead: A popular intermediate parking area often used to access this challenging, scenic stretch of the trail.

The terrain surrounding the West Kennedy Creek site is typical of this rugged SHT section, characterized by dramatic ascents and descents through rock outcroppings, steep cliffs, and thick forest. The hike is challenging, demanding attention to footing on rocky, rooted paths. However, this effort is rewarded with a remote, deeply forested experience. The site itself is accessed via a clearly marked, short spur trail leading off the main SHT footpath.

Services Offered

As a designated Backcountry Camp on the SHT, West Kennedy Creek provides a standard set of minimal, primitive services designed to minimize human impact and maximize the wilderness experience. Hikers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own food, fuel, and the means to treat water.

• Tenting Capacity: The site provides established tent pads, typically built of wood or flattened earth, designed to accommodate around 2 to 5 tents (up to 9 people total), though its higher location and surrounding terrain mean the primary tent pads are the most viable option.
• Hammock Use: One review notes the site is “Better for tents than hammocks”, suggesting the tree spacing or the density of deadfall (due to the past ice storm) may not be ideal for easy hammock hanging.
• Latrine: An established, open-air backcountry latrine (pit toilet) is provided, located a discreet distance from the sleeping area.
• Fire Ring: A single, centrally located rock or metal fire ring is available for shared use, often equipped with a rustic bench. Campfires are only permitted in this ring and are subject to current fire restrictions.
• Water Source: The site is situated near Kennedy Creek, which serves as the primary water source. Hikers must carry a reliable water filter or chemical treatment system, as the water is untreated.
• Permits/Fees: Consistent with all SHT backcountry sites, no permits or fees are required for camping. The site is first-come, first-served.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of West Kennedy Creek Camp for the Minnesota backpacker lies in its rugged beauty, seclusion, and location within a scenic, challenging stretch of the SHT.

• Proximity to Kennedy Creek: The easy access to Kennedy Creek provides a consistent and reliable water source, a crucial factor for multi-day backpackers. The sound of the running creek also adds a peaceful, natural ambiance to the campsite.
• Seclusion and High Elevation: Being the "higher of the two" Kennedy Creek sites, the West Camp generally offers a drier, more secluded environment away from the main trail and potentially marshy areas, appealing to those seeking maximum solitude in the woods.
• Wilderness Aesthetic: The area bears the marks of the 2013 ice storm, resulting in a unique, untamed landscape with fallen trees that, while requiring care, contribute to a true wilderness aesthetic that connects the hiker to the powerful forces of nature on the North Shore.
• Access to Overlooks: This segment of the SHT is famous for its stunning climbs to rocky vistas overlooking Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. The camp serves as an excellent base for tackling day hikes to these major overlooks in the Tettegouche-Silver Bay area.
• Off-Grid Experience: Situated miles from any vehicular access and without phone service, the camp offers a fully unplugged, self-reliant experience, perfect for disconnecting from daily life and fully immersing oneself in the North Woods.

Contact Information

West Kennedy Creek Camp is a remote, unmanned backpacking facility. For accurate, up-to-the-minute information on the trail and the campsite, including alerts, closures, and conditions, contact the managing non-profit association.

• Managing Entity: Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)
• Address (General Area): Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
• Phone for SHT Inquiries: (218) 834-2700 (SHTA Office in Two Harbors—use this number for general trail logistics, maps, and condition reports.)
• Emergency Contact: For emergencies, contact 911 (and be prepared to provide precise SHT mile markers or GPS coordinates for your location).

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing West Kennedy Creek Camp is an excellent decision for the experienced Minnesota backpacker seeking true seclusion and a challenge along one of the North Shore's most breathtaking sections.

The primary reason this site is worth choosing is its high level of privacy and authentic wilderness feel. Located on a higher bench and generally quieter than its neighbor, it provides the deep solitude necessary for a restorative night under the stars. For those who appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of the North Woods, the setting, marked by the remnants of the ice storm, offers a compelling backdrop that feels miles away from civilization.

Furthermore, its location is strategically valuable. It positions the hiker perfectly to tackle the dramatic views and elevation changes of the surrounding SHT segments, particularly those leading toward Section 13 Overlook or the Tettegouche area. By providing reliable water access and a sturdy place to pitch a tent, it functions as the essential, reliable anchor required to complete the demanding middle miles of the trail. For a committed backpacker looking to push their mileage while still ensuring a quiet, established, and beautiful place to rest, West Kennedy Creek Camp is an indispensable stop.