Manitou Backpack Campsite #10

Nestled deep within the breathtaking George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 offers Minnesotans a unique and immersive wilderness experience. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a true escape into the rugged beauty of the North Shore, designed for those who seek solitude, adventure, and a deep connection with nature. For local outdoor enthusiasts, this campsite represents an unparalleled opportunity to unplug and recharge in one of the state's most pristine environments.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park itself is a testament to Minnesota's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Donated in 1955 by mining magnate George H. Crosby, the park was intentionally developed with minimal infrastructure to maintain its wild character. This focus on wilderness means that the campsites, including Manitou Backpack Campsite #10, are accessible only by foot, ensuring a truly remote and peaceful stay.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is situated within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, located in Lake County, Minnesota, specifically at Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. While the address provides a general location, it's crucial to understand that this campsite is not directly reachable by vehicle. It requires a commitment to backpacking.

To reach the park, most visitors typically take State Highway 61 north from Duluth towards the North Shore. Just past Tettegouche State Park (near Silver Bay), you'll turn left (west) onto State Highway 1. Continue on Highway 1 for approximately 6.2 miles, then turn right onto Cramer Road (also known as Lake County Road 7). Follow Lake County Road 7 for about 8 miles until you reach the park entrance and parking area.

Once at the park's main parking lot, your journey to Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 truly begins. All campsites within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are hike-in, ranging from half a mile to 4.5 miles from the parking area. Campsite #10, like others, is marked along the extensive trail system that winds through the park's diverse landscapes. Visitors should be prepared for rugged, hilly terrain, with trails that can be steep, rocky, and rooted. It is highly recommended to plan your hike during daylight hours and to wear durable footwear. Cell phone service can be spotty within the park, so a downloaded map or physical map is essential for navigation. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the gate closing overnight, except for registered campers.

• Backpacking Campsites: Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is one of 21 designated, remote backpacking sites within the park, providing a signed clearing for your tent.
• Primitive Facilities: Campsites typically include a wilderness toilet (pit latrine) and a loose stone fire ring. Log benches may also be present.
• Water Source: Potable water is available year-round from a hand pump located at the Self-Registration Kiosk near the park entrance. Any other water sources within the park (such as the Manitou River or Benson Lake) must be boiled or treated before consumption.
• Firewood: Campers are permitted to use dead and downed wood found within the backpack camping areas for small campfires in designated fire rings. It is also possible to purchase approved firewood at the park or from authorized local vendors.
• Pack-In/Pack-Out Policy: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park operates on a strict pack-in/pack-out policy. All garbage and waste must be carried out of the park by visitors.
• Permits and Fees: A valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering the park, available for daily or annual purchase at the entrance kiosk. Camping fees are separate and typically require advance reservations.

• True Wilderness Experience: As a backpack-only campsite, Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 offers a genuine wilderness escape, far from the noise and crowds of more developed campgrounds.
• Scenic Manitou River Access: Many of the park's campsites, including those in the vicinity of #10, are located along the beautiful and fast-flowing Manitou River, offering soothing sounds and picturesque views.
• Rugged Hiking Trails: The park boasts 24 miles of challenging and rewarding hiking trails that wind through a diverse forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods. These trails lead to stunning waterfalls, including the famous Cascades of the Manitou River, and scenic overlooks with views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote nature of the park means a higher chance of encountering various wildlife, including moose, deer, bear, wolves, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, snowshoe rabbits, and Canadian jays.
• Trout Fishing: Benson Lake and the Manitou River offer opportunities for trout fishing (brown, rainbow, brook, and splake), requiring a valid Minnesota fishing license and trout stamp. Benson Lake is a non-motorized lake, ideal for canoes and kayaks.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the park provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing and enjoying the vast night sky.
• Seasonal Beauty: The park is beautiful year-round, with stunning fall colors, and opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking on ungroomed trails in the colder months.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is managed as part of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park)

For general inquiries and park information, you can contact the park office (managed by Tettegouche State Park):

Phone: 218-353-8800

Email: tettegouche.statepark@state.mn.us

Reservations for campsites can typically be made through the Minnesota DNR website or by calling their reservation line: 866-857-2757.

For residents of Minnesota, Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park offer a truly unique and accessible wilderness adventure right in their backyard. In a world that often feels over-developed, this park stands out as a genuine hidden gem, preserving a rugged landscape for intrepid explorers.

This campsite is particularly suitable for locals because it provides a relatively close-to-home opportunity to experience deep backcountry camping without needing to travel vast distances. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in the natural world. The hike-in nature of the sites ensures a higher level of solitude than many other campgrounds, appealing to those seeking peace and quiet.

The challenging trails are a perfect proving ground for hikers of all experience levels, from those taking their first backpacking trip to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts looking for a strenuous workout. The stunning waterfalls, diverse forest, and opportunities for wildlife viewing provide constant rewards for your efforts. Furthermore, the "Leave No Trace" philosophy strongly enforced here resonates with the values of many Minnesotans who appreciate and actively participate in preserving their state's natural beauty.

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on rugged trails, find a tranquil spot to fish for trout, or simply fall asleep to the sound of a rushing river under a canopy of stars, Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 offers an authentic North Shore wilderness experience that is both rewarding and deeply restorative. It’s a chance to embrace the wild spirit of Minnesota, just a few hours' drive from many population centers.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA