Manitou Backpack Campsite #12

For those in Minnesota yearning for a genuine wilderness experience, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 offers an unparalleled opportunity. Tucked away within the magnificent George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, this campsite provides a true backcountry escape on the iconic North Shore. It's a destination specifically designed for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize solitude, challenging trails, and an intimate connection with Minnesota's pristine natural environment.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a unique jewel in Minnesota's state park system. Established in 1955 through a generous donation by mining magnate George H. Crosby, the park was intentionally preserved in its natural, undeveloped state. This commitment to wilderness means that all campsites, including Manitou Backpack Campsite #12, are accessible exclusively by foot. This design choice ensures a remarkably tranquil and immersive experience, setting it apart from more conventional drive-in campgrounds. The park's rugged terrain, with its dramatic river gorges, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife, makes it a favored spot for those who truly appreciate the wild heart of Minnesota.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 is located within the expansive George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, specifically referenced by the address Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. It is vital for visitors to understand that this address pinpoints the general area of the park, but the campsite itself is only reachable by hiking. This is a core aspect of the park's wilderness appeal.

To reach George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, most visitors will travel north from Duluth on State Highway 61 along the scenic North Shore. A common route involves turning west onto State Highway 1 approximately 6.2 miles past Tettegouche State Park (near Silver Bay). Continue on Highway 1 for about 8 miles, then turn right onto Lake County Road 7. Follow Lake County Road 7 for approximately another 8 miles until you arrive at the park entrance and the main parking area.

Once at the park's parking lot, the adventure to Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 begins on foot. All 21 designated campsites within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are hike-in, with distances from the parking lot varying from half a mile to 4.5 miles. Campsite #12 is situated along the park's extensive and often challenging trail system, which features hilly, rocky, and rooted terrain. Hikers should be well-prepared with appropriate footwear and should plan their journey to ensure they reach their campsite during daylight hours. Cell phone service can be unreliable within the park's remote interior, making a physical map or a downloaded offline map an essential navigation tool. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the gate closing overnight, allowing only registered campers to remain inside.

• Backpacking Campsites: Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 is one of 21 established, remote sites, providing a designated, cleared space for tent pitching.
• Primitive Facilities: Campsites typically come equipped with a wilderness toilet (pit latrine) and a loose stone fire ring for contained campfires. Log benches might also be available at some sites.
• Potable Water Access: A hand pump for potable water is available year-round at the Self-Registration Kiosk located near the park's main entrance. Any other water sources encountered within the park, such as the Manitou River or Benson Lake, must be boiled or treated before consumption to ensure safety.
• Firewood Policy: Campers are permitted to use dead and downed wood found within the backpack camping areas for small campfires in the provided fire rings. Alternatively, approved firewood can be purchased either at the park (if available) or from authorized local vendors outside the park.
• Pack-In/Pack-Out Requirement: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park enforces a strict pack-in/pack-out policy. All garbage and personal waste must be carried out of the park by visitors, leaving no trace behind.
• Permits and Fees: A valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for all vehicles entering the park, which can be purchased for a daily or annual fee at the entrance kiosk. Separate camping fees apply for overnight stays, and it is highly recommended to make advance reservations for your campsite, especially during peak seasons.

• Authentic Wilderness Experience: As a backpack-only campsite, Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 provides an unmatched opportunity for true wilderness immersion, offering solitude and a deep connection with nature away from crowds.
• Proximity to Manitou River: Many of the park's campsites, including those in the general vicinity of #12, are situated along the scenic and vigorous Manitou River, allowing campers to enjoy the tranquil sounds and picturesque views of the water.
• Challenging Hiking Trails: The park boasts 24 miles of rugged and rewarding hiking trails. These paths wind through dense forests of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods, leading to breathtaking natural features like the famous Cascades of the Manitou River and various scenic overlooks with views of Lake Superior and the majestic Sawtooth Mountains.
• Diverse Wildlife Viewing: The park's remote and undeveloped nature makes it an excellent location for wildlife observation. Visitors might encounter moose, deer, black bears, wolves, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, snowshoe hares, and a variety of other bird species.
• Trout Fishing Opportunities: Benson Lake and the Manitou River offer opportunities for trout fishing (including brown, rainbow, brook, and splake), requiring a valid Minnesota fishing license and trout stamp. Benson Lake is a non-motorized lake, ideal for quiet paddling in canoes or kayaks.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the park's clear night skies provide a superb canvas for stargazing, offering a spectacular view of constellations and celestial phenomena.
• Year-Round Appeal: While particularly popular in warmer months, the park's beauty extends into fall with vibrant foliage and offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking on ungroomed trails during the colder seasons.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 falls under the management of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

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

For general inquiries and specific park information, it is recommended to contact the park office that manages George H. Crosby Manitou, which is Tettegouche State Park.

Phone: 218-353-8800

Email: tettegouche.statepark@state.mn.us

Campsite reservations are typically made through the official Minnesota DNR website or by calling their reservation line directly: 866-857-2757.

For Minnesota residents, Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park represents an invaluable opportunity for authentic wilderness immersion right in their own state. It's a testament to Minnesota's commitment to preserving its wild spaces, offering a truly undeveloped and serene environment that stands in stark contrast to more urbanized recreational areas.

This campsite is exceptionally suitable for locals because it provides a relatively accessible yet profoundly remote backpacking experience. You don't need to embark on a cross-country journey to find deep solitude and rugged natural beauty; it's here, on the breathtaking North Shore. The hike-in nature of the campsites naturally ensures a higher level of privacy and quiet, making it ideal for those who truly wish to escape the noise and demands of daily life and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.

The park's challenging trails serve as an excellent proving ground for hikers of all experience levels, from those taking their first steps into backpacking to seasoned adventurers seeking a rigorous workout. The constant rewards of stunning waterfalls, diverse forests, and the potential for wildlife sightings make every step worthwhile. Furthermore, the park's strong adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles resonates deeply with the environmental values often held by Minnesotans, fostering a sense of shared stewardship for these precious wild lands.

Whether your aim is to test your endurance on demanding trails, find a peaceful spot to fish for trout, or simply fall asleep to the gentle murmur of a river under a blanket of stars, Manitou Backpack Campsite #12 offers an authentic and deeply fulfilling North Shore wilderness experience. It's an invitation for locals to embrace the wild spirit of Minnesota, just a few hours' drive from many communities.

You can see more about the experience of exploring this unique park in this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9jZnAy08zI)

Manitou Backpack Campsite #12

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA