Manitou Backpack Campsite #13

For Minnesotans yearning for a profound escape into untouched nature, Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 offers an unparalleled opportunity within the majestic George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. This is not a casual car-camping destination; it's a dedicated backpacking site that promises a true wilderness immersion. For local adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, it represents a chance to truly disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the raw, untamed beauty of Minnesota's legendary North Shore.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park stands as a testament to thoughtful conservation. Donated in 1955 by mining magnate George H. Crosby, the park was intentionally designated for minimal development. This deliberate choice has preserved its wild character, meaning that all campsites, including Manitou Backpack Campsite #13, are accessible only by foot. This ensures a level of solitude and a genuine backcountry experience that is increasingly rare, making it a cherished resource for those who value quiet and unspoiled natural landscapes. The park's rugged terrain, carved by the powerful Manitou River, offers breathtaking scenery and a challenging yet rewarding environment for exploration.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 is located deep within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, identified by the general address of Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. It is critical for prospective visitors to understand that this address guides you to the park's entrance and parking area, but the campsite itself requires a significant hike.

To reach George H. Crosby Manitou State Park from the more populated areas of Minnesota, one typically travels north from Duluth on State Highway 61, following the stunning North Shore. Approximately 6.2 miles north of Tettegouche State Park (near Silver Bay), turn west onto State Highway 1. Continue on Highway 1 for about 8 miles, then make a right turn onto Lake County Road 7. Follow Lake County Road 7 for approximately another 8 miles until you reach the park's main entrance and parking lot.

From the main parking area, the journey to Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 begins on foot. All 21 designated campsites in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are hike-in only, with distances ranging from half a mile to 4.5 miles. Campsite #13 is situated along the park's extensive and famously challenging trail system. The terrain is rugged, characterized by significant elevation changes, rocky sections, and abundant roots. It is highly advised to wear sturdy hiking boots, pack light, and plan your hike to ensure you arrive at your campsite well before dark. Recent reports indicate that the trail leading to sites 13-16 has experienced a landslide, making access difficult and muddy in parts; caution is advised, especially after heavy rains, until vegetation re-establishes. Given that cell phone service can be sporadic or nonexistent within the park's interior, carrying a physical map or having a downloaded offline map is crucial for safe navigation. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the main gate closing overnight, restricting access to registered campers only.

• Backpacking Campsites: Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 is one of 21 designated, remote sites, providing a cleared, natural space for setting up a tent. These sites are known for their quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
• Primitive Facilities: Campsites typically include a wilderness toilet (pit latrine) and a designated stone fire ring, suitable for small, contained campfires. Log benches might also be present at some sites.
• Potable Water Access: Potable water is available year-round from a hand pump located at the Self-Registration Kiosk near the park entrance. Any water sourced from natural bodies within the park, such as the Manitou River or Benson Lake, must be thoroughly boiled or treated with a reliable water filter or purifier before consumption.
• Firewood Policy: Campers are allowed to gather dead and downed wood found within the backpack camping areas for use in the designated fire rings. Alternatively, approved firewood can be purchased, often at the park or from authorized vendors outside the park, to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Strict Pack-In/Pack-Out Policy: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park enforces a stringent pack-in/pack-out policy. All garbage, food scraps, and personal waste must be carried out of the park by visitors, ensuring the preservation of its pristine condition.
• Required 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. Separate camping fees apply for overnight stays, and it is strongly recommended to make advance reservations for your campsite, especially during peak seasons, through the Minnesota DNR website.

• Unmatched Wilderness Solitude: As a backpack-only campsite, Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 provides a profound sense of isolation and tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking a true escape from urban noise and crowds.
• Close to the Manitou River: Many of the park's campsites, including those near #13, are located along the vibrant and fast-flowing Manitou River, offering the soothing sounds of rushing water and picturesque river views. Visitors often report the constant rumble of the river as a mesmerizing backdrop to their stay.
• Rugged and Rewarding Hiking: The park boasts 24 miles of demanding yet incredibly scenic hiking trails. These paths traverse dense forests of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods, leading to stunning natural features like the famous Cascades of the Manitou River and various overlooks with spectacular views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. The trail to sites 13-16 is known to be particularly rugged after recent landscape changes, adding to the challenge and adventure.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The park's remote and undeveloped nature provides prime habitat for a wide array of wildlife. Campers might have the chance to spot moose, deer, black bears, timber wolves, various bird species like ruffed grouse and Canadian jays, and smaller mammals such as snowshoe hares.
• Trout Fishing Opportunities: Both Benson Lake and sections of the Manitou River offer excellent opportunities for trout fishing, with species including brown, rainbow, brook, and splake trout. A valid Minnesota fishing license and trout stamp are required. Benson Lake is a non-motorized lake, perfect for quiet paddling.
• Stellar Stargazing: With very minimal light pollution, the night skies over George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are exceptionally clear, providing a breathtaking canvas for stargazing and observing celestial phenomena.
• Seasonal Beauty: While popular for summer and fall hiking with vibrant foliage, the park also offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking on ungroomed trails in the colder months, providing year-round appeal for hardy adventurers.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 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 specific park information, as George H. Crosby Manitou State Park does not have an on-site office, it is best to contact the managing park office, Tettegouche State Park:

Phone: 218-353-8800

Email: tettegouche.statepark@state.mn.us

Campsite reservations are typically made through the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or by calling their reservation line: 866-857-2757.

For Minnesotans, Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 and the broader George H. Crosby Manitou State Park represent an invaluable asset: an authentic, challenging, and profoundly rewarding wilderness experience right in their home state. This park truly stands apart from more developed recreational areas, offering a crucial opportunity for local residents to fully immerse themselves in the wild.

Its suitability for locals is multifaceted. First, it provides a unique, relatively close-to-home destination for genuine backcountry camping. You don't need to travel vast distances to find true solitude and rugged natural beauty; it's accessible right here on the iconic North Shore. The hike-in nature of the sites acts as a natural filter, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded environment, which is highly appealing to those seeking quietude and a deep connection with the natural world.

The demanding yet immensely rewarding trail system is perfect for Minnesotans of all hiking abilities, from those looking to build their backpacking skills to seasoned adventurers seeking a strenuous and beautiful trek. The stunning natural features—cascading waterfalls, ancient forests, and the raw power of the Manitou River—provide constant visual and auditory delights. Furthermore, the park's strong emphasis on "Leave No Trace" principles aligns perfectly with the environmental stewardship values often held by Minnesota residents, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for preserving these precious wild lands for generations to come.

Whether your goal is to test your endurance on challenging trails, find a serene spot to fish for native trout, or simply fall asleep to the natural symphony of the wilderness under an unpolluted, star-filled sky, Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 offers an authentic and deeply fulfilling North Shore wilderness experience. It's an invitation for locals to embrace the wild heart of Minnesota, just a few hours' drive from many communities, providing a vital opportunity for mental and physical rejuvenation.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA