Manitou Backpack Campsite #14

For Minnesotans passionate about raw, untamed nature, Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 presents an exceptional opportunity to dive deep into the wilderness of the North Shore. Situated within the pristine George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, this is not a casual destination for car campers. Instead, it offers a rigorous yet profoundly rewarding backpacking experience, designed for those who truly wish to unplug, challenge themselves, and connect intimately with Minnesota's preserved natural landscapes.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park holds a distinct place in Minnesota's acclaimed park system. Donated in 1955 by George H. Crosby, a forward-thinking mining magnate, the park was intentionally developed with minimal infrastructure to maintain its wild character. This commitment to an undeveloped wilderness means that all campsites, including Manitou Backpack Campsite #14, are accessible exclusively by foot. This design choice ensures an unparalleled sense of solitude and a genuine backcountry adventure, setting it apart from more conventional campgrounds. The park's rugged terrain, characterized by deep river gorges, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife, makes it a cherished haven for those who seek the authentic wild heart of Minnesota.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 is located within the remote expanse of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, which is generally referenced by the address Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. It is crucial for prospective visitors to understand that this address leads to the park's main entrance and parking area, but the campsite itself is only accessible via a significant hike.

To reach George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, most travelers from central or southern Minnesota will head north on State Highway 61 along the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior. 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 the primary parking lot.

From the parking lot, the true journey to Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 begins on foot. All 21 designated campsites within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are hike-in only, with distances from the parking area ranging from half a mile to 4.5 miles. Campsite #14 is positioned along the park's extensive and notably challenging trail system. The terrain is rugged, featuring considerable elevation changes, rocky sections, and numerous roots. Proper, sturdy hiking boots are essential, and it is highly recommended to plan your hike to ensure you reach your campsite well before dark. It's important to note that the trail leading to sites 13-16, which includes Campsite #14, has been impacted by a recent landslide, making it particularly difficult and potentially muddy in certain sections. Caution is advised, especially after heavy rains, until the landscape fully stabilizes. Given that cell phone service can be sporadic or nonexistent within the park's remote interior, carrying a physical map or having a downloaded offline map is an indispensable tool for safe navigation. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the main gate closing overnight, allowing only registered campers to remain within the park's boundaries during quiet hours.

• Backpacking Campsites: Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 is one of 21 designated, remote sites, providing a natural, cleared space suitable for pitching a tent. These sites are valued for their quiet and secluded atmosphere.
• Primitive Facilities: Each campsite typically includes a wilderness toilet (pit latrine) and a designated stone fire ring, allowing for small, contained campfires. Some sites may also feature log benches.
• Potable Water Access: Potable water is accessible year-round from a hand pump located at the Self-Registration Kiosk near the park's main entrance. Any water collected 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 it is safe for consumption.
• Firewood Policy: Campers are permitted to gather dead and downed wood found within the backpack camping areas for use in the provided fire rings. To prevent the spread of invasive species, it is also advised to purchase approved firewood, which may be available at the park or from authorized local vendors outside the park.
• Strict Pack-In/Pack-Out Policy: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park maintains a stringent pack-in/pack-out policy. All garbage, food waste, and personal refuse must be carried out of the park by visitors, ensuring the preservation of its pristine wilderness.
• Required Permits and Fees: A valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is mandatory for all vehicles entering the park. This permit can be purchased for a daily or annual fee 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.

• Ultimate Wilderness Seclusion: As a backpack-only site, Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and tranquility, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking to escape urban noise and crowds.
• Manitou River Experience: Many of the park's campsites, including those in the general vicinity of #14, are located along the powerful and scenic Manitou River. Campers can enjoy the continuous, soothing sounds of rushing water and picturesque river views, often cited as a highlight of their stay.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hiking: The park boasts 24 miles of rugged and incredibly scenic hiking trails. These paths wind through dense, old-growth forests of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods, leading to breathtaking natural features like the famous Cascades of the Manitou River and various overlooks with spectacular views of Lake Superior and the majestic Sawtooth Mountains. The trail to site 14 is particularly rugged, adding to the sense of achievement.
• Abundant Wildlife Opportunities: The park's remote and undeveloped nature creates prime habitat for a wide array of wildlife. Visitors might have the chance to spot moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, timber wolves, various bird species like ruffed grouse and Canadian jays, and smaller mammals such as snowshoe hares.
• Trout Fishing: Both Benson Lake and sections of the Manitou River offer excellent opportunities for trout fishing (including brown, rainbow, brook, and splake). A valid Minnesota fishing license and trout stamp are required. Benson Lake is a non-motorized lake, ideal for quiet paddling in canoes or kayaks.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies over George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are remarkably clear, providing a superb canvas for stargazing and observing celestial phenomena.
• Year-Round Appeal: While particularly popular for summer and fall hiking with stunning foliage, the park also offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking on ungroomed trails during the colder seasons, providing year-round adventure for hardy individuals.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 is managed as part 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, 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 Minnesota residents, Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park represents an invaluable opportunity for authentic wilderness immersion 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 embark on a cross-country journey to find deep solitude and rugged natural beauty; it's accessible right here on the breathtaking 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 constant rewards of stunning 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 #14 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, providing a vital opportunity for mental and physical rejuvenation.

You can learn more about the park's rugged beauty and what to expect on a trip there by watching this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9jZnAy08zI)

Manitou Backpack Campsite #14

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA