Manitou Backpack Campsite #15

For Minnesotans who truly cherish the raw, untamed essence of the outdoors, Manitou Backpack Campsite #15 offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in a profound wilderness experience. Tucked away within the captivating George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, this is far from your typical drive-up campground. It’s a dedicated backpacking site, meticulously preserved for those who seek deep solitude, challenging hikes, and an intimate connection with the untouched natural splendor of Minnesota's legendary North Shore. For local adventurers, it represents the pinnacle of disconnecting from modern life and truly recharging amidst pristine landscapes.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a jewel in Minnesota's state park system, unique in its unwavering commitment to wilderness preservation. Donated in 1955 by the visionary mining magnate George H. Crosby, the park was intentionally designed with minimal infrastructure. This deliberate approach ensures that all campsites, including Manitou Backpack Campsite #15, are accessible exclusively by foot. This policy cultivates an unparalleled sense of tranquility and an authentic backcountry adventure, setting it distinctly apart from more developed recreational areas. The park's rugged terrain, characterized by dramatic river gorges, ancient forests, and thriving wildlife, makes it a cherished haven for those who truly appreciate the wild heart of Minnesota.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #15 is situated deep within the expansive George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, generally associated with the address Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. It is absolutely crucial for prospective visitors to understand that this address serves as a guide to the park's main entrance and parking area. However, accessing Campsite #15 requires a substantial and often challenging hike, a fundamental aspect of this park's wilderness experience.

To reach George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, most travelers from Minnesota's population centers will drive north on State Highway 61, following the renowned scenic route along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Approximately 6.2 miles north of Tettegouche State Park (located 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. Proceed on Lake County Road 7 for roughly another 8 miles until you arrive at the park's main entrance and the primary parking lot.

From the parking lot, your true adventure to Manitou Backpack Campsite #15 begins on foot. All 21 designated campsites within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are exclusively hike-in, with distances from the parking area varying from half a mile to 4.5 miles. Campsite #15 is located along the park's extensive and famously challenging trail system. The terrain is rugged, featuring considerable elevation changes, rocky sections, and abundant roots, demanding sturdy hiking boots and careful footing. It is highly recommended to pack light and plan your hike to ensure you reach your campsite well before dark. It's important to be aware that the trail segment leading to sites 13-16, which includes Campsite #15, has been affected by a recent landslide. This can make the trail particularly difficult and potentially muddy in certain sections, especially after heavy rains, so caution is paramount until the landscape fully stabilizes. Given that cell phone service can be unreliable 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 maintains daily operating hours 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 #15 is one of 21 designated, remote sites, providing a natural, cleared space suitable for pitching a tent. These sites are highly prized for their quiet and secluded atmosphere, offering a true escape.
• Primitive Facilities: Each campsite typically includes a wilderness toilet (pit latrine) for waste disposal and a designated stone fire ring, allowing for small, contained campfires. In some instances, log benches may also be present.
• Potable Water Access: Potable water is available 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 help 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 rigorously enforces a pack-in/pack-out policy. All garbage, food waste, and personal refuse must be carried out of the park by visitors, ensuring the ongoing 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 #15 offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and tranquility, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking to escape urban noise and crowds and truly connect with nature.
• Manitou River Proximity: Many of the park's campsites, including those in the general vicinity of #15, 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 15 is particularly rugged, promising a challenging but deeply rewarding trek.
• Abundant Wildlife Observation: 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 Opportunities: 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 without interference.
• Year-Round Appeal: While particularly popular for summer hiking and stunning fall 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 #15 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 #15 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 #15 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 rugged beauty of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park and what to expect on a trip there by watching this video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9jZnAy08zI)

Manitou Backpack Campsite #15

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA