Manitou Backpack Campsite 18

For Minnesotans who truly crave an immersive and challenging wilderness experience, Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 stands as an unparalleled destination. Located within the rugged and pristine George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, near Maple, MN, this campsite is not for the faint of heart or those seeking traditional amenities. Instead, it offers an authentic backpacking adventure, where solitude, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature are the primary draws. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park itself is a unique gem on Minnesota's North Shore, deliberately maintained as a primitive park with limited development, making it a true "hidden gem" for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Manitou Backpack Campsite 18, like all sites in this park, is accessible only by hiking trail. This means you’ll be packing in all your gear, food, and water purification supplies, embracing a low-impact camping philosophy that ensures the preservation of this fragile ecosystem. The park is renowned for its wild, untamed beauty, featuring the cascading Manitou River, which tumbles through a scenic rocky gorge, and Bensen Lake, a tranquil trout lake. The campsites are strategically scattered along the trails, offering a high degree of seclusion and a true sense of being alone in the wilderness. Many sites, including those near the Manitou River, provide the soothing backdrop of rushing water, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.

The appeal of Campsite 18 lies in its rugged authenticity. This is where you come to truly unplug, away from the constant buzz of technology and urban life. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest and river dominate, and the night sky is illuminated by countless stars. While the trails can be challenging, even "poorly maintained" or "muddy" at times, this only adds to the sense of adventure and the reward of reaching your secluded haven. For Minnesotans who pride themselves on their resilience and love for the outdoors, a trip to Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 promises an unforgettable and deeply satisfying wilderness journey, a testament to the wild heart of the North Shore.

Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 is nestled within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, located near Maple, Minnesota. Its precise geographic location is FVCJ+JR, Maple, MN 55614, USA. It is crucial to understand that this is a true backcountry campsite, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. The park itself is designed for wilderness immersion, prioritizing foot traffic and low-impact exploration.

Accessibility to Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 is exclusively by hiking. All gear must be backpacked in, as there is no transportation for camping equipment. The campsites within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are scattered along extensive hiking trails, ranging from a quarter-mile to 4.5 miles (each way) from the parking lot. Campsite 18 is specifically one of the sites located near Bensen Lake, which are typically shorter hikes from the main parking area, often between 0.2 to 0.5 miles.

To reach the park, visitors typically drive along Minnesota's scenic Highway 61 (the North Shore Scenic Drive) northeast from Duluth. The turn-off is often near Tettegouche State Park, where you would turn onto State Highway 1 in Illgen City and then onto Cramer Road. While the park entrance is drive-accessible, the journey to Campsite 18 begins at the park's main parking area. The trails are known for their rugged and hilly terrain, with elevation changes and potentially wet or muddy spots, particularly along the Manitou River. Some trails might even be "poorly maintained" or have "fallen trees," adding to the challenging and authentic backcountry experience. Visitors should be prepared for strenuous hiking and possess good navigational skills with maps. Despite the ruggedness, the accessibility by foot makes it a prime destination for dedicated backpackers seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness adventure.

• Hike-in Only Access: Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 is a true backpack-in site, meaning there is no vehicular access. All gear and supplies must be carried in by the camper, promoting a genuine wilderness experience and minimal impact.
• Signed Clearing: The campsite typically provides a signed clearing, indicating the designated camping area. This helps ensure campers stay on durable surfaces and do not create new impact areas.
• Wilderness Toilet: Each site usually includes a wilderness toilet, which is a primitive, open-air pit latrine. Campers are expected to follow specific guidelines for its use and proper waste disposal.
• Log Benches: Some campsites may feature rustic log benches, offering a simple seating area within the wilderness setting.
• Stone Fire Ring: A stone fire ring is generally provided at each site for safe and contained campfires. However, it's crucial to note that open fires may be prohibited in wilderness areas or during certain conditions; visitors are often encouraged to use gas or alcohol stoves.
• Food Suspension Pole: To protect food from bears and other wildlife, some campsites may have a horizontal pole installed between two trees for suspending food bags out of reach.
• Non-Potable Water Source: Water for drinking and cooking must be sourced from nearby natural bodies (like Bensen Lake or the Manitou River) and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as no potable water is available directly at the campsite.
• Pack In, Pack Out Policy: As a primitive wilderness site, there is no trash service. All trash and waste must be packed out by campers, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• Year-Round Camping (with winter access considerations): While camping is available year-round, the main parking area may be closed in winter, requiring a longer hike in for cold-weather enthusiasts.

• True Wilderness Seclusion: The most significant highlight of Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 is its unparalleled level of seclusion. Accessible only by hiking, it ensures a profound sense of solitude, allowing campers to truly disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the quiet of the Northwoods.
• Rugged North Shore Terrain: The park's "rugged, hilly terrain" and "twenty-three miles of rugged backpack trails" provide a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. This makes the journey to the campsite an adventure in itself, appealing to experienced backpackers.
• Proximity to Manitou River/Bensen Lake: Campsite 18 is noted to be near Bensen Lake, offering serene lake views and potential for trout fishing. Other campsites in the park are located along the fast-flowing Manitou River, providing the soothing sound of rushing water, which is highly valued by campers.
• Access to Superior Hiking Trail: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park provides direct access to sections of the renowned Superior Hiking Trail, offering extended trekking opportunities for those who wish to explore even further along Minnesota's stunning North Shore.
• Waterfalls and Scenic Gorges: The Manitou River, which cascades through a highly scenic rocky gorge within the park, features several waterfalls, including High Falls (60-70 ft high). Exploring these natural wonders is a major draw for visitors.
• Authentic Primitive Camping: With minimal amenities (signed clearing, wilderness toilet, fire ring), the campsite offers a genuine primitive camping experience, encouraging self-reliance and a deep respect for the natural environment.
• Rich Biodiversity: The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including old-growth forests with large white pines, and opportunities for wildlife sightings, enhancing the wilderness immersion.
• Unspoiled Night Skies: Away from light pollution, the night skies above Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 are spectacular, providing incredible stargazing opportunities.

As a designated backpack campsite within a state park that emphasizes primitive wilderness, Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 does not have a direct phone number or on-site staff. It is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

Address:

Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 (within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park)

FVCJ+JR, Maple, MN 55614, USA

For all inquiries regarding reservations, park regulations, trail conditions, and general information about George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, visitors should contact the Minnesota DNR or the park office directly. Reservations for backpack campsites are typically made through the Minnesota DNR's reservation system, either online or by phone.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Office (closest managing office):

While this is a primitive park with no visitor center directly on site, it is managed by staff from nearby state parks. The most appropriate contact would be through the Minnesota DNR's main information lines or the Tettegouche State Park office, which often oversees the operations for Crosby Manitou due to its proximity.

Minnesota DNR Information Center:

Phone: (651) 296-6157 or (888) 646-6367 (toll-free)

Website: mndnr.gov (search for George H. Crosby Manitou State Park)

It is highly recommended to check the official Minnesota DNR website for George H. Crosby Manitou State Park before planning your trip. This will provide the most up-to-date information on permit requirements, trail closures, safety guidelines, and any specific details for backpacking, including current fire restrictions and bear safety protocols.

For Minnesotans, Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park offers a quintessential and deeply rewarding wilderness experience that perfectly aligns with the state's love for rugged outdoor adventure. This isn't a casual car-camping spot; it's a true backpacking destination, and that very challenge makes it incredibly appealing to locals who pride themselves on their resilience and connection to nature. The "hike-in only" access means a profound sense of solitude and accomplishment awaits, far from the crowds often found at more developed parks.

The park's deliberate preservation as a primitive area, with its challenging trails and minimal amenities, fosters self-reliance and a heightened appreciation for the untouched beauty of Minnesota's North Shore. For Minnesotans, who are often experienced in navigating diverse terrains and preparing for the elements, the "rugged, hilly" trails are not deterrents but invitations to explore. The serene setting, with the potential to camp by the soothing sounds of the Manitou River or near the peaceful Benson Lake, offers a perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life, providing a genuine opportunity to unplug and recharge.

Furthermore, the park's connection to the Superior Hiking Trail provides endless opportunities for extended adventures, catering to the strong hiking culture in Minnesota. Locals understand and respect the Leave No Trace principles essential for such areas, ensuring that this precious resource remains wild for future generations. Manitou Backpack Campsite 18 isn't just a place to sleep; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Minnesota's wilderness, offering unparalleled peace, physical challenge, and a chance to forge unforgettable memories in one of the state's most authentic outdoor havens. It's a testament to the wild spirit that defines the Minnesota outdoors, making it an ideal choice for the adventurous local.

Manitou Backpack Campsite 18

FVCJ+JR, Maple, MN 55614, USA