Manitou Backpack Campsite #19

For Minnesotans drawn to the allure of the North Shore, where Lake Superior's majesty meets rugged inland wilderness, Manitou Backpack Campsite #19 offers a quintessential backcountry experience. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a true hiker's reward, nestled within the challenging and breathtaking George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. If your ideal escape involves strapping on a pack, traversing demanding trails, and finding solitude amidst untouched natural beauty, then Campsite #19, and the park it calls home, is a destination designed for you.

As visitors to Manitou Backpack Campsite #19 can attest, the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Located approximately "1.5 miles from the parking lot," the trail offers a mix of terrain. You'll navigate "a flat boardwalk around the lake" for a portion, before the real adventure begins with a "really steep up boulders to the top." This challenging ascent leads to a secluded and "level tent site at the top," perfectly sized for "only room for 1 tent up there." Equipped with a fire pit and a single burned log bench, it provides the basic necessities for a genuine wilderness overnight. This site, like many in Crosby Manitou, promises an opportunity to truly disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and earn your views.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #19 is situated within the remote and rugged George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, near Finland, MN, with the provided address being Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. This park is a "wilderness park in the interior of the North Shore region," known for its "rugged terrain with small lakes and rapid-filled rivers." It stands out among Minnesota State Parks for its emphasis on backcountry experiences.

Access to the park involves taking State Highway 61 along the North Shore to State Highway 1 to Finland, then Lake County Road 7 for about eight miles to the park entrance. The journey is part of the adventure, winding through scenic Northwoods landscapes. Once at the park entrance, there's a small parking lot, and from there, the vast majority of the park's 6,000 acres are accessible only by trail – primarily foot trails.

Campsite #19, specifically, is a hike-in site, requiring a trek of about "1.5 miles from the parking lot." The trail to this particular site is described as starting with a relatively "flat boardwalk around the lake," transitioning into a "really steep up boulders to the top." This means campers must be prepared for varied and challenging terrain, suitable for those with proper hiking footwear and a backpacking mindset. The park is often praised for its "rugged" trails that "will test your hiking abilities," ensuring a rewarding experience for those who embrace the challenge. While secluded, its location near the North Shore makes it a prime destination for Minnesotans seeking a deeper wilderness immersion.

• Designated Backpack Campsite: Campsite #19 is a specific, marked backpacking site, meaning it is intended for overnight camping accessed via hiking trails.
• Tent Pad/Level Area: The site offers a "level tent site at the top," though space is limited, typically "only room for 1 tent." Visitors should be aware that some sites in the park can have slanted pads, so a level spot is a notable feature for this specific site.
• Fire Pit: Each backpack campsite, including #19, is equipped with a metal fire ring for campfires. Gathering dead and downed wood away from campsites for small fires is generally permitted.
• Burned Log Bench: Campsite #19 specifically mentions having "1 burned log bench," offering a rustic seating option.
• Vault Toilets: While not directly at the campsite, vault toilets are available at the trailhead parking lot, and primitive field latrines are located near campsites throughout the park.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available year-round from a hand pump located at the Self-Registration Kiosk near the park entrance. All other water from park streams must be boiled or treated for drinking purposes.
• Bear Poles/Food Storage: While specific to #19 is not noted, generally in Crosby Manitou State Park, visitors are advised to bring rope to hang food packs from trees or use bear poles where available, to store food away from wildlife.
• Self-Registration: Camping registration information is typically posted at the Self-Registration Kiosk at the park entrance.

• True Wilderness Backpacking Experience: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is renowned for being a wilderness park with no front-country campground, meaning all campsites are hike-in. This offers a genuine backcountry adventure in Minnesota.
• Rugged and Challenging Trails: The park's trails, including the path to Campsite #19, are described as "rugged" and "will test your hiking abilities," with significant elevation changes and varied terrain, including boardwalks and steep, boulder-strewn sections.
• Secluded Campsite: Campsite #19 is noted for its secluded nature, offering a peaceful and private setting, ideal for solo campers or small, intimate groups. Its location "at the top" provides a sense of accomplishment and potentially unique views.
• Scenic Beauty and Old-Growth Forests: The park boasts "beautiful old growth cedar, red and white pine" and "cascading waterfalls" along the Manitou River, providing stunning natural scenery and excellent opportunities for nature photography.
• Opportunity to Disconnect: With limited to no cell service in many parts of the park, including likely at a remote campsite like #19, it offers a rare chance to truly unplug from electronic devices and immerse oneself in nature.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is habitat for various wildlife, including moose, deer, bear, and wolves, offering possibilities for observing Minnesota's native fauna.
• Access to Manitou River and Benson Lake: While Campsite #19 is noted near Lake No. 1 (possibly Benson Lake based on park maps), the park generally provides access to the wild beauty of the Manitou River with its rapids and other small lakes.
• Unique Geological Features: The rugged terrain includes volcanic canyons and challenging natural formations that add to the adventure.
• Solitude and Fewer Crowds: Compared to more popular Minnesota State Parks, George H. Crosby Manitou is less crowded, appealing to those seeking solitude and a more pristine wilderness experience.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (This address points to the general vicinity of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. For park-specific information, it's best to refer to the park office or Minnesota DNR resources.)

Phone: The general contact for George H. Crosby Manitou State Park can be found through the Minnesota DNR. For state park reservations and general inquiries, the statewide reservation line is 866-857-2757. Specific park office numbers may vary by season or staff availability, but the DNR website is the best source for the most current phone contacts.

Mobile Phone: +1 (The provided number might be a general DNR line, or cell service can be unreliable in this remote park.)

For Minnesotans who truly embrace the spirit of adventure and the raw beauty of our state's wilderness, Manitou Backpack Campsite #19 within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is an unparalleled destination. We understand that some of the most rewarding experiences are earned, and the challenging hike to this secluded site perfectly embodies that ethos. The journey, with its boardwalks and steep, boulder-strewn ascents, is a testament to the park's commitment to preserving a truly wild and untamed environment, a characteristic highly valued by local outdoor enthusiasts.

This is not a glamping experience; it's an opportunity to strip away modern conveniences and reconnect with nature on its own terms. The single-tent site, complete with a basic fire pit and log bench, encourages a minimalist approach, fostering deep appreciation for the surrounding old-growth forests and the profound quiet that only true wilderness can offer. For us, the limited amenities and spotty cell service aren't drawbacks, but rather features that allow for a complete and utterly refreshing digital detox. It's a chance to hear the rustle of leaves, the distant call of wildlife, and the internal rhythm of your own thoughts, uninterrupted.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, with its rugged trails and pristine beauty, offers a unique opportunity for Minnesotans to push their limits, develop backcountry skills, and find solitude away from more crowded destinations. Campsite #19, perched at the top of a challenging climb, serves as a personal reward, providing a private sanctuary where the effort is forgotten in the face of stunning views and profound tranquility. For any local seeking an authentic, challenging, and deeply immersive North Shore backpacking adventure, this campsite is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #19

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA