Manitou Backpack Campsite #9

For Minnesotans seeking a true escape into the wild, Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 offers an authentic and secluded experience within the renowned George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. Unlike traditional campgrounds, this site is designed for the intrepid backpacker, promising an immersive journey into the rugged, unspoiled landscapes of Minnesota's North Shore. It's a prime destination for those yearning to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature in its most pristine form.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park holds a special place in Minnesota's park system. Established in 1955 with a significant land donation from George H. Crosby, the park was intentionally developed to remain largely wild and undeveloped. This commitment to preserving its wilderness character means that access to its campsites, including Manitou Backpack Campsite #9, is exclusively by foot, ensuring a deep sense of solitude and a truly remote camping experience. The park's diverse terrain, from dense forests to cascading rivers, provides a stunning backdrop for any outdoor adventure.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 is located within the expansive George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, near the charming community of Little Marais, MN 55614, USA. While the address provides a geographical anchor, it's crucial for visitors to understand that this campsite is not accessible by vehicle. The journey to Campsite #9 is an integral part of the wilderness experience, requiring a commitment to backpacking.

To reach George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, travelers typically head north from Duluth on State Highway 61 along the scenic North Shore. Approximately 6.2 miles past Tettegouche State Park (near Silver Bay), turn west onto State Highway 1. Continue on Highway 1 for about 8 miles until you reach the turn-off for Lake County Road 7. Follow Lake County Road 7 for another 8 miles, which will lead you directly to the park's entrance and main parking area.

From the parking lot, all campsites within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are hike-in, with distances varying from a quarter-mile to 4.5 miles. Campsite #9 is one of 21 designated backpack sites, strategically placed along the park's extensive network of rugged trails. These trails traverse hilly and often challenging terrain, featuring rocks, roots, and elevation changes. Proper hiking footwear is essential, and it's highly advisable to plan your hike during daylight hours. Given that cell phone service can be unreliable in this remote area, a physical map or a downloaded digital map for offline use is indispensable for navigation. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the main gate closing overnight.

• Designated Backpack Campsites: Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 is one of 21 distinct, hike-in sites, providing a marked clearing for tent setup.
• Primitive Amenities: Each campsite typically features a wilderness toilet (pit latrine) and a stone fire ring, allowing for small, contained campfires. Some sites may also have log benches.
• Potable Water Access: A hand pump for potable water is available year-round at the Self-Registration Kiosk near the park entrance. Any water collected from natural sources within the park, such as the Manitou River or Benson Lake, must be thoroughly boiled or treated with a filter/purifier before consumption.
• Firewood Availability: Visitors are permitted to gather dead and downed wood found within the backpack camping areas for use in the designated fire rings. Approved firewood can also be purchased from authorized vendors, including potentially at the park or nearby communities.
• Pack-In/Pack-Out Policy: The park strictly enforces a pack-in/pack-out policy for all waste. All garbage and personal refuse must be carried out of the park by campers.
• Required Permits and Fees: A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is mandatory for all vehicles entering the park, available for daily or annual purchase at the entrance kiosk. Separate camping fees apply, and it is highly recommended to make advance reservations for your campsite, especially during peak seasons.

• Unrivaled Wilderness Immersion: Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 offers a truly undeveloped and quiet camping experience, ideal for those seeking to escape crowds and immerse themselves in natural tranquility.
• Proximity to Manitou River: Many of the park's backpack campsites, including those along the Manitou River, benefit from the soothing sounds and scenic views of the fast-flowing river, known for its dramatic cascades.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hiking: The park boasts 24 miles of rugged and well-maintained trails. These paths lead through varied forests of fir, spruce, cedar, and northern hardwoods, providing access to stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Cascades of the Manitou River, and panoramic overlooks with views of Lake Superior and the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains.
• Abundant Wildlife: The park's remote setting creates prime habitat for a wide array of wildlife, offering opportunities to spot moose, deer, black bears, wolves, various bird species like ruffed grouse and Canadian jays, and smaller mammals such as snowshoe hares.
• Excellent Trout Fishing: Both Benson Lake and sections of the Manitou River are popular 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 canoeing or kayaking.
• Stargazing Haven: With minimal light pollution, the night skies over George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are exceptionally clear, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Year-Round Outdoor Activities: While summer is popular for hiking and camping, the park offers stunning fall colors and opportunities for snowshoeing and winter hiking on ungroomed trails in the colder months, providing year-round appeal.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 is managed as part of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

Address: Little Marais, MN 55614, USA (within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park)

For general inquiries and detailed park information, it is best to contact the managing park office, which is Tettegouche State Park, as Crosby Manitou does not have a dedicated office on-site.

Phone: 218-353-8800

Email: tettegouche.statepark@state.mn.us

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

For Minnesotans, Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 and the broader George H. Crosby Manitou State Park offer an invaluable resource: a genuine wilderness experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding. This park stands apart from more developed recreational areas, providing a crucial opportunity for local residents to fully immerse themselves in nature.

Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. First, it provides a convenient, relatively close-to-home destination for authentic backcountry camping. You don't need to travel across the country to find solitude; it's right here on the North Shore. The hike-in access inherently filters out casual visitors, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded environment, which is highly appealing to those seeking true quiet and connection with the natural world.

The demanding yet rewarding trail system is perfect for Minnesotans of all hiking abilities, from those looking for a challenging multi-day trek to families introducing their children to backpacking. The stunning natural features—cascading waterfalls, diverse forests, and the raw beauty of the Manitou River—provide constant visual and auditory delights. Moreover, the park's emphasis on "Leave No Trace" principles aligns perfectly with the outdoor ethics often embraced by Minnesota residents, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for preserving these precious wild spaces.

Whether you seek the thrill of a rugged hike, the serenity of a remote campsite by the river, or the simple joy of stargazing under an unpolluted sky, Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wild heart of Minnesota. It's a place where locals can truly unplug, recharge, and rediscover the profound beauty of their home state.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #9

Little Marais, MN 55614, USA