Ultimate Northwoods Seclusion: Manitou Backpack Campsite #10, MN

Introduction / Overview: Experience True Wilderness at Campsite #10

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape from the developed world, George H. Crosby Manitou State Park holds a special place. Unlike most state parks, this North Shore gem is dedicated exclusively to primitive, hike-in camping, ensuring a deep-wilderness experience that mirrors the solitude of the Boundary Waters, but on the rugged, beautiful terrain of Lake Superior’s highlands. Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is one of the 21 unique, dispersed campsites within the park, representing a coveted overnight stop for local backpackers.

This is not a drive-up experience; it is a commitment to the backcountry. The rugged, steep, and often root-and-rock-strewn trails that lead to Campsite #10 ensure that all visitors are serious about their adventure, keeping the park quiet, secluded, and pristine. Campsite #10, like its counterparts, requires a reservation through the Minnesota DNR, a necessary step to secure your piece of Northwoods serenity. Visitors here are trading flush toilets and paved paths for field latrines, filtered river water, and the likely sounds of the Manitou River or the wind in the old-growth forest, making it a perfect destination for local users who prioritize self-reliance and environmental preservation.

Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is located deep within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, which is situated in the highlands above the North Shore of Lake Superior, north of Silver Bay and near the town of Finland, Minnesota.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (This address points to the general vicinity of the park's rugged interior.)

The park's main entrance and trailhead parking are accessed by driving eight miles north on Lake County Road 7 from State Highway 1, which itself is an inland route from the famous Scenic Highway 61. Campsite #10 is a hike-in only destination. The park offers 21 campsites ranging from a half-mile to four and a half miles from the parking lot; sites along the Manitou River, where #10 is likely situated, generally require a longer and more strenuous hike.

Hikers must be prepared for significant elevation changes, rocky footing, and steep descents into the Manitou River valley. The park trails are challenging and include sections that overlap with the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Due to the demanding terrain, proper backpacking gear, sturdy boots, and the ability to carry all provisions (including water filtration equipment) are essential. Unlike many state parks, you must arrive prepared, as there are no drive-in sites or convenient amenities beyond the trailhead.

Services Offered

The services at Campsite #10 are intentionally rustic and limited to maintain the park’s wilderness designation. They are designed to meet the essential needs of backpackers while minimizing impact on the rugged environment.

Reservation System: Unlike SHT-maintained sites, this State Park campsite requires an advance reservation and a vehicle permit for parking, ensuring a guaranteed spot upon arrival.
Primitive Tent Pads: A designated, cleared area for setting up a tent or hammock, designed to concentrate foot traffic and prevent vegetation damage.
Field Latrine: An open-air, composting latrine (outhouse) is located near the site for human waste disposal, promoting hygiene in the backcountry.
Food Storage: Campers are advised and sometimes provided with a bear box or bear pole for hanging food and scented items away from the campsite, protecting wildlife and gear.
Fire Ring/Pit: A designated metal fire ring is provided for building small, contained fires. The park encourages using camp stoves, but firewood collection of dead and down wood is permitted in these backcountry areas.
Water Source: Although no potable water is available at the campsite, the proximity to the Manitou River (or Benson Lake for some sites) provides a necessary water source, which must be treated via filtering or boiling before consumption.

Features / Highlights

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 and the surrounding park offer features that distinguish it as a premier destination for local adventurers:

Unparalleled Seclusion: The hike-in only policy guarantees a quiet, secluded experience. The sites are intentionally dispersed, offering much more privacy than traditional campgrounds.
Proximity to the Manitou River: Many of the sites along the river, including those numbered higher up, are nestled close to the dramatic gorges and cascades of the Manitou River, offering the soothing sound of rushing water and beautiful natural scenery.
Access to Rugged Trails: The campsite offers immediate access to the park’s 24 miles of challenging trails and the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). These trails feature old-growth forests, rocky ridges, and dramatic elevation changes, satisfying serious hikers.
Low-Development Wilderness: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park remains one of the least-developed state parks in Minnesota, intentionally focusing on preservation, which attracts visitors committed to a pure, unblemished wilderness experience.
Breathtaking Overlooks: Trails accessible from the campsite lead to spectacular views of the Manitou River valley and the distant panorama of Lake Superior, rewarding the effort of the strenuous hike.

Contact Information

As a managed State Park facility, all reservations and official inquiries for Campsite #10 should be directed to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the park’s office.

Address: 7616 Lake County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA (Park Office / Main Trailhead)

This is the closest administrative and access point for the entire park. The campsite itself is not directly reachable by road.

Phone: (Please use the official DNR reservation system or general park information line for booking and detailed inquiries. Example contact for the State Park office, though always verify the current official number): (218) 353-8800

Note on Reservations: Due to the high demand for these limited, secluded sites, especially during the peak summer and fall color seasons, booking Campsite #10 well in advance through the State Park reservation system is strongly recommended.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is a quintessential Minnesota North Shore experience, tailor-made for locals who cherish the state's wilderness heritage. It is perfectly positioned for those who have outgrown the car-camping environment and are looking for a true, rewarding backpacking challenge close to home. The necessity of planning, reserving, and carrying all your gear on rugged trails provides an immediate, tangible connection to the landscape. This park is intentionally kept off the "beaten path" of Highway 61, ensuring that those who visit are seeking solitude, not crowds. For Minnesota residents, Campsite #10 offers the chance to unplug completely, test their outdoor skills, and fall asleep to the sounds of one of the North Shore’s wildest rivers, all within the accessible structure of a well-maintained State Park system. It is a local treasure that promises authentic adventure and deep respect for the untouched nature of the Northwoods.