Manitou Backpack Campsite #13

- Lake No. 1, MN 55614

For Minnesotans who value the untouched beauty and deep solitude of the Northwoods, Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 offers an exceptional and authentic outdoor experience. This isn't your typical roadside campground with amenity hookups; it is a true wilderness retreat, accessible only by foot, located within the rugged and intentionally primitive environment of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. The park, situated inland from the dramatic shores of Lake Superior, was purposefully developed to limit crowds and motorized access, making it a favorite for local backpackers and those seeking a genuine escape into the wild of the Sawtooth Mountains region.

Campsite #13 is one of 21 secluded, hike-in sites scattered throughout the park, mostly along the powerful Manitou River or near Benson Lake. Choosing this site means committing to a multi-mile trek through challenging terrain—a small price to pay for the unparalleled quiet and the opportunity to wake up surrounded by a boreal forest ecosystem thriving with moose, deer, and timber wolves. It's a place where the primary sounds are the river's rush and the wind in the cedar, fir, and spruce trees.

The park's dedication to its wilderness character ensures that every overnight stay contributes to a low-impact, sustainable approach to enjoying Minnesota’s natural treasures. For local residents prepared to embrace the demands of backcountry travel, Campsite #13 represents an unmatched chance to reconnect with the landscape that defines the spirit of Minnesota’s North Shore. This overview provides the key details necessary for planning a successful and rewarding visit to this secluded state park gem.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 is located deep within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park in Lake County, Minnesota. The park's general vicinity is near the community of Finland, MN. The provided address of Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA is a geographical placeholder for the park's wild interior, accessible only via a dedicated, unpaved road leading from State Highway 61, inland toward County Road 7. The nearest official park address for navigation to the trailhead is 7616 Lake County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603.

Access to Campsite #13 is by foot only. Like all sites in the park, it is a backpacking commitment. The estimated hiking distance to Campsite #13 is generally considered to be 2.5 to 3.5 miles from the trailhead parking lot, though this varies slightly depending on the specific route taken through the park’s extensive trail system. The terrain is notably rugged; hikers should expect significant elevation changes, rocky footing, and potential muddy or slippery sections, particularly along the Manitou River Trail.

The site is situated along the Manitou River Trail, which also contains a segment of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). This location places the campsite deep enough into the woods to provide substantial solitude, while still being on a major route for adventurous day hikes or longer backpacking loops. Due to the challenging nature of the trail, visitors must be fully equipped with appropriate backpacking gear and allow sufficient time to reach the site before dark, even if the distance seems moderate on paper.

As part of a designated "wilderness state park," Campsite #13 provides only the most basic, essential services to maintain the integrity of the backcountry setting. Campers must adhere to strict "Leave No Trace" principles and be fully self-sufficient.

• Designated Tent Pad: A cleared, hardened space for setting up a single tent, designed to protect the surrounding forest floor from impact.
• Field Latrine Access: A primitive, pit-style toilet (field latrine) is located near the campsite for essential sanitation needs.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring is provided for containing small campfires. Portable camp stoves are highly encouraged for cooking, as gathering firewood is limited to dead and down wood found in the backpacking area.
• Water Source Access: The campsite is located near the Manitou River. This is the primary water source, and all water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption. No potable water is available at the campsite itself.
• Food Storage Pole: A bear pole or similar high-hanging system is typically available to safely store all food and scented items away from the reach of wildlife, a necessary precaution in this active wildlife habitat.
• Mandatory Reservation System: All overnight stays require a reservation booked in advance through the Minnesota State Park system.

It is crucial to remember that services like trash disposal, electricity, flush toilets, and easy vehicle access are deliberately absent from this remote campsite, reinforcing its wilderness character.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 is a standout destination, offering distinct advantages and scenic opportunities inherent to its wild location along the Manitou River.

• Prime River Access: The site's location on the Manitou River Trail provides intimate views and access to the river, a beautiful feature of the park known for its rocky bed and cascades.
• Mid-Park Seclusion: Situated further along the main trail system than many other sites, Campsite #13 offers a higher degree of privacy and quiet, separating visitors from the more easily accessible short-hike sites.
• Gateway to Major Trails: Its location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the park’s extensive 24 miles of trails, including challenging segments of the Superior Hiking Trail and connections to the Humpback and Middle Trails.
• Vibrant Forest Ecology: The surrounding area is part of a mature forest ecosystem, offering excellent opportunities for observing native Minnesota wildlife, including diverse bird species, white-tailed deer, and the occasional sign of larger mammals like moose or black bear.
• Natural Cascade Proximity: The trail to and from the site offers the chance to hike toward the park's notable Cascades of the Manitou River, a stunning series of waterfalls and pools carved through a volcanic canyon.

All official reservations, permits, and inquiries regarding park rules and conditions for Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 are handled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) system.

Address (Park Office, c/o Tettegouche State Park): 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614

Phone (Park Information and Inquiries): (218) 353-8800

Reservations (Minnesota State Parks Central Reservation Line): (866) 857-2757

Note: A valid Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit is required for all vehicles parked at the trailhead. This can be purchased upon arrival at the self-registration kiosk or online.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13 is an ideal destination for Minnesota locals because it distills the essence of North Shore wilderness into a single, accessible State Park. It caters specifically to the local population that already possesses an affinity for strenuous outdoor activity and the low-impact ethos of backcountry travel. This is not an impersonal tourist destination; it is a challenging natural sanctuary that requires skill, preparation, and respect—qualities deeply understood by Minnesota's outdoor community.

For residents who find the logistics of securing a BWCAW permit or traversing the vast Superior National Forest daunting, this site offers a comparable experience of solitude and rugged landscape within the established, secure framework of a State Park. The distance and difficulty of the hike-in act as a natural filter, ensuring the campground remains quiet and well-preserved. It provides a necessary mental and physical break from urban life, serving as a powerful, restorative experience where the only connections are to the environment. Campsite #13 is, therefore, more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a cherished local resource for achieving true Northwoods isolation and a profound connection to Minnesota’s wild, beautiful interior.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #13

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA