Manitou Backpack Campsite #20

- Lake No. 1, MN 55614

For Minnesotans yearning for the solitude of the North Shore wilderness but seeking a less strenuous entry point, Manitou Backpack Campsite #20 offers the perfect solution. Located in the uniquely rugged George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, this site provides a genuine backcountry experience without the taxing multi-mile hike typically required for the park’s more remote river sites. Campsite #20 is one of a handful of sites situated around the beautiful, non-motorized Benson Lake, and it is a popular choice among local users for its unparalleled accessibility.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is specifically dedicated to primitive, hike-in camping, meaning there are no drive-up facilities. This makes the ease of access to Campsite #20 a significant draw. It is often the recommendation for first-time backpackers, families with younger children, or anyone needing to haul a bit more gear without committing to the park's famously difficult terrain. The experience here is characterized by the quiet ambiance of a northern lake, the chance to hear native wildlife like wolves, and the simple beauty of a protected Minnesota ecosystem.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #20 is located in the beautiful, protected area of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, found inland from the central North Shore coastline. The park is situated near the small community of Little Marais.

General Area: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA

This site is renowned for being one of the shortest hikes in the entire park. It is a mere 0.25 to 0.5 miles from the main parking lot, clustering with a few other lake sites (21 and 22). This exceptionally short distance makes it the most accessible wilderness campsite in a park known for its rigorous trails. Accessibility is further enhanced by:

• A largely level path from the parking lot, including portions of boardwalk for easier footing.
• A quick, manageable short hike up to the secluded campsite area from the main boardwalk trail.
• The option for visitors to make multiple quick trips from the car to the site, allowing for more gear to be brought in—a key benefit for families or extended stays, even though it remains a hike-in-only site.

The location on Benson Lake provides a calm, reflective backdrop compared to the dramatic, roaring Manitou River sites. Its proximity to the trailhead means campers can quickly set up camp and begin exploring the park's interior or the easy loop trail around Benson Lake. This combination of an easy hike-in and a genuine backcountry setting is a rare and valued find for Minnesota outdoor lovers.

As a designated primitive, hike-in site within a wilderness state park, Campsite #20 provides core amenities focused on low-impact camping and user convenience on the shorter trail.

• Secure Bear Box (Food Locker): A critical amenity provided at this site cluster for safe and convenient storage of food and scented items, protecting both campers and local wildlife from encounters.
• Shared, nearby Field Latrine: A primitive outhouse is located near this cluster of lake sites (20, 21, and 22), offering a much closer convenience than the vault toilets at the main trailhead parking lot.
• Designated tenting areas and level ground at the campsite, highly valued in the park’s often rugged landscape.
• Established Fire Ring: A permanent metal ring is provided for contained campfires (dead and down wood may be collected in the backpack camping areas, but portable stoves are encouraged).
• Water Source: Benson Lake provides a water source, though all lake water must be filtered or treated for safe drinking.
• Close proximity to the Vault Toilets and Potable Water Hand Pump located at the main parking lot down the Middle Trail entrance.

Campsite #20 offers a unique blend of convenience and immersion that makes it a highlight of the park, especially for those new to the area or seeking a relaxed trip.

• Closest Campsite to Parking: At only about 0.5 miles, it is the least physically demanding site to reach in a park famed for its strenuous trails, providing an ideal introductory backpacking experience.
• Benson Lake Access and Views: The site is perched with a view overlooking Benson Lake, a non-motorized trout lake. Visitors have reported seeing trout jumping in the lake, providing a serene and scenic backdrop.
• Wildlife Encounters: The deep wilderness setting is confirmed by local accounts of hearing authentic Minnesota wildlife, including the sound of a wolf howling, a truly unforgettable experience.
• Easy Trail Conditions: The path features sections of boardwalk that simplify the hike-in, making it manageable even with bulkier packs or for hikers with less experience on rugged terrain.
• Clustered with Other Sites: While secluded, its proximity to sites 21 and 22 offers a subtle sense of community that can be comforting for less experienced campers, while still offering the peace of a designated spot.
• Gateway to Further Exploration: Its location is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the park's easier trails, such as the full Benson Lake Loop, or preparing for a day trip deeper into the rugged Manitou River gorge trails.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park operates as a wilderness park without an on-site visitor center or continuous staffing. Its administrative duties are handled by the nearby Tettegouche State Park.

Park Management (Mailing Address and General Contact):

C/O Tettegouche State Park

5702 Highway 61

Silver Bay, MN 55614

Phone (Tettegouche Office): 218-353-8800

Reservations/General Information (MN DNR): 866-857-2757

Email: tettegouche.statepark@state.mn.us

Note: Always check the Minnesota DNR website for current reservations, park alerts, and seasonal updates before planning your trip. A state park vehicle permit is required for parking.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #20 is uniquely suitable for Minnesotans, particularly those looking to introduce friends, family, or themselves to the rewarding world of North Shore backpacking. It expertly bridges the gap between traditional car camping and deep backcountry immersion. For the seasoned Minnesota camper, it offers a quick, reliable escape when time is short. For the novice, the short, well-maintained trail ensures the first backpacking experience is positive and manageable.

Locals appreciate that this site is the most efficient way to access the profound solitude of this wilderness park. The presence of the secure bear box provides peace of mind, and the serenity of camping right next to a trout-filled, non-motorized lake provides a quintessential northern Minnesota outdoor experience. Campsite #20 confirms that you don’t need to hike four miles deep to feel fully disconnected. With the convenience of a short walk and the reward of wildlife sightings and beautiful lake views, this is the perfect, low-barrier, high-reward gateway to one of Minnesota’s most treasured and rugged state parks. It offers a slice of the Boundary Waters experience, accessible just a short stroll from the road.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #20

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA