Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

- Lake No. 1, MN 55614

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts looking for a true North Shore backpacking experience without the multi-mile trek,

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

offers the ideal solution. Located in the uniquely primitive George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, this site is a prized reservation for its blend of seclusion and accessibility. While many of the park’s sites are miles deep into the rugged river valley, Campsite #21 is part of a small cluster of sites near beautiful Benson Lake, representing the shortest hike-in option available.

This park is specifically designated as a wilderness area, meaning you won't find car camping, paved roads, or visitor centers with flush toilets and showers. It is a place to fully immerse in the raw beauty of Minnesota’s Arrowhead region. Campsite #21 is particularly well-suited for those new to backpacking, families with young children, or anyone seeking a quick, restorative overnight getaway where the journey is manageable, yet the destination feels authentically remote.

The site maintains a delightful balance: it provides the necessary amenities of a designated state park campsite—a fire ring, a bear-proof food storage locker, and a latrine—while being strategically positioned to feel nestled deep within the northern forest. By choosing

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

, locals can easily trade the hustle of the city or the traffic of Highway 61 for the peaceful sounds of the woods in less than an hour of walking.

Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

is situated within the boundaries of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, located near the town of Finland, MN. The official park coordinates are associated with the address

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA

. This location places the park inland from Lake Superior, accessed via County Road 7 off of Highway 1.

Accessibility is its defining feature. Campsite #21 is one of the closest backcountry sites to the main park parking area, making it a highly desirable booking. Customer reviews consistently confirm a hiking distance of approximately

0.75 miles

(or even as short as 0.25 miles according to some park data) from the trailhead. Crucially, much of this short trail is reported to be an easier path, including stretches of

boardwalk

that navigate the Benson Lake area. This flat, relatively easy access is a stark contrast to the steep, rugged trails leading to the Manitou River sites.

The site itself is one of three clustered near a small spur trail overlooking Benson Lake (Sites 20, 21, and 22). To reach Campsite #21, you must walk through or past the immediate vicinity of Campsites 20 or 22, meaning while it is secluded from the main trail, it is part of a small hub. This configuration contributes to its ease of access but means that while you enjoy a private space, you share a field latrine with the other two clustered sites, and you are closer to other campers than at the most remote river sites.

Services Offered

As a designated Minnesota State Park backpacking site,

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

provides rustic, essential services designed for low-impact camping. Visitors are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, carrying in all necessities and packing out all trash.

• Clustered Field Latrine:

  A shared, enclosed field latrine is available for Sites 20, 21, and 22. This is a primitive, vault-style toilet, and users should bring their own supplies.

• Water Source:

  Benson Lake
  . All water collected from the lake must be thoroughly treated (filtered and purified or boiled) before consumption. A hand pump for potable water is also available near the main parking area.

• Bear-Proof Food Storage:

  bear box
  (bear-proof food locker) is provided at the site for the secure storage of all food and scented items, a critical safety feature in this region of high wildlife activity.

• Fire Ring:

  fire pit
  is available for campfires. It is highly recommended to use camp stoves for cooking, and fires must be kept small and only use dead and downed wood collected from the area.

• Seating:

  bench and a reclining chair
  —a rare and welcome amenity at a hike-in site, enhancing comfort and relaxation.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #21 is distinguished by features that make it a favorite for those prioritizing a shorter hike and a comfortable, tranquil setting.

• Shortest Hike-In Distance:

• Shaded, Level Tent Pads:

  two level, cleared areas
  for small tents, situated in the shade, which is perfect for hot summer days and ensures a comfortable night's rest.

• Top-of-the-Hill Setup:

• Benson Lake Access:

  trout fishing
  and non-motorized boating (canoes/kayaks), allowing for additional recreational activities beyond hiking.

• Easy Trail Connection:

  boardwalk
  for a significant portion, making for easy footing and reducing the strain of a heavy pack, which is highly appealing for casual users.

Contact Information

Since

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

is a component of the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park system, all official inquiries, regulations, and reservations must go through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address (General Park):

7616 Lake County Road 7, Silver Bay, MN 55614

(Use for navigating to the Park Entrance and Trailhead Parking)

Phone (General Park Information/Reservations):

+1 218-353-8800

(Contact for George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, often managed via the Tettegouche State Park office)

Note: Reservations for this site are highly competitive, especially due to its accessibility, and must be secured in advance through the official DNR website or reservation line.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota residents,

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

offers an exceptional gateway to the rugged North Shore wilderness. It is ideally suited for those looking to introduce friends or family—especially children—to the joys of backpacking without the intimidation of a multi-mile, highly strenuous hike.

The remarkably short, relatively easy hike along the boardwalk trail minimizes the effort of carrying gear, making it a manageable weekend trip for a quick nature reset. Yet, despite its proximity to the parking lot, the site maintains a genuine feeling of solitude, thanks to the park's low-development mandate and the forested buffer surrounding Benson Lake. This combination of convenience, well-maintained basic amenities (like the bear box and fire ring), and the tranquil Northwoods setting ensures a safe, relaxing, and authentic Minnesota outdoor experience for the local community.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA