Manitou Campsite #22: Your Quick Hike-In Getaway on Benson Lake, MN

Introduction / Overview: Backcountry Access Made Easy

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is famously known for its commitment to a pure, rugged wilderness experience—it is the only Minnesota State Park consisting entirely of hike-in campsites. While many sites require a challenging, multi-mile trek over rugged North Shore terrain, Manitou Backpack Campsite #22 offers a unique and highly accessible entry point into this backcountry haven. Located on the serene shores of Benson Lake, Campsite #22 is one of the closest sites to the main parking area, making it a perfect choice for families, first-time backpackers, or those seeking a quick, quiet nature escape without the strenuous effort.

This campsite, often clustered with neighboring sites #20 and #21, provides a wonderful mix of solitude and convenience. The hike is minimal—officially stated as approximately 0.25 to 0.5 miles—and follows an easier path, including stretches of planked trail, which significantly reduces the difficulty of packing in gear. This site overlooks the beautiful, non-motorized Benson Lake, a designated trout lake that provides a peaceful alternative to the park’s more strenuous Manitou River campsites. For Minnesotans looking to test out new gear, introduce children to backpacking, or simply enjoy a quiet night under the stars with the least amount of effort, Campsite #22 is an outstanding option that still delivers a true Northwoods wilderness feel.

Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #22 is strategically located on the northern edge of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, positioning it closest to the park's main access point. This park is intentionally remote, situated near the small community of Little Marais in Lake County, Minnesota, approximately 14 miles off of the scenic Highway 61.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (This general area description corresponds to the park's main Benson Lake access point, which is inland from the North Shore.)

The key distinction of Campsite #22 is its unparalleled accessibility within a park famed for its difficulty. While many of the Manitou River sites require a strenuous hike up to 4.5 miles, the Benson Lake sites—including #22—are considered the easiest to reach. Official park data places the hiking distance from the parking lot to this cluster of sites between 0.25 and 0.5 miles. The trail connecting the site to the gravel road/parking area is often described as being relatively flat and featuring sections of boardwalk or planks, making it far more manageable for carrying heavy packs or for younger campers.

While the proximity sacrifices some of the ultimate seclusion found at the 4-mile deep river sites, Campsite #22 still provides a profound sense of natural escape. Its location on Benson Lake allows for beautiful water views through the trees and easy access to the Benson Lake Trail, a one-mile loop that is one of the flatter, less demanding hiking options in the park, perfect for an afternoon leg-stretcher.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry site within a primitive state park, Campsite #22 maintains a simple, low-impact profile while offering essential provisions for a safe and comfortable stay.

Shared Enclosed Latrine: Campsites #20, #21, and #22 share a nearby enclosed latrine (field latrine or primitive vault toilet). This is more convenient than walking back to the trailhead but is still a rustic facility. Reports suggest that the trailhead vault toilets are often kept cleaner than the shared site latrines.
Bear-Proof Food Storage: The Benson Lake sites are often equipped with a bear-proof food locker or bear pole. Campers must use these facilities to safely store all food and scented items away from the tent and sleeping area.
Multiple Tent Pads: The site features two designated, level tent pads, ensuring a stable and comfortable foundation for sleeping, suitable for a small group or two couples.
Lake Water Source: Water must be filtered from the lake before consumption. Benson Lake is an accessible and reliable water source for campers utilizing appropriate filtration or purification methods.
Designated Fire Ring: A simple fire ring is provided for building small, controlled campfires, using dead and down wood found in the area, provided local fire restrictions are respected. However, given the proximity and low-impact philosophy, the use of camp stoves is always encouraged.
Proximity to Trailhead Amenities: Due to the short hike-in distance, campers have quicker access to the park entrance kiosk, the main vault toilets, and the hand pump for potable water near the parking area, which is highly advantageous.

Features / Highlights

Manitou Backpack Campsite #22 is distinguished by several features that appeal to a specific segment of the Minnesota camping community:

Shortest Hike-In in the Park: At just 0.25 to 0.5 miles, this is arguably the easiest-access backcountry campsite in the park. This feature is ideal for novice backpackers, families with younger children, or anyone managing physical limitations or simply desiring a minimal carry distance.
Benson Lake Views and Access: The site overlooks Benson Lake, offering glimpses of the water through the trees. The lake is a quiet, non-motorized body of water, perfect for fishing (trout and splake are common with a required trout stamp) or launching a canoe or kayak for a serene paddle.
Easier Terrain Trail: The path to Campsite #22 is noted for being less rugged and more boardwalk-assisted than the steep, rocky trails leading to the Manitou River sites, making the hike-in process considerably easier.
Quiet, Serene Atmosphere: Unlike the Manitou River sites that feature the constant "roar" of waterfalls and rapids, Campsite #22 provides a "really quiet and peaceful" setting by the lake, making it excellent for relaxation, reading, and listening to the sounds of the forest.
Cluster Layout: Being grouped with Sites #20 and #21 means the area is social for a backcountry location, which some campers prefer for a sense of security while still maintaining the essential "hike-in" experience.

Contact Information

Manitou Backpack Campsite #22 is located within George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. Reservations are required and are made through the central Minnesota State Parks reservation system.

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

Phone: (For reservations and general park inquiries, often handled through the nearest staffed park office) (218) 353-8800

Since cell service can be spotty, Minnesotans planning a trip should ensure they have printed their reservation confirmation and park map prior to their arrival. The park entrance has a self-registration kiosk for payment and information.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

For Minnesota residents, Manitou Backpack Campsite #22 represents the ideal blend of a "quick escape" and a true Northwoods backcountry adventure. It provides all the benefits of the revered George H. Crosby Manitou State Park—the untouched wilderness, the secluded lake, and access to 24 miles of rugged trails—without the prohibitive distance or difficulty of its deepest river sites. This campsite is perfect for locals who want to ease into the backpacking lifestyle, offering a minimal 15-minute hike to a beautiful lake view where they can safely introduce family members, even very young children, to the joy of carrying their home on their back. It serves as a vital staging ground for exploring the more challenging parts of the park, such as the famous Manitou River Cascades, while providing an easier, quieter, and more family-friendly basecamp. Campsite #22 is a local secret for those who seek the peaceful solitude of Benson Lake and the pride of a hike-in camp, but who appreciate having the parking lot close at hand. It is, in essence, the gateway to Minnesota's most intentionally wild state park.