Manitou Backpack Campsite #4

- Little Marais, MN 55614

For many Minnesotans, the call of the North Shore wilderness is irresistible, and for those who equate "camping" with "backpacking," Manitou Backpack Campsite #4 in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park stands out as a highly sought-after destination. This is not a leisurely, car-camping experience; it is a true backcountry immersion designed for adventurers prepared to work for their solitude. Located near Little Marais, this site epitomizes the park’s commitment to preserving a rugged, undeveloped landscape, where the drama of the Manitou River and the dense northern forest define your stay.

Campsite #4 is one of the park’s 21 exclusively hike-in sites, famous for its desirable position along the fast-flowing Manitou River. Local hikers who frequent the park often rate it as a top-tier choice for its combination of accessible distance and quality features, including a level tent platform—a highly prized amenity in this rocky terrain. While the trail demands effort—a key part of the adventure—the reward is a secluded, picturesque river view far removed from the noise and distractions of everyday life. This spot is perfect for Minnesotans who believe the best views are those you earn with your boots on the trail.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #4 is nestled in the interior of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, a unique wilderness park on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The park is accessed via a distinct driving route and is situated in the vicinity of the community of Little Marais.

Park Address (General Area): Little Marais, MN 55614, USA

The practical starting point for your trip is the park's main parking lot, located off Lake County Road 7. The journey to Campsite #4 begins here and must be completed entirely on foot. Site #4 is an estimated 1.5 to 1.75 miles from the parking area, making it one of the closer river sites, yet still far enough for a true wilderness feel. The trail is famously rugged, characteristic of the North Shore's topography. Visitors should be prepared for significant challenges, as customer reviews confirm the trail includes:

• Difficult sections with steep up and down hills.
• Navigation over boulders and roots.
• A cautionary note to choose the correct trail path early on to avoid a much more strenuous alternative route.

This rugged accessibility ensures a genuine backcountry environment. The effort of carrying a heavy pack over this terrain is part of the experience, leading to the rewarding solitude that defines the campsite. The location’s relative ease of access compared to the park’s deeper sites (which can be 4+ miles in) makes it a popular entry point into North Shore backpacking for Minnesotans.

Consistent with its designation as a wilderness backpack campsite, Site #4 provides only the most essential, low-impact facilities necessary to support responsible camping and preserve the natural setting.

• Designated tenting areas, notably including a highly-rated level tent platform to provide a flat, root-free sleeping surface.
• A sturdy, well-designed metal fire pit for contained campfires, often noted for being very functional.
• Primitive seating, typically consisting of log and rock ‘chairs’ surrounding the fire pit area.
• Access to a nearby field latrine (primitive toilet), with the park requiring campers to pack out all trash and bring their own toilet paper.
• Water source from the adjacent Manitou River; all river water must be filtered or treated before drinking.
• Self-registration kiosk at the park entrance for permits and daily vehicle pass purchases.

Campsite #4’s specific features, combined with the overall park highlights, cement its status as a must-visit spot for local Minnesota adventurers.

• Exceptional River Views: Located along the Manitou River, the site offers breathtaking, immediate views of the running water—an experience that defines North Shore camping.
• Superior Campsite Comfort: A distinguishing feature is the presence of a level tent platform mentioned in user reviews, a rare luxury on the rocky, uneven terrain of the Northwoods.
• Proximity to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT): Campsite #4 sits near the SHT, making it an ideal stopover for thru-hikers or a basecamp for day excursions to spectacular viewpoints and the park’s famous waterfalls, The Cascades.
• Wildlife and Ecosystem Immersion: The deep shade and distance from the main road immerse campers in a habitat rich with native Minnesota wildlife, including opportunities to spot moose, deer, and diverse bird species.
• Fewer Mosquitoes: Due to its position not directly against the wettest riverside areas, the site is often praised for having fewer mosquitoes compared to other river sites.
• Trout Fishing Access: The Manitou River is a designated trout stream, providing excellent opportunities for local anglers to cast a line right near their camp (license and trout stamp required).

As a non-continuously staffed, wilderness-focused park, the administrative duties for George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are managed remotely.

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

Manitou Backpack Campsite #4 is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals seeking a powerful, restorative wilderness experience. It strikes an excellent balance for North Shore enthusiasts: the hike-in distance (approximately 1.5 miles) is challenging enough to deter crowds, but short enough to be a feasible overnight or weekend trip for a well-prepared Minnesotan. This site offers an authentic "earn your view" adventure, rewarding the effort of the rugged trail with the intimate serenity of a river-front camp. For those living in the state, it represents the ideal opportunity to fully embrace the Leave No Trace ethic and disconnect in a pristine environment. From the established level tent platform to the stunning river backdrop and immediate access to the revered Superior Hiking Trail, Campsite #4 is a jewel on the North Shore. It’s a place for Minnesotans to test their gear, challenge their stamina, and return home feeling genuinely refreshed by the wild, untamed spirit of their home state’s most beautiful corridor. This is the real Minnesota camping experience, designed for those who appreciate the quiet beauty that comes from getting off the beaten path.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #4

Little Marais, MN 55614, USA