Highland Solitude: A Local's Guide to Manitou Backpack Campsite #6, MN

For Minnesotans who believe the best camping is earned,

Manitou Backpack Campsite #6

offers a compelling destination. Nestled within the spectacular, rugged terrain of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park on the North Shore, this site is a true backpacker's retreat. Unlike the state's more conventional car campgrounds, this park is deliberately wilderness-oriented, meaning every stay begins with a dedicated hike. Campsite #6, in particular, is highly regarded among local outdoor enthusiasts for its unique features and high-elevation setting.

This is a place where nature takes the leading role. The tranquility and seclusion found here are a direct result of the effort required to reach it. For those willing to pack in everything they need, the reward is an uninterrupted experience in one of the state's most dramatically beautiful regions.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #6

is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to truly disconnect, immerse yourself in the dense northern hardwoods and boreal forest, and wake up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Minnesota wilderness.

The tone of your visit here is set by the pristine environment and the park's commitment to low-impact use. It serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the park’s 24 miles of trails and accessing portions of the famed Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). It is an essential spot for any local looking to push their backpacking skills while enjoying the natural splendor of Lake Superior’s highlands.

Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #6

is found in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, a jewel of the North Shore highlands. The general park location is near the town of Finland, Minnesota, with the campsite itself identified geographically by the address

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA

. This places it inland from Highway 61, providing a necessary distance from the busy scenic corridor.

Access is exclusively hike-in. The hike to Campsite #6 is noted as being approximately

1.75 miles

from the main parking lot and trailhead. The trail is rugged and challenging, consistent with the park's reputation. Campers will navigate hilly terrain, exposed tree roots, and rocks, especially along sections that overlap with the Superior Hiking Trail. This makes for a strenuous, yet rewarding, approximately 45-to-60-minute trek, depending on pace and pack weight.

The route to Campsite #6 often utilizes the Middle Trail and then connects to the Misquah Trail. A major advantage of this site is its proximity to the

Misquah Overlook

, one of the most stunning vantage points in the park. The site is described as being situated high on a hill, a contrast to some of the lower, river-side sites. This higher elevation offers a sunny, dry camping area and contributes to one of its main draws: views of the Manitou River valley and, on a clear day, Lake Superior itself.

As with all backcountry sites in the area, visitors must ensure they have a valid State Park vehicle permit and a campsite reservation. Given the potential for poor or non-existent cell service, local users should always carry a physical map or a downloaded offline digital map for navigation.

Services Offered

The primitive nature of

Manitou Backpack Campsite #6

means amenities are basic, adhering to a strict backcountry standard. Campers must be self-reliant and prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles.

Backcountry Field Latrine: A simple, primitive field latrine is located near the campsite for human waste disposal. Campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Water Source Access: The site is listed as having a
creek water source
nearby. All water collected from this source must be treated (boiled, filtered, or purified) before drinking or cooking. Potable water is only available from a hand pump at the main park entrance/kiosk.
Designated Fire Ring: The campsite is equipped with an official fire ring, often featuring an upgraded grate. Campfires are allowed only in these rings, using dead and downed wood collected sustainably in the immediate area. The use of portable camp stoves is highly encouraged to minimize environmental impact.
Bear Pole/Food Storage: Given the active wildlife in the area (including black bears), the site is equipped with a bear pole for hanging food and scented items, or a bear-resistant food locker, which must be used diligently to protect both wildlife and personal gear.
Tent Pads/Space: The site is described as high and dry, typically accommodating up to
two tent pads
. It is noted for being a large, sunny spot, offering ample room for a small group (up to the park limit of nine people per site) and a comfortable place to relax after a long hike.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #6 is a coveted reservation spot among locals due to several distinct natural features that enhance the wilderness experience.

Proximity to
Misquah Overlook
: The site's location, high on a ridge, places it directly next to the spur trail for the Misquah Overlook, providing easy access to one of the park’s most panoramic viewpoints of the Lake Superior and Sawtooth Mountains area.
High and Dry Location: Unlike many riverside sites, Campsite #6 is positioned on a hill, offering a high-and-dry spot with excellent drainage, which is a significant advantage during rainy periods or in the spring.
Natural Sun Exposure: Described as a "sunny spot with white pines," the site offers a welcome balance of open space and shade, providing a pleasant environment for setting up camp and relaxing during the day.
Stunning Scenic Views: The high elevation and proximity to the Misquah Trail ensure campers get excellent
views of Lake Superior
through the trees, making it a fantastic location for watching sunrises or enjoying the vastness of the northern landscape.
Excellent Basecamp: Its central location on the park's trail system allows hikers to easily access the Cascades of the Manitou River, the Middle Trail, and the rugged sections of the SHT, making it an ideal staging area for multi-day hiking adventures.

Contact Information

As a designated Minnesota State Park campsite, all booking and general information is handled through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address (General Park):

7616 Lake County Road 7, Silver Bay, MN 55614

(Use for GPS directions to the Park Entrance)

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

Manitou Backpack Campsite #6

must be made online or by phone through the official Minnesota DNR reservation system. The specific address

Lake No. 1, MN 55614

is the geographic location within the park.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Manitou Backpack Campsite #6

is perfectly suited for experienced and aspiring Minnesota backpackers. It encapsulates the rugged essence of the North Shore wilderness without requiring the intense logistics of a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) trip. For locals, it represents a readily accessible challenge—a hike that pushes you, followed by a reward of solitude and spectacular views.

The high-and-dry nature of the site, coupled with the panoramic views of Lake Superior, makes it a desirable escape from the low-lying, often damp, camping areas common in the region. It is a place to fully embrace the Minnesota outdoors, practice essential backcountry skills, and wake up to the sound of wind in the white pines. For those who seek a genuine, uncrowded, and physically engaging outdoor adventure right here in Minnesota, Campsite #6 offers a truly memorable experience.