Secluded North Shore Camping: Manitou Backpack Campsite #7, Minnesota

Introduction / Overview: Experience True Northwoods Seclusion

For Minnesota’s dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park stands apart. It is a true wilderness park, deliberately maintained with minimal development to ensure a pure backcountry experience. Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 embodies this commitment to rugged solitude. Unlike the car-camping sites found in most state parks, Campsite #7 is accessible only by foot, requiring a dedicated backpacker's approach. This site is part of a limited number of secluded camping spots along the wild, cascading Manitou River, offering a profound escape into the North Shore's unique boreal forest.

Campsite #7 is a highly sought-after destination for those looking to truly disconnect. Customer feedback highlights its excellent setup, noting features like two well-defined tent pads, a dedicated cooking space, and a primitive toilet. Crucially, the site is known for its easy, direct access to the Manitou River, a constant source of soothing, rushing water that defines the ambiance of this location. The journey to the site, while challenging—including a hike of approximately 1.75 miles over rugged terrain and a "significant downhill section"—is the barrier that guarantees its peace and privacy. This campsite rewards the effort of the hike with an unforgettable immersion in the sights and sounds of one of Minnesota's most beautiful wild rivers.

Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 is located deep within the boundaries of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, situated in the rugged highlands inland from Lake Superior. The closest geographical marker for general navigation is Lake No. 1, which falls under the wider area of the park's management.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (This address is associated with the general, remote geographic location of the park, which is administered from a single trailhead.)

The park's remoteness is a key part of its wilderness character. To reach the park entrance, visitors typically follow designated State Highway routes before turning onto County Road 7, which leads to the main trailhead parking lot. This separation from Highway 61 ensures a genuine sense of escape before the hike even begins.

The hike to Campsite #7 is a key component of the experience. It is situated approximately 1.75 miles (or "a little over a mile" as one customer states, indicating a distance between 1.25 and 1.75 miles, depending on the route and measurement) from the parking area. The trail is noted for its difficulty, consisting of steep, rugged, and rocky sections—especially the "significant downhill section" mentioned by a reviewer—as the trail descends toward the Manitou River. This hike-in requirement means all supplies, including water and cooking gear, must be carried on your back, reinforcing the park’s commitment to an authentic backpacking adventure. The site is nestled under cedars and white pines, close to the river trail, offering high seclusion despite its proximity to the rushing water.

Services Offered

In line with the park's primitive designation, the services at Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 are rustic, focusing on minimal infrastructure to protect the environment while meeting the basic needs of backpackers. The true "services" here are the natural resources and the established campsite protocol that ensures a low-impact stay.

Designated Tent Pads: The site features two well-defined, leveled areas for pitching tents, minimizing disturbance to the natural ground cover.
Primitive Field Latrine: A rustic, pit-style toilet, sometimes referred to as a "primitive toilet," is provided nearby to manage human waste hygienically and maintain the park's pristine condition.
Food Storage Provision: A bear pole or bear box is supplied at or near the campsite. This essential service ensures that all food, garbage, and scented items can be safely secured away from bears and other wildlife.
Campfire Ring: A designated fire ring or cooking area is available. Although dead and down wood may be gathered for small campfires, the park strongly encourages the use of personal camp stoves to reduce the impact on the limited wood supply and air quality.
Non-Potable Water Source: The site offers "easy access to the river," which serves as the water source. Campers must carry a reliable water filter or purification system, as the river water requires treatment before consumption.
Clothes/Gear Log: As noted by a customer, the site includes practical features like a "log for hanging clothes" or gear, a small but valuable amenity for airing out wet items after a long hike.
Reservation System Access: The site is secured through the official Minnesota DNR reservation system, managing access and preventing overcrowding to preserve the wilderness experience.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #7 offers a distinct set of highlights that make it a premier choice for experienced Minnesota backpackers:

Proximity to Rushing Water: Being "close to the Manitou river and river trail," the constant, vigorous rush of the water provides a dynamic soundtrack to the camping experience—a feature frequently mentioned in reviews, though campers should be prepared for the sound to be loud rather than a soft trickle.
Rugged, Classic North Shore Terrain: The demanding hike with its "significant downhill section" is a highlight for those seeking a physical challenge and a sense of true accomplishment upon arrival, traversing the park's characteristic steep hills and rocky footing.
Excellent Tent Setup: The availability of "two nice spots for tents" makes this campsite ideal for small groups, partners, or families needing a little extra space and comfort for a multi-night stay.
Gateway to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT): Campsite #7’s location within the park provides excellent access to the 24 miles of rugged park trails, including sections of the celebrated SHT, allowing for extensive day hikes to overlooks and the famous Manitou River Cascades.
Deep Forest Seclusion: Nestled "under cedars and white pines," the site's natural surroundings and distance from the trailhead (approx. 1.75 miles) ensure a high degree of privacy and immersion in the old-growth forest environment, making wildlife sightings a real possibility.

Contact Information

All official booking and park management inquiries for Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 are directed through the Minnesota DNR’s park system.

Address: 7616 Lake County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA (This address represents the park's official trailhead and main access point.)

Phone: (For reservations and general park inquiries, typically managed through Tettegouche State Park) (218) 353-8800

It is strongly recommended that all reservations for this popular campsite be made well in advance via the official Minnesota DNR website or phone system, as walk-up permits are rare for these coveted locations.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 is the quintessential North Shore backpacking challenge for Minnesota locals. It offers a vital contrast to the crowds and easy access of more popular tourist destinations, serving as a sanctuary for those who appreciate the state’s wild side. The strenuous hike is a welcome badge of honor, weeding out casual visitors and ensuring that only committed hikers experience the deep quiet and untamed beauty of the area. For Minnesotans, this campsite represents an important part of the state’s heritage—a piece of protected wilderness where the principles of Leave No Trace and self-reliance are paramount. Choosing Campsite #7 means enjoying a unique opportunity to camp beside the vigorous Manitou River, surrounded by the towering white pines and cedar of a true Northwoods backcountry, making it a perfect, challenging, and deeply rewarding local adventure.