Manitou Backpack Campsite #8

- Lake No. 1, MN 55614

For Minnesotans seeking a true escape into the North Shore wilderness, Manitou Backpack Campsite #8 offers a compelling and authentic backcountry experience. Located deep within the rugged and spectacular George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, this site is not your average state park campground. It is specifically designed for backpackers, offering a genuine sense of solitude and immersion in nature that is hard to find closer to the Twin Cities or other developed areas of the North Shore. The park itself is a unique, wilderness-focused destination, characterized by its dramatic, hilly terrain, old-growth forests, and the powerful, cascading waters of the Manitou River. Campsite #8, in particular, is often lauded by local hiking enthusiasts for its ideal balance of privacy, size, and stunning riverside location.

Unlike drive-in or cart-in campgrounds, this site is accessible only by foot, ensuring that all visitors are prepared for a challenging yet rewarding outdoor adventure. The park’s commitment to a rustic, low-impact camping experience means amenities are minimal, prioritizing the preservation of the natural environment and the tranquility of the setting. It’s a perfect destination for those in Minnesota who want to unplug, embrace the Leave No Trace principles, and enjoy the untamed side of their state’s beautiful landscape.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #8 is situated in the remote interior of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, a non-motorized park near the North Shore community of Finland, Minnesota. The official park address and the area's ZIP code help pinpoint this Northwoods region, placing it firmly in the heart of Minnesota’s premier outdoor recreational zone.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA

This address corresponds to the general park area, as the campsite itself is a hike-in location. To reach the campsite, visitors must first drive to the park entrance and park at the small parking lot. From there, the journey is strictly by trail. Campsite #8 is one of 21 secluded backpack sites, ranging in distance from 0.5 to 4.5 miles from the parking area. Specific visitor reviews often note that Campsite #8 is located right by the Manitou River, and while it requires a hike-in, its privacy and size make the effort well worth it. Access often involves navigating rugged terrain, including roots, rocks, and elevation changes, so proper hiking gear and preparation are essential.

Accessibility by road from key Minnesota locations: The park is typically accessed via State Highway 61 along the North Shore, turning inland onto County Road 7 near the town of Finland. This drive offers a stunning scenic route for Minnesotans traveling from Duluth, the Twin Cities, or other parts of the state. It’s important to note that cell phone service can be spotty to non-existent in this remote area, enhancing the true wilderness feel.

In line with the park’s wilderness designation, the services provided are deliberately rustic, focusing on essential needs for a backcountry camper. This ensures the protection of the environment and maintains the park's isolated character.

• Designated tent pad area for a secure, durable surface to set up camp.
• Primitive field latrine (or "thunderbox") near the site, requiring campers to bring their own toilet paper.
• Metal fire ring with a grate for cooking and small, contained campfires (dead and down wood may be gathered in the backcountry, or firewood can be purchased at the park entrance kiosk/nearby vendors).
• Proximity to the Manitou River, providing a source for water that must be filtered or treated by the camper before consumption.
• General park services available near the trailhead, including a hand-pump well for potable water (seasonal availability) and vault toilets at the parking lot.
• Bear-safe food storage is strongly encouraged, either by hanging food packs or using a bear canister, to protect both visitors and the area's diverse wildlife.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #8, and the surrounding George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, are beloved by Minnesotans for their distinct wilderness features that stand apart from more developed state parks.

• Highly Secluded Riverside Location: Located directly on the banks of the Manitou River, offering the soothing sounds of running water, excellent privacy, and picturesque views.
• True Backcountry Camping: One of 21 hike-in only sites, appealing to experienced backpackers and those looking to develop their wilderness skills without a long-distance drive to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
• Access to Superior Hiking Trail (SHT): The park contains segments of the SHT, allowing campers at Site #8 to use the location as a base for day hikes or as a stop along a longer SHT trek.
• The Cascades of the Manitou River: A short, but rugged, hike from the main trail leads to the iconic series of beautiful waterfalls and rapids on the Manitou River, a stunning natural landmark of the North Shore.
• Trout Fishing Opportunities: The Manitou River and nearby Benson Lake are known for trout fishing (with a valid license and stamp), adding a recreational activity to the camping experience.
• Old-Growth Forests and Rugged Terrain: The park features spectacular rugged relief, dense forests of fir, cedar, and northern hardwoods, providing prime habitat for wildlife like moose, deer, and wolves, and rewarding views from various overlooks.

As a remote backpack-only park, George H. Crosby Manitou State Park does not have an on-site visitor center or continuous staffing. Management and general inquiries are handled by the nearby Tettegouche State Park office.

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

Email: tettegouche.statepark@state.mn.us (Recommended for non-urgent inquiries)

Reservations: All camping reservations for Manitou Backpack Campsite #8 must be made through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation system online or by phone.

For Minnesotans, Manitou Backpack Campsite #8 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is an accessible yet profound wilderness retreat right in our own backyard. It fulfills the local desire for a true Northwoods experience without the extensive planning or permitting required for the Boundary Waters. It’s an ideal setting for locals to disconnect from their busy lives—a weekend escape where the only sounds are the Manitou River and the rustle of the old-growth forest. The rugged trails and hike-in access serve as a self-selecting barrier, ensuring that those who make the effort are committed to a quiet, unspoiled experience. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker looking for a training ground, a family introducing kids to responsible backcountry camping, or a North Shore resident seeking solitude, Site #8’s praised size, privacy, and beautiful river setting within a wilderness state park makes it a prime local destination for authentic Minnesota adventure. It’s a chance to truly appreciate the wild, untamed beauty of our state's most revered natural corridor.

Manitou Backpack Campsite #8

Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA