Manitou Backpack Campsite #9, Little Marais, MN

Introduction / Overview: Your Escape to Untamed Northwoods

For Minnesotans who believe the best camping is earned, Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park represents a premier destination. This park, unlike its more developed neighbors along the North Shore, is a dedicated wilderness area, offering no drive-in camping or large visitor centers. It is a haven for the dedicated backpacker seeking a true escape from modern distractions. Campsite #9 is one of just 21 remote sites scattered throughout the park’s rugged terrain, promising deep seclusion, the sounds of the forest, and the wild, rushing waters of the Manitou River.

Choosing Campsite #9 is a commitment to a low-impact, self-reliant camping style. Visitors must carry all their gear—including food, water filtration systems, and sleeping equipment—over challenging trails. The rewards are immense: complete silence, an intimate connection with Minnesota’s boreal forest, and a pristine setting rarely afforded by easily accessible campgrounds. This is the authentic Northwoods experience that locals value, a place where the landscape itself dictates the pace of your adventure. Reservations are essential to secure this coveted slice of wilderness on the beautiful North Shore.

Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 is located within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, situated in the highlands inland from Lake Superior, in the region near Little Marais, Minnesota.

Address: Little Marais, MN 55614, USA (This zip code is associated with the general, remote area of the park, which is administered from a main trailhead.)

The park's access is remote, lying several miles off the main Highway 61 corridor. To reach the trailhead, travelers typically navigate County Road 7, eight miles north from State Highway 1, which ensures the park remains isolated from the main tourist traffic.

Campsite #9 is a hike-in only site. The 21 backpack sites in the park vary in distance from 0.5 miles to 4.5 miles from the trailhead parking lot. Campsites along the Manitou River, where #9 is generally located, tend to be further and more difficult to reach than those near Benson Lake. The trail leading to Campsite #9 is noted for its rugged, hilly, and rocky terrain, including steep descents into the river gorges. This requires visitors to pack light and prepare for a strenuous but rewarding trek. This deliberate lack of easy access preserves the quiet, secluded nature that makes this park a unique gem on the North Shore.

Services Offered

The services at Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 are intentionally basic, aligning with the park's mission to offer a truly primitive and low-impact wilderness camping experience. These services are provided to ensure a safe, sustainable stay for serious backpackers.

Advance Reservation Required: All backpack sites, including #9, must be reserved through the Minnesota DNR’s online or phone reservation system. A park vehicle permit is also required for trailhead parking.
Designated Tent Pad: A cleared, designated space for pitching a tent or setting up a hammock is provided to minimize ecological impact and keep the surrounding habitat pristine.
Field Latrine: A rustic, vault-style or open-air latrine (outhouse) is located near the campsite for hygienic human waste disposal, a standard amenity for State Park backcountry sites.
Bear Safety Infrastructure: The site is typically equipped with a bear pole or bear box/locker for the mandatory secure storage of all food, trash, and scented items, protecting both campers and local wildlife.
Fire Pit: A metal fire ring with a grate is provided at the site. While campfires are permitted using gathered dead and down wood, campers are strongly encouraged to utilize a portable camp stove for cooking to reduce environmental impact.
Non-Potable Water Access: Proximity to the Manitou River allows access to a water source, but all water must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before drinking or cooking. Potable water (from a hand pump) is only available at the park entrance kiosk.

Features / Highlights

Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 offers several unique highlights that draw Minnesota's adventurous camping community:

Exceptional Solitude: The park’s exclusive focus on hike-in camping ensures minimal traffic and high privacy. Campsite #9 provides an opportunity to disconnect completely, away from the noise and bustle of car campgrounds.
Manitou River Immersion: The campsite’s location often places it close to the dramatic, winding course of the Manitou River, allowing campers to fall asleep to the therapeutic sound of the river’s cascades and rushing water.
Challenging Hiking Hub: It provides immediate access to the park’s strenuous trail system, including miles of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). This terrain is perfect for hikers looking for a demanding climb and descent through spruce, fir, and northern hardwood forests.
Scenic Overlooks and Waterfalls: The central location provides a great base for day hikes to the park’s famed features, such as the Cascades of the Manitou River and high ridge overlooks offering expansive views of the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior.
Rich Wildlife Viewing: The dense, primitive nature of the park means wildlife sightings, including moose, deer, and various bird species, are more frequent than in crowded, developed areas.

Contact Information

All official bookings and detailed park information for Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the park office.

Address: 7616 Lake County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA (The primary administrative and trailhead access point for George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.)

Phone: (For reservations and general park inquiries, directed through the management office, which is often Tettegouche State Park) (218) 353-8800

Note on Reservations: To reserve Campsite #9 specifically, visitors must use the official Minnesota State Park online reservation system or the central phone reservation line, as the limited number of sites means they are highly sought after, especially during weekends and peak season.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

For the Minnesota resident, Manitou Backpack Campsite #9 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is an accessible proving ground for their backpacking skills and a retreat into the state’s profound natural beauty. This location is ideally suited for locals because it offers an authentic, Boundary Waters-level wilderness experience without the logistical complexity of a large canoe trip. The rugged trails and primitive setting challenge visitors to embrace self-sufficiency, a value deeply ingrained in the state’s outdoor culture. By requiring a reservation, the State Park ensures that this pristine resource is protected for the enjoyment of local users committed to the Leave No Trace principles. For anyone in Minnesota seeking true solitude, challenging hiking, and the reward of a night spent next to a wild North Shore river, Campsite #9 at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park stands as an unparalleled and highly recommended local adventure.