Manitou Backpack Campsite #10

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For the Minnesota adventurer who seeks the tranquility of the North Shore wilderness without the crowds, **Manitou Backpack Campsite #10** within the **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park** is an ideal destination. This park is intentionally maintained as a rugged, backcountry haven, catering exclusively to backpackers and serious hikers. Campsite #10 is situated far enough from the trailhead—a rewarding **2.5-mile hike-in**—to ensure maximum solitude and immersion in the Northwoods environment.

Campsite #10 is described as a **large, open site nestled within a peaceful cedar grove**. This location provides a distinctly private feel, situated just off the main trail leading along the Manitou River. This is true Minnesota "up north" camping, free from the noise and development of car-accessible campgrounds. Visitors here embrace a "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" ethos, ready to manage their own needs in a pristine environment characterized by steep hills, rocky trails, and the magnificent, cascading waters of the Manitou River.

If your goal is to disconnect from technology, challenge yourself on rugged trails, and wake up to the quiet dignity of an old-growth cedar forest, Campsite #10 offers the perfect base camp for a memorable Minnesota wilderness experience.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is located in the rugged highlands inland from Lake Superior in the **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park**. While the general mailing address is near **Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA**, the actual campsite requires a significant hiking commitment.

To reach the park entrance, drivers typically take Highway 61 and turn inland onto County Highway 7 toward Finland, MN. From the main park parking area, the journey to Campsite #10 is approximately **2.5 miles (one-way)**. The hike utilizes the park’s famously rugged trail system, which features steep sections, rocky footing, and uneven terrain—a challenge that rewards experienced hikers. This hike is part of the true backcountry experience the park offers, so proper hiking boots and careful navigation are essential.

As one of the river-access sites, Campsite #10 is positioned to afford glimpses of the Manitou River through the cedar trees, providing a soothing backdrop. Due to the remote nature of the park, **cell phone service is highly limited or non-existent** in the interior, reinforcing the need for preparation and reliance on non-electronic navigation tools like a map and compass.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Campsite #10, like all sites in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, adheres to a primitive, backcountry standard. Campers must arrive fully self-sufficient, ready to manage all their needs, including water treatment and waste disposal.

• **Designated Site Pads:** The site is clearly marked and provides **two designated tent pads**, designed to protect the natural ground cover and concentrate foot traffic.

• **Field Latrine:** A rustic **field latrine (pit toilet)** is located nearby for human waste disposal, maintaining sanitation in the wilderness setting.

• **Bear Safety Pole:** A **bear pole or cable system** is installed for securely hanging all food, cooking materials, and scented items away from wildlife, a mandatory safety practice in this park.

• **Fire Ring:** An established metal fire ring is available for campfires. Visitors must check current fire restrictions and use only dead and downed wood found in the area for fuel.

• **Water Source:** The site provides access to the nearby **Manitou River** as a water source. **Water must be filtered, purified, or boiled** before consumption, as no potable water is available on the trails.

• **Pack-In/Pack-Out:** There are **no trash receptacles or garbage services**. All trash, waste, and food remnants must be meticulously packed out and removed from the park premises.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Campsite #10's specific features enhance its appeal for the North Shore wilderness enthusiast:

• **Large, Open Cedar Grove:** The site is uniquely situated in a **large, open cedar grove**, creating a beautiful and aromatic camping environment. This open nature, balanced with the surrounding woods, contributes to a feeling of space and privacy.

• **Private River Access View:** Although not directly on the bank, the campsite is a private site located just off the main river trail, with the **Manitou River visible through the trees**. This provides the calming sound of the running water without the traffic of being immediately adjacent to the main hiking path.

• **Moderate Hike-in Distance:** At 2.5 miles, the hike is challenging but manageable for a committed day trek, positioning it as an ideal multi-night base camp for further exploration of the park’s more remote areas.

• **Gateway to Waterfalls:** The campsite is conveniently located to allow dedicated day hikes to the spectacular **cascades of the Manitou River**, which are renowned as some of the wildest and most beautiful waterfalls on the North Shore.

• **Stargazing Potential:** The open nature of the cedar grove provides **openings in the tree cover** above the tent and fire areas, offering decent opportunities for **stargazing** in this dark sky location.

• **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) Access:** The park's trails, which include the route to Campsite #10, connect directly to the legendary **Superior Hiking Trail**, allowing ambitious Minnesotans to link their stay with a longer backpacking journey.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For securing your reservation and obtaining critical information about trail conditions and rules in this specialized park, use the Minnesota DNR contact information below. Reservations are essential for all backcountry sites.

Address (General Park Area): Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (Park managed from nearby Tettegouche State Park Office)

DNR Information Center Phone: 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157

Reservations Phone: 866-857-2757 (Minnesota DNR Reservations)

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✔️ **What is Worth Choosing**

**Manitou Backpack Campsite #10 is worth choosing for its exceptional balance of accessibility and profound solitude.** At a 2.5-mile hike-in, it offers a challenging but achievable journey, while its specific location in the large, open cedar grove provides a level of peace and aesthetic appeal that sets it apart from other river sites.

For the Minnesota local looking for an overnight or multi-day escape, this site provides the perfect opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. The generous size of the site and its position off the main trail grant excellent privacy, ideal for small groups or families ready to embrace the backcountry ethic. You’re choosing a truly rustic experience with the soothing soundtrack of the Manitou River and the unique, calming ambiance of a cedar grove. **Choose Campsite #10 to earn your solitude, enjoy top-tier North Shore hiking, and reconnect with the unspoiled nature of northern Minnesota.**