Manitou Backpack Campsite #14

🛶 **Introduction / Overview**

For Minnesota residents who measure their success by miles hiked and degree of solitude achieved, **Manitou Backpack Campsite #14** is a prime North Shore destination. Tucked deep within the famously rugged **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park**, this campsite is a true backcountry gem, accessible only to dedicated backpackers. Unlike the more easily reached sites closer to the trailhead or Benson Lake, Campsite #14 demands commitment, making it an ideal choice for those who want to truly escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the deep Northwoods wilderness.

Campsite #14 is one of the park’s most remote river sites, celebrated for its exceptional privacy and beautiful setting. The park’s design emphasizes low-impact, sustainable recreation, ensuring that the environment remains as wild and pristine as possible. This location is particularly appealing to those seeking an experience akin to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), but accessible by foot. Here, the landscape is dominated by dense forests of cedar and fir, dramatic volcanic rock formations, and the continuous rush of the Manitou River. This is where the effort of carrying a full pack transforms into the reward of unparalleled tranquility.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 is located in the interior of the **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park**, which sits inland from Lake Superior's North Shore. The park entrance is typically accessed via **County Highway 7** after turning off Highway 61 near the communities of Finland or Silver Bay, Minnesota.

The journey to Campsite #14 begins at the main park parking lot. This is one of the park's more distant campsites, requiring a strenuous **3.25-mile (one-way) hike-in** along the park's rugged trail network, which includes sections of the **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)**. The path is known for its steep elevation changes, rocky footing, and occasional mud, especially after rain, making the hike itself a significant part of the adventure. Visitors must be equipped with proper hiking gear and be in good physical condition.

Crucially, the site is known to be **far off the main trail**, enhancing its seclusion but also requiring careful navigation. It is strategically situated at a **beautiful bend in the Manitou River**, which serves as a natural landmark and a vital water source. As with all remote North Shore parks, **cell service is unreliable**, so printed maps and navigational tools are essential to ensure a safe and timely arrival to this deeply set retreat before nightfall.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Reflecting the park's commitment to a primitive wilderness experience, Campsite #14 provides only essential, low-impact facilities necessary for backcountry camping. Campers are expected to adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

• **Designated Primitive Site:** The area is clearly marked and contains **two designated tent pads** to minimize ground disturbance, suitable for small to moderate backpacking tents.

• **Fire Ring:** A basic, established fire ring (some with updated grates) is available for campfires, though their use is always subject to current burn restrictions. Dead and down wood may be collected for use in the ring.

• **Field Latrine:** A primitive field latrine (pit toilet) is located near the site for sanitation purposes.

• **Bear Safety:** The campsite is equipped with a **bear pole** or **bear cable system** for securely hanging food, garbage, and all scented items, which is mandatory due to the presence of black bears.

• **Non-Potable Water Access:** The site is positioned near the **Manitou River**, offering a reliable, although non-potable, water source. All water must be **filtered, purified, or boiled** before consumption.

• **Pack-In/Pack-Out Policy:** Absolutely **no garbage disposal** is provided. Every item brought into the site, including all food waste and trash, must be packed out by the camper.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

The rewards of choosing the remote Campsite #14 lie in its spectacular location and the deep-woods atmosphere that few other Minnesota state parks can match:

• **Secluded River Bend Location:** The site's position on a **bend of the Manitou River** is a standout feature, providing a scenic, private waterfront view and the constant, soothing sound of the rushing water, ideal for relaxation.

• **Exceptional Privacy:** At 3.25 miles in and situated far off the main trail, Campsite #14 offers one of the highest degrees of **solitude** in the entire park. It is truly an escape from other hikers and campers.

• **Wild Trout Fishing:** The Manitou River is known for its various species of trout (including brown, brook, and rainbow). Being situated directly on the river provides excellent opportunities for **fly fishing or angling** (valid license and trout stamp required).

• **Direct SHT/Park Trail Access:** The site's long access trail is part of or connects to the rugged 24-mile trail system within the park, providing an immersive experience for those hiking a multi-day loop or traversing the **Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)**.

• **Old-Growth Forest:** The surrounding habitat is characterized by towering old-growth forests, which contribute to the site’s quiet atmosphere and offer excellent opportunities for **birdwatching and nature observation**.

• **Rugged Scenery:** The area is renowned for its volcanic canyons, steep hills, and the powerful cascades of the Manitou River, all of which are accessible via challenging day hikes from the campsite.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For essential information, reservations, and updates on park conditions, please contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which manages George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

Address (General Park Area): Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (Mailing address often associated with Tettegouche State Park Office: 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614)

Contact Phone (Tettegouche State Park Office): (218) 353-8800

DNR Information Center Phone: 888-646-6367

Reservations Phone: 866-857-2757 (Reservations must be made through the MN DNR system)

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✔️ **What is Worth Choosing**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 is a quintessential choice for the Minnesota backpacker ready for a deep-woods immersion. **What makes it truly worth choosing is the premium level of seclusion and the stunning, private riverfront location that justifies the challenging 3.25-mile trek.**

If you are a seasoned backpacker, hiker, or angler who finds value in remoteness and the absence of development, this site is perfectly tailored for you. Unlike the sites closer to Benson Lake, Campsite #14 offers an authentic feeling of being completely isolated in the Northwoods. The beautiful bend in the Manitou River provides an incomparable backdrop for an evening campfire and a serene soundscape for sleeping.

Choosing this site confirms your commitment to Leave No Trace ethics and self-sufficiency. It provides the ideal base camp for extended exploration of the SHT and the park's most rugged terrain. For a true, quiet, and profoundly rewarding North Shore wilderness experience, **Manitou Backpack Campsite #14 offers an adventure that will reset your spirit and deepen your appreciation for Minnesota’s wild, unspoiled heritage.**