Manitou Backpack Campsite #2

🏞️ **Introduction / Overview**

For the dedicated outdoor enthusiast and the Minnesotan seeking true North Shore wilderness, **Manitou Backpack Campsite #2** offers an unparalleled adventure. This site is nestled deep within the **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park**, a unique destination deliberately maintained as a rugged, backcountry experience, setting it apart from more developed state parks in the region. Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, access to Campsite #2 is strictly by foot, requiring a dedicated hike into the beautiful, hilly terrain. This commitment to a remote experience ensures solitude and immersion in one of the most rugged and scenic landscapes Minnesota has to offer.

Campsite #2 is one of 21 designated backpack-only sites scattered throughout the park, offering a rustic, secluded escape. It's located along the tumultuous and beautiful Manitou River, an area known for its cascading waterfalls and dense old-growth forests of fir, cedar, and spruce. Visitors to this site are prepared for an authentic backcountry outing, free from the noise of cars and large crowds. It's an opportunity to sleep under the vast northern sky and wake up to the sounds of the Manitou River. This is true Minnesota "up north" camping, emphasizing self-reliance and the beauty of nature untouched.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #2 is officially addressed near **Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA**, but its true location is defined by its setting within the **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park**. This park is situated in the rugged highlands just inland from Minnesota's scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, between the towns of Silver Bay and Grand Marais.

To access the park, travelers typically take the iconic Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive) and then turn inland onto County Highway 7 (a paved road that becomes gravel) near the small community of Finland. The park entrance is about eight miles down County Highway 7. Once at the park's parking area, the journey to Campsite #2 begins. The site requires a **backpacking trek of approximately 1.5 miles** one way from the main parking lot.

The trail leading to Campsite #2 is noted for being part of the park's rugged network, featuring steep terrain, rocky footing, and elevation changes. This is not a leisurely stroll; it is a genuine hike, especially when carrying a full pack. Campers should plan to arrive with ample daylight to navigate the trails safely. The park's remote location means **cell phone service is often spotty or nonexistent**, making preparedness and pre-downloaded maps essential for a successful journey.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

As a true wilderness backpacking destination, Manitou Backpack Campsite #2 offers primitive, essential services tailored for the self-sufficient camper:

• **Designated Site:** The campsite is clearly marked, featuring two established tent pads to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.

• **Fire Ring:** A designated, official metal fire ring is provided for building small, controlled campfires, subject to current burn restrictions. Campers may collect dead and down wood found nearby for use in the fire ring.

• **Latrine:** A primitive field latrine (pit toilet) is available for sanitation purposes.

• **Food Storage:** The site is equipped with a **bear pole** for hanging food and scented items, which is a crucial safety measure in this area known for bears, deer, and other wildlife.

• **Water Source:** The site provides access to a **river water source** (the Manitou River), but note that there is **no potable water** at the campsite. All water collected from the river must be boiled for one minute or treated/filtered before consumption.

• **Pack-In/Pack-Out:** There is **no trash service**. All garbage, waste, and food scraps must be carried out of the park by the camper, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #2 is renowned among Minnesota's hiking community for its specific, rewarding features:

• **View of the River Valley and Lake Superior:** One of the most sought-after features of Campsite #2 is its location on a rocky hill which provides a spectacular **view of the Manitou River valley** and, often, a **glimpse of Lake Superior** in the distance. This elevated position enhances the feeling of peaceful solitude.

• **Proximity to Cascades:** The site is known to be situated near the spectacular **cascades of the Manitou River**, offering the peaceful, steady sound of rushing water as a constant backdrop to your camping experience. One can often fall asleep to the gentle rumble of the river.

• **Access to Superior Hiking Trail (SHT):** The park's trail system intersects with a section of the SHT, allowing experienced backpackers to use Campsite #2 as a launch point or rest stop for longer thru-hikes along Minnesota's premier long-distance trail.

• **Challenging Terrain:** For those who appreciate a physically demanding hike, the trails here are rugged, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience through old-growth forests and volcanic canyons. This ruggedness is what preserves the park's wilderness character.

• **Wilderness Solitude:** Due to the hike-in requirement and the nature of the park, visitors experience a remarkable degree of quiet and solitude, making it a perfect spot for truly disconnecting and appreciating the environment.

• **Wildlife Viewing:** The deep woods are home to a variety of Minnesota wildlife, including moose, deer, bear, and timber wolves, offering opportunities for cautious and respectful viewing (always maintain a safe distance).

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📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations, current park conditions, trail status, and general information, the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is managed in conjunction with a nearby park office. Reservations are highly recommended and often required well in advance, especially during peak summer and fall color seasons.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (Park Entrance Area)

Contact for Park Information (Tettegouche State Park Office):

Phone: (218) 353-8800 (or 888-646-6367 for DNR Info Center)

Reservations: 866-857-2757 (or visit the MN DNR Reservations website)

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✔️ **What is Worth Choosing**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #2 is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is an invitation to engage with the wild, untamed spirit of Minnesota's North Shore. **What is worth choosing is the unparalleled, rugged wilderness experience it provides.**

For the resident of Minnesota who already loves the outdoors, Campsite #2 represents a deliberate step beyond the convenience of car camping. It caters to those who value the challenge of a strenuous hike and the profound reward of absolute solitude. The site's elevated position with its stunning river and distant Lake Superior views offers a daily panorama that is well worth the effort of the 1.5-mile hike-in.

Choosing this site means embracing the "pack-in/pack-out" ethic, practicing bear safety, and living simply by a crackling campfire (when restrictions allow). It’s a chance to truly experience the sound of the Manitou River’s legendary cascades right outside your tent and to explore the challenging 24 miles of trails that traverse this spectacular landscape. If you are seeking to test your gear, challenge your stamina, and immerse yourself in the deep, quiet beauty of a protected Minnesota wilderness area, then reserving your spot at Campsite #2 is the best decision you can make for your next North Shore adventure.