Manitou Backpack Campsite #20

Introduction / Overview: The Easiest Step into North Shore Wilderness

For Minnesota residents seeking an authentic taste of North Shore wilderness without committing to a multi-mile trek, Manitou Backpack Campsite #20 provides the perfect entry point. Located within the unique George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, near the town of Finland, this park is distinguished as one of the few in the state that offers only hike-in backpacking campsites—a testament to its rugged, remote character. Campsite #20, specifically, is a gem for those prioritizing ease of access combined with the unmistakable feel of the Minnesota backcountry.

This site is strategically located near the shores of Benson Lake, the non-motorized centerpiece of the park. It is widely known among local campers as being one of the shortest hikes from the parking lot, making it ideal for families with small children, groups bringing in more gear, or first-time backpackers. The surrounding environment is classic North Shore terrain, featuring dense cedar, pine, and birch forests, rugged relief, and the sounds of nature, including the occasional wolf howl or trout jump, as noted by past guests. Camping here is all about disconnecting from the front country while still being close enough to the entry point for quick resupply or departure. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, as the park is maintained for rustic, low-impact camping, but the reward is a secluded site in one of Minnesota's most beautiful, least-visited State Parks.

---

Location and Accessibility: Closest to the Trailhead on Benson Lake

Manitou Backpack Campsite #20 is located in the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, with the nearest physical address being in the vicinity of Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA. The park is situated in the rugged highlands of the North Shore, roughly 70 miles north of Duluth and 8 miles east of Finland, MN.

Accessibility to the park begins by following Highway 61 north from Duluth to State Highway 1 in Illgen City, then heading inland for 6.2 miles before turning onto Cramer Road (or Lake County Road 7). This route leads directly to the park entrance and the main parking lot. Campsite #20 is exceptionally accessible by backpacking standards, requiring a short, relatively easy hike of approximately 0.25 to 0.5 miles from the main parking lot. The trail begins with a boardwalk section, though the final ascent to the site itself involves a short, steeper hike up dirt switchbacks and wood steps. The site is located in a cluster with sites #21 and #22, overlooking Benson Lake through the trees, making it a very convenient entry point for first-time backpackers or those simply seeking a reliable overnight base camp.

---

Services Offered

As a dedicated hike-in wilderness park, the services at Campsite #20 and its immediate vicinity are minimal, focusing on core necessities for self-sufficient camping.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site typically includes two designated tent pads to ensure camping is on durable surfaces and minimizes impact on the surrounding forest floor.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage: Campsite #20 is specifically noted to feature a bear-proof food locker (bear box) for secure storage of food and scented items, mandatory in this wilderness area.
• Fire Ring: An upgraded metal fire ring with a moveable grate is provided for cooking and campfires (must be compliant with current fire restrictions).
• Communal Latrine: An enclosed vault toilet (latrine) is shared by Campsites #20, #21, and #22, located down a separate spur trail for sanitation.
• Water Source: Water must be filtered from Benson Lake, the nearby water source (no potable tap water is available at the campsite; campers must carry a personal filter/purifier).
• Pack-In/Pack-Out: The park strictly enforces a pack-in/pack-out policy for all garbage; there are no trash cans in the backpacking area.
• Access to Trailhead Facilities: A public vault toilet and a seasonal hand-pump for drinking water (must be treated) are available near the main parking lot/kiosk area.

---

Features / Highlights

Campsite #20’s features highlight its blend of easy access and deep wilderness feel, perfect for a short Minnesota escape.

• Extremely Short Hike-In: At just 0.25 to 0.5 miles from the parking lot, it is the most accessible site in a park dedicated to backpacking, ideal for ease of hauling gear.
• Benson Lake Access: Located near the non-motorized Benson Lake, offering opportunities for trout fishing (license required) and canoeing/kayaking on a peaceful, reflective lake surrounded by forest.
• Wildlife Potential: The remote nature of the park means a high likelihood of seeing deer, moose, and the potential for hearing wolves howling, enhancing the true wilderness experience.
• Gateway to Rugged Trails: Provides immediate access to the park’s main trail systems, including the Middle Trail (part of the Superior Hiking Trail), leading to the famous Cascades of the Manitou River (a strenuous but rewarding hike).
• Seclusion Despite Proximity: Although close to the parking lot and clustered with two other sites, the dense forest and site layout still offer a good degree of privacy and a genuine feeling of being in the woods.
• Year-Round Camping: The park is open year-round for camping (with reduced winter access), allowing experienced Minnesota campers to enjoy snowshoeing and the unique quiet of the winter North Shore.

---

Contact Information

All camping at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park requires a reservation through the Minnesota DNR system. For inquiries, it is best to contact the managing park office:

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

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

Reservations: Visit the MNDNR reservations website or call (866) 857-2757.

---

What is Worth Choosing: Maximum Wilderness Feel, Minimal Effort

For Minnesotans, choosing Manitou Backpack Campsite #20 is choosing the perfect blend of minimal effort and maximum wilderness reward. What is truly worth selecting here is the exceptional ease of access—the shortest hike-in available in a park otherwise known for its challenging terrain. This makes it an invaluable option for a quick overnight trip, for those testing new gear, or for introducing younger family members to the joys of backpacking.

Despite its proximity to the parking lot, the site delivers a genuine North Shore experience: a secluded spot, a bear-proof food box, the sounds of nature, and direct access to the beautiful Benson Lake and the rugged trail network. If you want the quiet, restorative qualities of a deep-woods hike-in site without the physical toll of a four-mile trek, Campsite #20 is the premier, practical choice in the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park system.