Manitou Backpack Campsite #3

### 🌲 Introduction / Overview

For dedicated Minnesota backpackers, Manitou Backpack Campsite #3 offers an exciting, true wilderness camping experience. Located within the remote George H. Crosby Manitou State Park—a jewel of the North Shore—this site is a primitive, hike-in destination situated directly alongside the picturesque Manitou River. Unlike the park’s more developed neighbors, this is a place where nature reigns supreme, offering solitude, rugged terrain, and the constant, mesmerizing sound of the rushing water.

Campsite #3 is strategically positioned as one of the closest river-access sites to the parking lot, making the initial ascent more manageable while still delivering an authentic backcountry feel. It is recognized for its generous, open space, making it a popular and suitable option for larger groups or multiple tents, a notable feature in a park often characterized by smaller, secluded clearings. Its location off a private path keeps it slightly separated from the main trail, offering a degree of privacy, though this seclusion lessens during the leafless autumn and winter seasons.

This campsite is the ideal basecamp for adventurous local users looking to tackle the famously rugged sections of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) that traverse the park's dramatic ravines and ridges.

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### 🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #3 is found in the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, a North Shore wilderness park near Finland, Minnesota. The general area address is Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA, which pinpoints the remote highlands above Lake Superior.

Access is entirely on foot. The park trailhead is reached via a drive from Highway 61, typically by turning onto State Highway 1 and then following Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Rd) to the park entrance and parking area.

The hike to Campsite #3 is a key factor in its popularity and its rugged nature. It is located approximately 1.25 to 1.3 miles from the main trailhead parking lot. This is considerably shorter than many of the deep-wilderness sites along the river, providing a quicker route to seclusion. However, users should be prepared for the reality of the trail, which is typical of this park’s reputation: challenging terrain featuring steep hills, rocks, exposed tree roots, and potentially muddy sections. The trail is an integral part of the experience, requiring careful footing and preparation, especially with a full backpack. The site itself is situated on the Manitou River and is accessible via a short, private path that descends slightly from the main trail (often the Superior Hiking Trail, or a feeder trail to it), providing a welcome break from the foot traffic.

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### 🏕️ Services Offered

Manitou Backpack Campsite #3 adheres to the park’s primitive, low-impact camping philosophy. The services provided are minimalist and intended to support a self-sufficient backpacking trip:

• Campsite Capacity: The site is known to be very open and spacious, reportedly having enough level ground for at least three small tents, making it suitable for larger groups (up to the park's maximum occupancy limit, typically nine people).
• Sleeping Surface: The open nature of the site makes it highly suitable for traditional tent camping. Reviewers note it is not the best site for hammocking due to the tree spacing/layout.
• Water Source: Direct access to the Manitou River is available for water collection. All river water must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before drinking.
• Fire Management: An official metal fire ring with a grate is provided. Campers are permitted to collect dead and downed wood for small fires, though portable camp stoves are always encouraged to minimize impact.
• Food Storage: Basic structures like a bear pole for hanging food or a secure food storage option is typically available in this park to protect provisions from black bears.
• Sanitation: Campsite #3 does not have its own private field latrine. The nearest toilet facility is the main vault toilet located back at the trailhead parking lot, necessitating a longer walk for sanitation purposes.
• Environmental Practice: Strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles is required. All waste and garbage must be packed out—there is no trash service in the backcountry.

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### 🏞️ Features / Highlights

Campsite #3's appeal lies in its superb riverfront location and its balanced proximity to the trailhead and the wilderness:

• Manitou River Access: The site sits right on the banks of the Manitou River, offering stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the flowing water. This is a prime spot for river ambiance and easy water collection.
• Superior Hiking Trail Connection: The main trail, which often doubles as or connects to the SHT, is extremely close. The site is a perfect overnight stop or basecamp for those section-hiking the challenging SHT route through the park.
• Group-Friendly Space: Its large, open clearing is one of the biggest advantages, accommodating multiple tents and allowing groups to set up comfortably—a rarity among the smaller, more wooded backcountry sites.
• Seasonal Views: While the site is slightly exposed to trail visibility once the leaves fall, this seasonal change reveals a more open vista of the surrounding forest and can make for stunning autumnal camping experiences.
• Mid-Range Hike: At approximately 1.3 miles, it is one of the closer river sites to the parking lot, offering a quicker entry and exit than the deeper wilderness options while still maintaining that sought-after river setting.

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### ☎️ Contact Information

As a Minnesota State Park campsite, reservations for Manitou Backpack Campsite #3 must be secured through the Minnesota DNR reservation system. The park itself is managed remotely by nearby Tettegouche State Park.

Campsite Location (General Area): Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park (Contact via Tettegouche State Park)

Phone: (218) 353-8800

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### 💎 What is Worth Choosing This Campsite

Campsite #3 is an excellent choice for Minnesota’s seasoned campers and new backpackers alike, particularly those traveling with a group. It strikes a crucial balance between accessibility, capacity, and true backcountry immersion, something few other sites in the park can claim.

It is worth choosing Campsite #3 because:

• It is the best available option for a large group seeking a riverfront site due to its exceptional size and open layout, which can comfortably accommodate three or more tents.
• The shortened hike (about 1.3 miles) means less time struggling with a heavy pack on the park’s famously rugged, root-filled trails, making it a great destination for a one-night trip or a base camp for day hikes.
• You get the authentic, peaceful experience of camping right next to the Manitou River, perfect for enjoying the constant rush of water, which many visitors find incredibly relaxing.
• Its location serves as a direct launchpad for exploring the Superior Hiking Trail and the park’s numerous, challenging inland trails and overlooks.