Introduction / Overview: Earning the View in North Shore Backcountry
For experienced Minnesota hikers and backpackers seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding North Shore experience, Manitou Backpack Campsite #4 offers an exceptional destination. Situated within the rugged and pristine wilderness of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park near Little Marais, this campsite requires a committed hike-in, immediately immersing visitors into the park's dense forests and dramatic topography. Unlike the more accessible sites, reaching Campsite #4 is part of the adventure, involving steep ascents and descents over roots and boulders, but the effort is rewarded with a high-quality site featuring thoughtful amenities and a secluded setting near the Manitou River.
This campsite caters to the true backcountry enthusiast. The park itself is unique, featuring only hike-in sites to preserve its wild character, making it a favorite for those preparing for the rigorous Superior Hiking Trail or simply seeking an intense weekend escape. Campsite #4 is consistently praised by those who make the journey for its well-maintained features, including level tent pads and ample space, offering a comfortable place to rest after tackling the challenging terrain. It represents the quintessential Minnesota backpacking experience: self-sufficiency, physical reward, and deep immersion in the natural beauty of the North Shore. For Minnesotans looking to test their gear and stamina while experiencing a truly secluded setting, Site #4 is a prime target.
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Location and Accessibility: A Rugged 1.75-Mile Trek
Manitou Backpack Campsite #4 is located in the southern section of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, near the headwaters of the Manitou River, outside of Little Marais, MN 55614, USA.
Accessing the park typically involves traveling along Highway 61 on the North Shore, then turning inland onto Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road), which leads to the park’s main parking lot and trailhead. The journey to Campsite #4 is considered moderately difficult, covering a distance of approximately 1.75 miles from the main parking lot. Reviewers emphasize the challenging nature of the terrain, which includes significant elevation changes ("big up and down hills"), traversing large boulders and roots, and navigating trails made difficult by the rugged North Shore landscape. While this terrain requires caution, especially with a heavy pack, the established trail system ensures navigability. Its position deeper within the trail network than the closer sites (like #20) provides a greater sense of seclusion and immersion into the woods. Site #4 is strategically located to offer relatively easy access to the Manitou River for water sourcing, a critical feature for backcountry camping.
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Services Offered
As a backcountry site managed by the Minnesota DNR, Campsite #4 provides fundamental facilities to support low-impact, self-contained camping.
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Features / Highlights
Campsite #4 stands out due to the quality of its site features and its desirable location near the river.
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Contact Information
All camping at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park requires reservations through the Minnesota DNR. For site information or current conditions, contact the managing park office:
Address (General Park Area): Little Marais, 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.
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What is Worth Choosing: Quality Backcountry Comfort
For Minnesota's dedicated backpackers, choosing Manitou Backpack Campsite #4 is choosing the ideal balance of challenging wilderness access and high-quality site amenities. What is truly worth selecting here is the excellent condition of the campsite itself—specifically, the presence of level tent platforms and a comfortable communal fire area.
While the 1.75-mile journey is tough, making it unsuitable for casual campers, the reward is a secluded spot near the cooling waters of the Manitou River, away from the initial trail traffic. This site is the perfect choice for experienced adventurers who want to earn their view and then relax in a well-laid-out area that minimizes the common discomforts of tent camping on rocky, uneven ground. For a truly authentic, self-reliant North Shore backpacking experience with superior site quality, Campsite #4 is highly recommended.
Adequate tent pads, suitable trees for hammocks. Easy access to river for water. Only downside is that there is little buffer from the trail, so you will get a good look at every soul passing by, and vice versa.
About 1.75 miles from the parking lot it was difficult to get to with 2 big up and down hills and over boulders and roots. Difficult with a heavy pack, but was rewarding with a very nice fire pit, log and rock “chairs” around the fire, at least 3 sites for small tents, and lots of shade from the sun. One of the tent sites was a level platform with no rocks or roots, unlike site 3. Not as near the river as 3 so fewer mosquitoes. A little farther hike than site 3 but a better site.
Go left and not right when given the option or it will be one hell of a hike. Amazing river views at the campsite.