Manitou Backpack Campsite #5

### 🌲 Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential, rugged North Shore backpacking experience, Manitou Backpack Campsite #5 in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a premier choice. This park is intentionally kept primitive, offering only hike-in campsites designed to provide maximum solitude and an authentic wilderness feel. Campsite #5 is distinguished by its dramatic location: nestled right along the Manitou River, famously situated near a waterfall or section of rapids where the river's power is most evident.

The journey to the site is a true commitment to the backcountry, requiring an arduous, though rewarding, hike over steep and rocky terrain. Once there, campers are rewarded with a well-maintained site that offers superior camp amenities compared to many others in the park, including a dedicated fire pit and durable seating areas. This site is ideal for those who prioritize the immersive sound of rushing water and desire a more feature-rich primitive setup for their deep-woods escape.

The location places you deep within a forest of fir, cedar, and northern hardwoods, providing excellent shade and a crucial jump-off point for extended exploration of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) that winds through this stunning, challenging park.

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### 🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Manitou Backpack Campsite #5 is located in the backcountry of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, an area known for its dramatic topography on the North Shore of Lake Superior, with the general address being Little Marais, MN 55614, USA.

The park is accessed inland from Highway 61 via Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Rd), which leads to the main trailhead and parking area. Campsite #5 is a true backpacking destination, with an estimated hike-in distance of approximately 1.75 to 2.5 miles one way from the parking lot, depending on the exact trail route taken.

Local users note that the terrain is significantly challenging. The hike involves steep hills, numerous rocks, and exposed tree roots, requiring sturdy footwear and careful navigation, particularly with a heavy pack. It is strongly recommended to use a detailed map or a known route, such as the Yellow Birch Trail, as signage to the specific site may be challenging to spot from certain directions, such as coming off the Middle Trail. The remote location means cell phone service is limited or non-existent, making pre-downloaded maps and offline planning essential for a safe trip.

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### 🏕️ Services Offered

As a designated backpack campsite in a primitive state park, Campsite #5 offers basic, low-impact facilities intended to preserve the wilderness environment. It is notably one of the better-appointed sites along the river:

• Campsite Space: The site is generously sized, offering at least three level clearings suitable for setting up tents. This allows for comfortable accommodation of small to medium-sized groups (up to the park’s nine-person limit).
• Cooking and Fire: A well-built fire pit with a grate is available for cooking and warmth, although camp stoves are highly encouraged for minimizing impact. Reviewers have noted the site features a solid setup.
• Water Source: The site provides easy access to the Manitou River for water collection. Consistent with all backcountry camping in the area, all river water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• Sanitation: Unlike some nearby sites, Campsite #5 features a private, vault-style field latrine near the site. While privacy is minimal (often lacking walls), the presence of a dedicated toilet structure saves campers the long trek back to the parking lot for certain bathroom needs.
• Camp Furniture: The site is equipped with a unique, rustic setup, including a rock table and wooden log benches around the fire pit, providing a more comfortable and established seating/kitchen area than many adjacent campsites.
• Food Storage: Campers must adhere to strict bear country regulations, and the site is typically equipped with either a bear pole or bear-proof box for hanging or securing food and scented items.

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### 🏞️ Features / Highlights

Campsite #5 is a sought-after destination due to its specific and stunning natural features:

• Waterfall Ambience: The primary draw is the site’s location immediately adjacent to a section of rapids or a minor waterfall on the Manitou River. This proximity results in a loud, consistent rushing water sound—a powerful backdrop for a wilderness stay, though visitors sensitive to noise should be prepared.
• Superior Trail Access: The site is positioned perfectly for backpackers traversing the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), providing a remote, scenic rest stop deep within one of the trail’s more rugged sections.
• Enhanced Camp Setup: Campers benefit from a nicer, more comfortable furniture setup (rock table and log benches) and a dedicated vault-style latrine, which are notable conveniences in this primitive park.
• Excellent Shade: The site is located in a heavily wooded area, providing abundant shade throughout the day, which is highly desirable during the warmer summer months.
• Guaranteed Seclusion: Despite being near the main trail system, the 1.75 to 2.5-mile hike naturally filters out day-trippers and casual visitors, ensuring a quieter, more isolated experience once you reach your destination.

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### ☎️ Contact Information

Manitou Backpack Campsite #5 is part of the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park system. Reservations and official information are handled through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) system.

Campsite Location (General Area): Little Marais, MN 55614, USA

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

Phone: (218) 353-8800 (Tettegouche Office)

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### 💎 What is Worth Choosing This Campsite

Campsite #5 stands out as the ideal destination for the well-prepared Minnesota adventurer looking for a dramatic and secluded North Shore base camp. It is the site of choice for specific, powerful reasons:

• It offers an unparalleled river experience adjacent to a waterfall/rapids, making it a highly unique and memorable site for those who love the roar of whitewater.
• The combination of multiple level tent sites and the presence of a dedicated on-site vault latrine provides superior comfort and convenience for groups compared to neighboring sites deeper in the woods.
• The established log benches and rock table enhance the primitive camping experience, offering structure for cooking and gathering after a long day of hiking the challenging terrain.
• It represents a fantastic balance: a challenging, true wilderness hike followed by a campsite that rewards the effort with distinctive natural beauty and thoughtful, rustic amenities.