Manitou Backpack Campsite #7

**Introduction / Overview: Embrace the North Shore Wilderness**

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the backcountry, **Manitou Backpack Campsite #7** offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled deep within the breathtaking **George H. Crosby Manitou State Park** on the North Shore, this destination is a unique gem, specifically designed for those who appreciate a rugged, hike-in camping adventure. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, this site provides the solitude and immersion in nature that true backpackers crave. It’s part of a network of 21 remote campsites, emphasizing a "Leave No Trace" ethos and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the region. The park itself is celebrated for its challenging, yet rewarding, hiking trails, cascading waterfalls along the Manitou River, and its dense forests of fir, cedar, and spruce—a perfect habitat for spotting native wildlife like moose, deer, and even the occasional bear or wolf. Campsite #7, in particular, has been noted by visitors for its excellent setup, including designated tent spots and a primitive, natural feel that connects you directly with the Northwoods.

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park holds a special distinction as the first park in the Minnesota State Park system to be designated primarily for backpackers, ensuring a focus on minimal development and a true wilderness camping experience. The terrain is notably rugged and hilly, promising a challenging and fulfilling trek to your secluded home away from home.

The philosophy here is to get away from the crowds and into the wild. As a prospective camper at Campsite #7, you should be prepared for a true backcountry outing, where your journey to the site is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself. It's an opportunity to unplug, enjoy the peace and quiet of the Minnesota wilderness, and recharge your spirit amidst some of the most dramatic landscapes the North Shore has to offer.

**Location and Accessibility: A Journey into Seclusion**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 is located within the vast expanse of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, deep in Minnesota’s rugged Northwoods region.

The mailing address for the park is: **Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA**. This location places it near the community of Finland, MN, and approximately 70 miles north of Duluth, making it accessible via the scenic Highway 61, then inland onto Lake County Road 7.

However, it is vital for all visitors to understand the **hike-in only** nature of this campsite. Campsite #7 is a *backpack campsite*, meaning there is no direct vehicle access. All camping gear, food, and supplies must be carried in on foot. Based on a customer review, the hike into Campsite #7 is **"a little over a mile"** from the trailhead, and it includes a **"significant downhill section,"** indicating rugged, elevation-changing terrain typical of the park. The park’s backpacking trails range from a quarter-mile to over four miles, so a one-mile hike is considered one of the shorter trips, making this specific site potentially more accessible for those new to backcountry camping or with less time.

Visitors should arrive prepared for uneven ground, rocks, and steep sections. Durable footwear and careful packing are essential. While the site itself is located near the Manitou River, all potable water must be carried in or filtered/treated from natural sources like the river or Benson Lake, as running water facilities are not available at the site.

**Services Offered**

Given its designation as a remote backpack campsite, the services at Manitou Campsite #7 are intentionally minimal and rustic to maintain the wilderness setting. They focus on providing the essentials for a safe and comfortable backcountry stay.

**Campsite-Specific Services:**

• Two nice spots for tents (as noted in customer reviews, providing clear, level areas for pitching a tent).
• A designated cooking area/fire ring (equipped with an upgraded fire pit with a moveable grate in many park sites).
• Primitive field latrine (rustic toilet facilities designed for backcountry use).
• A log or designated area for hanging clothes or gear.

**Park-Level Services (Near the Trailhead/Parking Lot):**

• Potable water hand pump (available year-round at the Self-Registration Kiosk near the park entrance/parking lot—water must be carried from here or treated from natural sources).
• Vault toilets (available year-round near the parking lot).
• Self-Registration Kiosk (for vehicle permits and camping registration information).
• Designated parking area (only access point for vehicles before beginning the hike-in).
• Firewood sales (firewood must be purchased at the park or from an approved vendor; gathering dead and downed wood is permitted only in backpack camping areas).

**Important Note:** The park is not continuously staffed, and cell phone service is spotty. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for a true wilderness experience.

**Features / Highlights**

Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 and its surrounding George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are rich with natural features that draw hikers and wilderness lovers from across Minnesota.

**Campsite Highlights:**

• **Proximity to the River:** Offers easy access to the Manitou River, allowing for the peaceful sound of the cascades and access to water (for filtering/treating).
• **Seclusion and Quiet:** Located on a remote trail, the site offers a deep sense of solitude, away from the noise and activity of car-camping areas.
• **Ready-Made Tent Pads:** The presence of two dedicated, clear spots for tents (as reviewed) ensures a comfortable, dry setup after a hike.
• **Hanging Log/Area:** Provides a simple, practical feature for managing clothes, food (bear hang recommended), or gear.

**Park-Wide Features:**

• **The Manitou River Cascades:** Breathtaking waterfalls that tumble through a volcanic gorge, providing spectacular scenery.
• **Challenging Trail System:** Over 24 miles of rugged, scenic trails—including a five-mile segment of the **Superior Hiking Trail**—that test your ability and reward you with stunning views.
• **Benson Lake:** A non-motorized lake perfect for quiet paddling, fishing for trout (brown, rainbow, brook, and splake), or enjoying the peaceful picnic area.
• **Spectacular Overlooks:** Trails like the Misquah Trail spur lead to views of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains.
• **Old-Growth Forests:** The park is home to majestic forests of northern hardwoods, fir, and cedar, offering a diverse and enchanting ecosystem for wildlife viewing.
• **Wildlife Opportunities:** A greater chance of spotting large and small wildlife, including moose, deer, bear, and various bird species due to the low human traffic.

**Contact Information**

For all inquiries regarding reservations, permits, trail conditions, and general park information related to Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, please use the main contact information for the park.

**Address:**

7616 Lake County Road 7, Finland, MN 55603 (This is the official park/headquarters address, not the campsite location.)

**Phone:**

(218) 353-8800

**Reservations:**

To reserve Campsite #7 or any other park site, visit the Minnesota DNR State Parks reservation system online or call the general reservation line at 866-857-2757. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

**What is Worth Choosing: The Call of True Backcountry**

Choosing Manitou Backpack Campsite #7 is a conscious decision to embrace the purest form of Minnesota's North Shore wilderness camping. The park itself is a sanctuary from the bustle of the more developed areas along Highway 61, and this specific site represents that commitment to solitude.

**Why Campsite #7 Stands Out:**

• **Ideal Backcountry Introduction:** With a hike-in distance of "a little over a mile," it’s one of the more accessible backpacking sites in the park, yet still delivers a genuine wilderness feel. This makes it an excellent choice for a first-time backpacker or those looking for a quicker trek to camp.
• **Excellent Site Features:** The positive customer review highlights specific, practical amenities—**two nice spots for tents**, a **log for hanging clothes**, and a **primitive toilet**—that simplify the backcountry routine, allowing you to focus on relaxation and enjoyment.
• **Riverside Serenity:** The **easy access to the river** is a key feature, providing the soothing sounds of the Manitou River and a source for water (always treat/filter before drinking). The rugged beauty of the gorge is right at your doorstep.
• **An Authentic Challenge:** The park is known for its **rugged and hilly terrain**, and the "significant downhill section" noted on the trail to Campsite #7 ensures that you've earned your stay. For dedicated hikers, the challenge is the reward, offering a more satisfying experience than a simple walk-in.
• **Unplug and Recharge:** George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is known for its minimal cell service. Choosing Campsite #7 guarantees an opportunity to truly disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the natural world. It's the ultimate destination for "forest bathing" and family time away from electronic distractions.

In a state renowned for its outdoor opportunities, this specific campsite in this unique state park is a must-try for any Minnesotan looking to elevate their camping experience from a simple overnight stay to a fully immersive, rewarding backcountry adventure.