George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Backpack Campsites

About

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is Minnesota's only designated backpack camping state park, offering a Boundary Waters-like wilderness experience on the North Shore. The 21 primitive campsites are scattered throughout the park, with several positioned along the Manitou River gorge and four near Benson Lake. Hikes to sites range from half a mile to 4.5 miles over steep, challenging terrain that rewards with spectacular views of volcanic rock formations and cascading waterfalls. The park's 3,320 acres protect stands of old-growth yellow birch and provide habitat for moose, black bear, deer, and wolves. Trails offer peek-a-boo views of Lake Superior through the forest canopy. Each campsite has a vault toilet and fire pit with a moveable grate, but there is no running water at the sites. The only potable water source is a hand pump near the park entrance, so campers should fill up before hiking in. This is true pack-it-in, pack-it-out wilderness camping.

Directions

Located at 7616 County Highway 7, Finland, Minnesota. The park is on Lake Superior's North Shore, northeast of Finland.