Best Camping in and near George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

100% (2 reviews)

Discover the rugged beauty of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

100%

(2)

Backpack Campsites

21 sites In George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

from

$19

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

100%

(9)

Sunset Bay Getaway

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Duluth, MN

Please Note: This is an Adults Only Hipcamp Location. Enjoy your stay at Sunset Bay Getaway in your own self contained RV or camper and enjoy the views of our beautiful lake. Relax in the evening around the firepit. We do offer firewood for sale.Just enjoy being in nature, listening to the sounds of the frogs and birds. Grab a bite to eat at a local bar/restaurant 1 mile away.ATV trails, fishing, hunting and nature walks all available close by. Dogs allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after.Adults only.We do not have hookups for water, sewer or electric. We do not have restrooms or any facilities for hipcampers to use.All Hipcampers must have self contained RV's/Campers.The driveway to the camping/parking spots is a tad of a slope so keep that in mind when booking. The max length we allow is 34 Feet long due to the road to the camping spots. You might drag your bumper or hitch on your way down the hill to the spot. It's not hard to drive, it just is a bit steep and only gravel. We are always here to help if need be when you arrive.Bring bug dope, the bugs can be very hungry right about dusk time til about 30 min after the sun goes down. If you have kayaks or paddleboards you are welcome to bring them and enjoy the lake. Watercraft (boats/jet ski's) not allowed.

99%

(51)

Twisting Twig Gardens and Orchard

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Bayfield, WI

My husband Rob and I own a 40 acre property approximately 10 miles from Bayfield, Wi. We have a micro organic farm with hundreds of wild apple trees and believe in leaving the land better than we found it. Rob loves permaculture, managing soils, pruning apple trees and feeding his community nutrient dense food. I work as a hospice nurse and help out on the farm when I am able and we have 2 boys, Arlo and Owen. We keep busy! We offer 3 rustic rentals onsite, but each is very private and secluded. Consider all 3 for a larger gathering! We look forward to hosting you for a farm visit.

91%

(16)

Grand Marais Get-A-Way

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Grand Marais, MN

Site: ***2024 Update - The hillside campsite is now cleared and available for tent camping. Driveway has been extended (now 115 feet long) , two firepits have been constructed (one at end of driveway & one on hillside campsite) and picnic table on site. We are currently accepting bookings for Spring/Summer/Fall of 2024. A 10 acre secluded forest site nestled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a single site property; enjoy complete privacy during your booking dates. Property is primitive and dense with trees/ground cover. 115 feet of cleared driveway is best spot for RV set up; levers likely needed as driveway is gravel is uneven in spots. Tent camping with firepit on hillside campsite. Second firepit at the end of the driveway. Hiking/Biking Options: There are no marked trails on the property. For guests interested in hiking we recommend: 1) The 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail easily accessible at multiple locations throughout Grand Marais OR 2) The Woods Creek Superior Hiking trailhead approximately 1 mile from property; parking lot at trailhead. Biking not possible on site but nearby gravel roads are an option for advanced riders or bikers looking for a challenging ride. For other biking options, including family friendly routes, check out: www.visitcookcounty.com. Site is a private 10 acres forest plot. A perfect primitive home base for laid back families and seasoned adventurers. Tired of the outdoors? A 10 minute drive takes you to downtown Grand Marais with restaurants, shops and Artists Point. Come enjoy the picturesque Minnesota North Shore!

Booked 1 time

Eagle's Perch

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · La Pointe, WI

Secluded island paradise located on lovely Madeline Island with 300 feet of lakeshore and stunning views of the coveted North Channel. Seven of the 22 Apostle Islands are visible on a clear day and not one electric light is visible from the property at night. Enjoy dramatic morning fog while you sip your morning coffee, frequent sailboat regattas during the day, and stunning double sunsets as they reflect across over 5 miles of open water. (ps. this reflective effect is also in play for the northern lights if you're lucky) Amenities: ZERO! (well, other than two fire pits and propane grill) Expect a nicely mowed lawn with space for up to 8 tents located right on top of a 100 foot cliff leading straight down to lake superior. If needed, showers, bathrooms, etc. are located 1.2 miles away at Big Bay Town Park. (no entry fee required) There you can also find the best beach on the island and canoes for rent if you'd like to explore the massive lagoon behind it chalk full of fish. Pack, pack out. Enjoy!

100%

(5)

Private Lutsen Forest Camp

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Lutsen, MN

Property is 5 acres on private shared road. Use of well and wood-burning sauna, and deck and furniture of our tiny home included. Outhouse on site. Centrally located on the North Shore and surrounded by Superior National Forest - - 20 minutes from both Grand Marais and Tofte. Near snowmobile trails, Superior Hiking Trail, Lutsen town, Fika Coffee shop, grocery store, two maple syrup properties, mountain bike and fat bike trails, hiking and xc ski trails. Minutes from Caribou and Ward Lakes. Check out the new world class Jackpot MTB single-track trails!

92%

(18)

Sailor Springs Glamping

9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Bayfield, WI

Experience upscale camping–Glamping in the Forested Hills of Lake Superior. Sailor Springs is a small three-site campground located just two miles outside of the picturesque tourist town of Bayfield, WI. 2023 will be our first year of operation and we’re excited to host campers on the property and provide a unique camping experience. The campground is spread out over 5 acres of forest that you’ll hike into from Bresette Hill Road. After parking at the trailhead, you’ll gather your bags and hike into your glamping site. The trail winds through the woods, leading you first to a valley where the seasonal Clark Creek runs through in the spring. The first two campsites are on the other side of this valley. The trail can be steep in spots and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility to reach the secluded campsites. The third site is a bit farther into the forest, the little A-frame cabin, Anchor sits on the edge of the spring-fed Brickyard Creek that flows year-round. We have many plans for the property and depending on when you stay, the campground will be in various stages of development. The campsites, trailhead / parking area, and trails are scheduled to be completed in early spring. We hope to add amenities such as a camp sauna and screened-in gazebo later in the 2024 summer / fall. Thank you for considering joining us on this journey to build a peaceful place to play and stay in the woods. “In every walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir

100%

(4)

Wooded camping in Babbitt MN

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Babbitt, MN

Visit our rustic property which offers multiple camp sites in a wood-lined area in our very own backyard. Sizable, maintained sites are secluded and away from our home. They include a fire pit, and some have picnic tables available. Guests are welcome to choose any of the available camp sites upon arrival. RV ready. Sites do not include hook-ups/ electricity. Please note that we do not provide bathroom facilities at this time, visitors must provide their own and that sites are near our track, which is not for use. Camp 15 mi. from Ely MN, gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The property is only a minute from popular ATV trail access, and just minutes away from public lake access for fishing, boating and more. Be our guest and please allow us to share our piece of beautiful Northern Minnesota with you!

100%

(5)

Cedarwood Hideaway

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Two Harbors, MN

This off-grid (NO RUNNING WATER) cabin is nestled in beautiful mixed forest five miles inland from Lake Superior. It sleeps up to 4 and includes propane heat and cooking stove/oven, as well as limited solar produced electricity. A wood stove provides additional heat and ambiance. An outdoor fire pit and gas grill (and charcoal grill) are other cooking options. A short trail leads to a vault privy and outdoor games and night sky lounge chairs are available in the shed. Hike the groomed trails on-site, hop on the nearby Superior Hiking Trail or head up to one of the North Shore State Parks. All dishes, cooking supplies and bed linens are provided. Showers vouchers are provided during summer months for the Burlington campground in Two Harbors.

94%

(50)

Marko's grampa's cabin.

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Babbitt, MN

Our family has lived here on this property since Great Grandma Alma bought it in 1928. I am the fourth, raising the fifth generation of Carlson's living here. The log cabin was built by my grandfather, Oliver, in the 1950's and he lived there full time after he retired. The cabin is set apart from the two other homes on the property which is where our family lives full time. Birch Lake is over 6500 acres and stretches for 16 miles from our home to where HWY 1 passes over it. Most of the shoreline is federal and state land giving the lake a wild/undeveloped feel compared to more developed lakes in the area. It's known for producing walleye, northern pike, and crappie as well as other species of fish. SUMMER OF 2024 Update: The cabin will be under construction/improvement for this season. What this means is that only the main room will be available. We will be dismantling the back bedroom and old kitchen. This will impact your stay in terms of visible structural work to the cabin taking place but will not affect the main room or it's amenities. I will not be working on the cabin during any guest stays and will make sure the site is safe and clean for your stay with minimal indication work is going on. I'll make sure the main room of the cabin is clean and ready for your stay but the back bedroom will no longer be useable. The main room will still be bug free, dry, and have electricity. The grey couch is suitable for 1-2 people to sleep on, the beige couch pulls out a full/queen, and there is a cot for another. You may bring your own cot/sleeping pad or pitch a tent in the spacious and grassy lawn. Also note there is a new outhouse (the green one in pics). The old one is still pictured (hipcamp doesn't have a delete option) but not in use. Trust me, the new one is better. There is a small (12 foot) aluminum row boat and a pedalboat available for guests to use. What we provide: One room log cabin with guest only private beach. Electricity, outhouse, small kitchenette with limited utensils, fridge, small gas grille, microwave, toaster oven, hotplate, electric tea kettle, clean fitted sheets, and cot. What you'll need to bring: Sleeping bags/blankets, potable water or water treatment system, green propane cannister if you'd like to use the grille, charcoal if you'd like to use the larger grille, tp, etc. Please ask for more specifics. Can usually and am happy to accommodate.

The best camping near George H. Crosby Manitou State Park guide

Overview

About

The rugged wilderness trails and primitive hike-in sites at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park aren’t for the faint of heart, but if ultimate seclusion and killer views pump you up, this place couldn’t be more worth it. Waterfalls pour into volcanic canyons and rare mammals roam free here on the north shore of Lake Superior (moose, deer, bears, and wolves, to name a few).

Bensen Lake and the Manitou River emerge gloriously through dense swaths of spruce & fir, all largely undisturbed per the wishes of the park’s namesake—George H. Crosby was a mining magnate who donated the land on the condition that it wouldn’t be developed on too much. It was Minnesota’s first backpacking-only site, and has been intentionally maintained as a haven for backpackers all these years. Pack up and git over there!

When to go

The best time to visit George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for hiking and nature viewing. Winter brings a serene beauty, perfect for snowshoeing, though travel may be more challenging. Spring's thaw can make trails muddy and less accessible.

Know before you go

Check for any trail closures or safety advisories before your visit.
Prepare for limited cell service; plan your route and communications in advance.
Accessibility may vary across different areas of the park; some trails may be rugged and challenging.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
For the most current information, contact the park office directly before setting out.