6/5/20-6/7/20. BP 6

We originally had another campground reservation this weekend but due to Covid it was canceled. One site was available at Crosby-Manitou so we decided to head there, our first visit to this state park. Crosby-Manitou is located along the very popular north shore but the parking lot and entrance are located about 20 minutes off the main road Hwy 61, so it gets less traffic. Admittedly, I have been to this area MANY times and never made the side trip here. This state park did not disappoint and I’m sad I waited so long to visit.

There is no ranger station and this is a minimal maintenance state park. They are 22 sites and they are all hike-in, backpack campsites. Many are situated along the Manitou River and others along Benson Lake. The trails are very rocky and narrow in spots with many elevations changes, it’s a true backpacking experience. We were in site 6 which is on an overlook and our upward hike was 1.75 miles. The site itself was wooded, spacious and gorgeous. At the overlook, steps away, we had sunrise and views of Lake Superior, the perfect morning coffee spot. There was a fire pit but no picnic table or bear locker, we hung our food. We also had a pit toilet that was very clean. We did carry in our own firewood, though there was some dead wood nearby and there was no nearby water source, so we had to carry in water as well. Many other sites have water access however. There is plenty of hiking throughout this state park and several waterfalls, the cascades waterfall is a big draw for day hikers. When we visited the park was very busy and the parking lot was completely full.

All in all we really enjoyed this state park and recommend to people looking to backpack in.