We took a weekend camping/backpacking trip in June up in northern Minnesota!

Latigo is ready for backpacking!

Latigo is ready for backpacking!

The first night we stayed at a state forest campground called, Eckbeck. It was a drive-in campground with two sets of privies, a water tap, and garbage disposal. There was more vegetative screening between campsites than you would find at a state park campground and there were less people. Not to mention that it was only $12 a night!

The next day we headed to George H Crosby Manitou state park for our first ever backpacking adventure! Despite the intense bugs and humidity we really enjoyed ourselves! Although we both agree we got our butts royally kicked! The state park was an amazing backpacking only spot and we would definitely recommend it to those who are looking for solitude! We only saw one other person on the trail!

Scoutie and I were buddies!

Scoutie and I were buddies!

Bobby and Latigo taking a break

Bobby and Latigo taking a break

tumblr_lp2nebJFEW1qhd8aeo5_1280 tumblr_lp2nebJFEW1qhd8aeo12_r1_1280 He builds the fire using flint & steel Latigo's bed for the night. Scout's bed for the night. Crossing a bridge.

This state park does take reservations which we would highly recommend. When we arrived on Saturday morning only two sites were open, luckily we got one! These sites were a bit pricier than Eckbeck at $16 a night. For the seclusion the site offered I would have been willing to pay much much more!

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About the author


I am the youngest of six daughters and spent my childhood vacations camping in the beautiful State Parks of MN. In 2009 I married my best friend, Bobby Marko. We have embarked on numerous adventures along with our Golden Retriever, Latigo, our son, Jack (born 2014) and our daughter, Rowan (born 2016). When not adventuring in the great outdoors I work as a clerical at our local high school.

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