Anyone ever camp on the St Croix islands?

[Skunked-Rookie]

I was checking them out on a map and was wondering if it was worth doing? Do a lot of people go there? Is it hard to get a spot?

[Sandmannd]

Weekends are very busy along the Kini. There are lots that stop and stay there all weekend. I would say if you want a spot, you better get there early. I haven't spent too many Friday nights looking at how many are there but they are really full by Saturday at 5 AM.

[Skunked-Rookie]

I figured that.

[fishwater]

I camped Sunday night on the islands out from Hudson. I'm pretty sure we were the only folks out. They fill up on Friday evenings all summer. If you're early on Saturday, you could probably score a last spot between two 30' cabin cruisers! I've never had a problem finding a spot on the weekday evenings to beach up. The island north of Stillwater are pretty similar, weekdays or early on the weekend.

[DonBo]

Head up north of Stillwater and there are plenty of spots. The best fill early, but you can find a smaller not-so-prime spot all by yourself if that's what you want to do. Still plan on getting there early as there is lots of weekend traffic. The BIGGER boats can not get up very far north so thats a plus.

[HookEmHard84]

The islands up north of Stillwater are awesome for camping. Other than the real busy weekends (Memorial, 4th, Lj days) you can usually find a pretty nice spot just going out on Friday evening. The only problem you face is yahoos that fall asleep/pass out with thier music blaring. Happened 3 times last year!

Anybody been up that way lately? What's the water level like compared to usual spring conditions?

[water rat]

The islands up north of Stillwater are awesome for camping. Other than the real busy weekends (Memorial, 4th, Lj days) you can usually find a pretty nice spot just going out on Friday evening. The only problem you face is yahoos that fall asleep/pass out with thier music blaring. Happened 3 times last year!

Anybody been up that way lately? What's the water level like compared to usual spring conditions?

Water levels are about norm for this time of year,getting around In a boat Is no problem..............Yet !!

[jdog]

didnt they pass some kind of rule that you need a permit to camp north of stillwater i heard something about the proposal but i wasnt quite sure what came of it

[marble-eye]

I camp North of Stillwaters 2 to 3 times a year with 2 other couples. They are setting the rules right now, and it is a mess. This year they are going to have volunteers along with the carp cops stopping in and telling you what you can and cannot do. They also are going to plant grass on some of the islands, which will be protected. High water will take care of that experiment.. Some of the rules are strange, such as only 2 boats, 6 people per designated campsites. Tried to explain with camping gear, you can only get 2 people per boat. The cruisers need to be 100 yards apart. So instead of noise being in one area, it will be scattered through entire river. They are also going to have a permit process with fees of course. So I would suggest camping within the next 2 years.

[SteveD]

didnt they pass some kind of rule that you need a permit to camp north of stillwater i heard something about the proposal but i wasnt quite sure what came of it

The new camping requirements are spelled out by the National Park Service. Here is a link that explains the new rules:

New Camping Regulations for Lower St Croix River

[water rat]

Good luck with the grass!?!? what kind of seed are they planting to take hold In sand and not be washed away the next spring ?

[DonBo]

Originally Posted By: jdog

didnt they pass some kind of rule that you need a permit to camp north of stillwater i heard something about the proposal but i wasnt quite sure what came of it

The new camping requirements are spelled out by the National Park Service. Here is a link that explains the new rules:

New Camping Regulations for Lower St Croix River

So, where is the Log House Landing???

[SteveD]

Log House Landing is what some people refer to as Copas Landing. It is just off Highway 95 north of Copas and William O'Brien State Park. It is really an unimproved dirt landing primarily a canoes. It is a steep, tricky dirt launch and there is not much parking.

[SteveD]

That URL I posted above with the regulations was the 2008 St Croix Camping Regulations. This year they have extended it from St Croix Falls / Taylor Falls all the way down to the Soo Line High Bridge at River mile 29.5. Here is the regulations:

Camping Regulations Highway 8 to Soo Line High Bridge

Why have new camping regulations been implemented?

The National Park Service (NPS) is charged with protecting the resources of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway while providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the park. Minimally regulated camping along the lower St. Croix River (from St. Croix Falls, WI – Taylors Falls, MN to Stillwater, MN) has raised concerns about human waste, shoreline and island erosion, and its effects on Riverway visitors and residents.

The NPS hopes that by providing designated campsites with occupancy and stay limits, requiring portable camp toilets, and issuing camping permits the following results will be achieved.

The use of portable camp toilets will protect human health and water quality. In some portions of the Riverway, it is acceptable to bury human waste at least 6 inches deep, 100 feet or more from water, so that it will not enter that water source. However, use on the lower St. Croix occurs primarily on islands and shorelines where it is not possible to get 100 feet or more from the water and sites are periodically flooded.

Designated campsites and stay limits will help to make the sites available to more people, allow campsites to rest and restore when nobody is using them, and alleviate confusion over where to camp.

Campers will know, understand, and abide by regulations that are designed to protect the Riverway.

With designated campsites, natural and cultural resources will be protected and camping will be able to peacefully coexist with private landownership.

What are the regulations?

The following regulations are in effect on the St. Croix River between U.S. Highway 8 at St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin - Taylors Falls, Minnesota (river mile 52.5) and the Soo Line High Bridge (river mile 29.5).

- Campers are required to have a camping permit

- Campers must camp in designated campsites.

In addition to the seven sites at Eagle’s Nest Campground, 13 primitive and two primitive group campsites have been established. Up to 8 people in 3 tents will be allowed at individual campsites. Group sites will accommodate 9 to 16 people in up to 6 tents. Larger groups will need to split up or make arrangements to camp in one of the state parks.

- There is a 3-night limit of stay. There is a 30-night limit for the season.

- Campsites must be occupied on the first night of stay.

- The camping permit must be attached to the tent so it is clearly visible. The permit must be displayed every time you camp in 2009.

- Alcohol is prohibited at Eagle’s Nest Campground (river mile 48.5) located downriver from Franconia Landing.

- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

- Campfires are permitted only in steel fire rings or grills.

- The cutting of live vegetation is strictly prohibited. Dead and down wood may be collected from shoreline areas, however, it cannot be collected from islands.

- Possession of firewood that originates more than 50 miles from the Riverway is prohibited.

- Campfires must be out and cold before you leave the area.

- Campers are required to bring in and use their own portable camp toilets or use on-board facilities on self-contained boats.

- Glass containers are prohibited on land and waters within the Riverway.

- All trash must be carried out of the Riverway at the end of your stay.

Why aren’t the regulations in effect south of the Soo Line High Bridge?

Recreational use south of the Soo Line High Bridge is quite different than that to the north. Larger and faster boats frequent this stretch of river and, in addition to camping, there is a lot of day use of the islands and shorelines. For these reasons, different regulations are in place from the Soo Line High Bridge to Boomsite Landing, a section of river known as the Stillwater Islands area.

Open camping is permitted on islands only. Areas suitable for camping are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping stay limit is 7 consecutive nights. Vault toilets are available on Mile Long Island. If not using those toilets or onboard toilets, portable toilets are required.

For a map and a complete list of regulations for this area, more...

The States of Minnesota and Wisconsin are responsible for day-to-day management of the Riverway in the state-administered zone south of Boomsite Landing. No changes to camping regulations in the state-administered zone are contemplated at this time.

How do I get a camping permit?

You can print the camping permit application, read and sign it, and mail it to:

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Attn: St. Croix District

401 North Hamilton Street

St. Croix Falls WI 54024

After reviewing the application, National Park Service staff will mail you the permit.

You can also stop by the St. Croix River Visitor Center, 401 North Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI to complete the application and receive the permit. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 4:00. Beginning on April 18, the visitor center will be open 7 days per week, 9:00 to 5:00.

What is the cost for a camping permit?

The permit is free.

Does every person in my group need a camping permit?

No. One permit is required for each group staying at a campsite.

Where do I display the permit at my campsite?

Attach the permit to your tent so it is clearly visible. The permit must be displayed every time you camp on this stretch in 2009.

If I lose my permit, how do I get a replacement?

Contact the St. Croix River Visitor Center at (715) 483-2274 for a replacement.

Will a portable camp toilet fit in my canoe or kayak? How much does it cost and where can I purchase one?

There are many different styles of portable camp toilets, including ones that will fit in a canoe or kayak. Portable camp toilets are available for purchase at most outdoor recreation equipment stores. Prices begin around $20.

Where are the campsites located and how do I find them when I am on the river?

In addition to the existing campground of 7 sites at Eagle’s Nest, the National Park Service has established 13 primitive and 2 primitive group campsites on this stretch of river. Campsite locations are indicated on the “St. Croix River Map 4: Highway 8 to Marine on St. Croix.” and "St. Croix River Map 5: Marine on St. Croix to Boomsite." These maps are also available at visitor centers, at some landings, and at authorized businesses renting equipment to paddle or float on the St. Croix.

Brown signs with a white campsite symbol and the campsite’s river mile indicate the locations of the campsites on the river. Metal fire rings are provided. Dead and down wood may be collected for campfires except from islands. Possession of firewood that originates more than 50 miles from the Riverway is prohibited.

Do I need a reservation to camp?

No. Campsites are first-come, first served.

I have a group of more than 16 people. Where can I camp?

The 7 clustered sites established at Eagle’s Nest (a NPS boat-in campground south of Franconia Landing) will accommodate larger groups – up to a total of 56 people (8 per site). Eagle’s Nest is first come, first served. Alcohol is not permitted at Eagle’s Nest Campground. If not camping at Eagle’s Nest, groups that exceed 16 people will need to split up or make reservations to camp at a group site in one of the state parks. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations.html or http://wisconsinstateparks.reserveameric...p;parkCode=inte

Do I need a camping permit if I want to camp on the St. Croix River north of St. Croix Falls – Taylors Falls or on the Namekagon?

No, a pass is not required and you can camp in designated primitive campsites along the Namekagon River and along the St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to St. Croix Falls. Refer to the general camping page.

If you have questions please call 715-483-2274 or e-mail.

[marble-eye]

Been roughing it a few times a year for over 30 years. I am just glad I was able to camp above the high bridge quite a few times, before all these rules. There are only 2 campsites from Marine to the high bridge, and they are not very good for fishing. It will happen South, and their future proposal is at best-odd. We follow our #1 rule: Always leave our campsites cleaner than it was before. On one site I have been picking out glass for 15 years. Just a habit.

I did get a chuckle out of the switch grass too. The location is on their website. A little 5x5 area. I suppose it cost about 5grand.... Only to be washed away the following year. I gave up submitting my opinions. You can tell the rulemakers don't camp, but are very good at telling others what they can't do.

[BigSlappy]

Here are the current regulations.  This is north of the Stillwater lift bridge north to the Arcola High Bridge.  https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/upload/Map-10-High-Bridge-to-Boomsite.pdf

[leech~~]

10 hours ago, BigSlappy said:

Here are the current regulations.  This is north of the Stillwater lift bridge north to the Arcola High Bridge.  https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/upload/Map-10-High-Bridge-to-Boomsite.pdf

 

BigSlappy, Welcome to the forum.  That was a good piece of info right there.

[Rick]

Thank you @BigSlappy