St. Croix National Scenic Riverway was established to protect and preserve the outstanding scenic landscape of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. To provide for the public enjoyment of the Riverway, designated primitive campsites and a camping zone have been established. Most are accessible only by boat or canoe. Nearby state parks and private campgrounds provide drive-in campsites with more amenities, including trailer sites.

As with most recreational areas, the potential exists that on holiday weekends or when the weather has been predicted to be ideal, that desired use may exceed available resources. Do not plan to canoe so late in the day that if your first campsite choice is occupied, that you have no other options.

Campsites: Primitive campsites have been developed along the entire Namekagon River and along the St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to the Soo Line High Bridge. Camping is allowed only in these officially established sites. All sites are marked with a campsite sign and have a fire ring. Some sites have picnic tables and primitive toilets. Campsites between Highway 8 and the Soo Line High Bridge do not have primitive toilets and campers are required to bring in and use their own portable toilets or onboard boat facilities. Drinking water may be available at some locations during the summer months. National Park Service section maps include the location of the Riverway's primitive and walk-in campsites and water facilities.

Campsites are available in two sizes: individual, which can accommodate 8 people and 3 tents; and group, which can accommodate 16 people and 6 tents. Be sure to pick a campsite that is the "right fit" for your group. Don't monopolize a group site if your party is small - group sites should be kept available for those who need them.

Camping Zones:
The Riverway is divided into four federal camping zones where management policies differ. The Namekagon River and St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to Nevers Dam, Nevers Dam to Highway 8, Highway 8 to Soo Line High Bridge and Soo Line High Bridge to Stillwater. The state zone, from Stillwater to the mouth of the river, has no designated campsites outside of county and state parks.

The entire Namekagon and St. Croix River north of Nevers Dam requires camping only at designated sites, with a three-night limit at each campsite. While campsites are located at fairly regular intervals along most parts of both rivers, there are few campsites on the St. Croix between Riverside Landing and Norway Landing, due to extensive swamps. If your trip will include an overnight stay along this stretch, it would be wise to make arrangements to camp at St. Croix State Park by calling 320-384-6591 or http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations.html

Between Nevers Dam and Highway 8 designated campsites have a three-night limit. Houseboaters are allowed to tie-up to shore anywhere on the flowage behind the dam at St. Croix Falls for an overnight stay. Houseboaters may not build fires or set up tents on shore and must use their onboard facilities for waste disposal, unless they are tied up at a campsite.

Highway 8 to Soo Line High Bridge has designated camp sites and a three night limit. Toilets are only provided at Eagle's Nest Campground,elsewhere portable toilets must be packed in and out and used. A free camping permit is required. For more information...

Soo Line High Bridge to Stillwater has few designated campsites. Camping is only allowed on islands in this zone. There is a seven-night limit at any site along this stretch of the river.

Walk in Campsites:These sites are for tents only. Gear must be carried from your vehicle to the campsite. Walk-in campsites are available a short distance from parking areas at the following locations:

Namekagon River
Phipps Landing
Earl Park
Howell Landing
St. Croix River
Riverside Landing
Norway Point Landing
Nelsons Landing
Sandrock Cliffs
Old Railroad Bridge
County O Landing
Sunrise Ferry Landing Landing

Camp Lightly: As demand for recreation continues to increase, pressure on natural areas such as the St. Croix Riverway has become more intense. Visitors practicing low impact camping techniques are very important to preserving the natural character of the Riverway. The following tips will make your trip more enjoyable and help preserve the Riverway resources.

      Plan Ahead

• Consult maps before you visit the Riverway.
• Persons seeking solitude should consider coming on weekdays and avoid the most popular stretches of the river.
• Plan meals carefully to reduce waste. Repackage food to minimize the amount of containers and trash. Carry out your trash with you. Do not dispose of trash in fire rings or toilets.
• Glass beverage containers are prohibited.
• Water is available seaonally, when there is no threat of freezing, at some landings. Consult maps for location and contact the park to determine when water facilities are operational spring and fall.

Human Waste

• All developed campsites north of Highway 8 have primitive toilets. If a toilet is not available when you stop along the river, bury your waste at least 100 feet from water and trails.
• Toilet paper and feminine hygiene products should be packed out in a plastic bag.
• Portable toilets or onboard boat facilities are required to be used from Highway 8 to Soo Line High Bridge as there are no primitive toilets except at Eagle's Nest Campground. Commercial models exist that can be carried by boat, canoe, or kayak.

Store food properly

• Raccoons, bears, and other animals are attracted to the smell of human food. Hang food and scented toiletries in a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the tree trunk. Hang your garbage as well.
• At walk-in campsites store food coolers in your vehicle overnight.
• Do not wash your dishes in the river. Strain wastewater from dishwashing for food scraps. Scatter the water away from your campsite and the river.

Fires

• On the Namekagon and the St. Croix, from Gordon Dam to Soo Line High Bridge, fires are only permitted in steel fire-rings. Below Soo Line High Bridge fires may be built outside steel fire-rings if it can be done safely.
• Dead and down wood may be collected for use by picnickers and campers. Live trees may not be cut.
• Firewood may not be gathered on any island in the river. Fallen trees help stabilize islands.
• The preferred practice is to bring firewood with you from a source no more than 50 miles from the Riverway.

Remember to leave a clean, litter free, undamaged campsite so the next visitor will have a pleasant experience. The Camping Brochure provides similar information.

Developed Campgrounds
Located in state or private areas, these campgrounds provide tent and car camping. Many of these large camping areas include such amenities as showers, dump stations, electricity, modern restrooms and more. Fees are charged at developed campgrounds and reservations are required for state parks and most private campgrounds. State forest campgrounds are first come, first served.

Minnesota Information:
DNR Information Center
651-296-6157 or www.dnr.state.mn.us

Office of Tourism
651-296-5029 or www.exploreminnesota.com

Wisconsin Information:
State Park Camping
888-947-2757 or www.dnr.state.wi.us

Department of Tourism
800-432-8747 or www.travelwisconsin.com

State Campgrounds near the Riverway
Minnesota: Afton State Park, Chengwatana State Forest, Minnesota Interstate State Park, St. Croix State Forest, St. Croix State Park, Wild River State Park, William O'Brien State Park

Wisconsin:  Governor Knowles State Forest, Willow River State Park, Wisconsin Interstate State Park