Camping: Highway 8 to the High Bridge

Twilight on the St. Croix can be magical.

NPS/Konopacz

 

A social setting characterizes the St. Croix between Highway 8 and the High Bridge where you can find big vistas and group campsites. You will need a free camping permit to spend the night in this zone.

 

Camping Permit

You can obtain this free camping permit by printing out an application to mail or fax to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. A permit will be mailed to you. You can also stop by the St. Croix River Visitor Center, Minnesota Interstate State Park, Wisconsin Interstate State Park, or William O'Brien State Park to pick up a permit in person. This permit is separate from state park camping permits and only allows for camping at National Park Service sites along the St. Croix River.

 

Campsites

Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping signs and metal fire rings. Sites are first-come, first-served. There are picnic tables at most sites. Drinking water is not available.

Campers are required to possess and use their own portable camp toilets or use onboard facilities on self-contained boats. All human waste and trash must be carried out and disposed of properly at the end of your stay.

There is a three-night limit of stay. All campsites must be occupied on the first night of stay and equipment left unattended for 24 hours will be considered abandoned. Individual sites accommodate a maximum of 8 people and 3 tents. Group campsites accommodate a maximum of 16 people and 6 tents.* Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am daily.

St. Croix Maps 8 & 9 show detailed locations of campsites.

 

Campfires

Open campfires are allowed only in metal fire rings. The cutting of live vegetation is strictly prohibited. Dead and down wood may be collected from shoreline areas, but not from islands. To prevent the spread of emerald ash borer, possession of firewood that originates more than 25 miles from the location where it will be used is prohibited. Campfires must be out and cold before you leave the site.

 

Eagle's Nest

Groups may camp at Eagle's Nest, a cluster of individual sites, located south of Franconia Landing. Possession of alcohol is not permitted at this site.

Need a camping brochure and/or camping permit application? Contact the park by calling 715-483-2274 or by email ([e-mail]).

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