River Camping

Anoka County offers primitive campsites on two islands at Mississippi West Regional Park

Camping Options on the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area National Water Trail

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area National Water Trail offers two types of camping, both requiring careful preparation. The National Park Service provides dispersed camping on eight of its islands, where there are no services or designated sites. Anoka County offers primitive camping at three designated sites on two of its islands.

Before embarking on your adventure, always check river conditions and forecasts to ensure a safe experience. Please note that all camping sites require you to pack out everything you bring, as there are no bathroom facilities available. Prepare accordingly for a memorable outdoor experience!

 

Backcountry Dispersed Camping

The National Park Service manages eight islands that are open to dispersed camping. These islands are not managed for camping and do not have tent pads, fire grates, or toilets. Individuals looking to camp on these islands must bring all materials needed for camping and pack out all refuse -- including human waste.

Camping on these lands are regulated by 36 CFR §2.10 and the Superintendent's Compendium.

Locations

Camping is allowed on eight of the islands managed by the National Park Service within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, in accordance with the regulations found in 36 CFR 2.10 regarding camping and food storage and the Superintendent's Compedium.

Please note that camping is prohibited in on NPS islands and lands that are in the core urban areas to ensure visitor safety and maintain consistent policies with adjacent lands. These areas where camping is not allowed include Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) Unit and Island 108.01, and Island 111.01 and 111.02 (which are managed as part of Battle Creek Regional Park).

During flooding and high water many of the islands flood completely and camping is not possible. Camping during high water and flooding conditions is not advised. 

Maps of the islands can be found in Appendix A of the Superintendent's Compendium. 

Rules and Regulations

Camping Duration:

• Maximum length of stay: 3 nights per island and/or campsite.
• All campsites must be vacated by noon the day after the last night's stay.
• From May 1st to October 31st: Limited to a total of 14 nights across all separate visits.
• Total camping limit: 30 nights in a calendar year.

Party Size:

• Limited to no more than 10 individuals per camping party to protect sensitive resources and ensure public enjoyment.

Site Closures:

• Campsites may be closed temporarily to ensure visitor safety and protect sensitive resources.

Food and Waste Disposal:

• Pack out all food scraps and garbage; burning or burying food scraps or garbage is prohibited.
• All refuse must be removed from lands owned or administered by the National Park Service by park users in accordance with the park's carry in, carry out policy. Leaving of refuse on NPS lands is prohibited.
• Disposal of human waste is prohibited. All human waste must be carried out of NPS administered lands

Fires:

• The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited. There are no designated fire areas on NPS islands. 

Site Modifications

• Cutting live or dead standing trees is prohibited to protect essential habitat values.
• Gathering and use of all live and dead mussels and empty mussel shells is prohibited.
• Grading or leveling of the landscape for tents or other uses is prohibited. 

 

Primitive Campsites in Anoka County

Experience the tranquility of nature at the primitive campsites in Anoka West Regional Park. Each site features a picnic table, a fire grate, and a level tent pad, providing a comfortable and convenient camping experience. Please note that there are no toilet facilities available, so plan accordingly. Access to these unique canoe campsites is exclusively via paddle. 

These campsites are managed by Anoka County and if parking overnight at the Mississippi River West Regional Park a permit is required. More information is available on the Anoka County Camping Webpage.

Locations

There are three first come first served island campsites at Anoka County's Mississippi West Regional Park. Two on the North end of Cloquet Island and one on the North end of Foster Island. 

Rules and Regulations

There is no charge for using the canoe campsites and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is a need to park one vehicle in the park overnight, please complete the special use permit request form and submit it to the Anoka County Parks Department via email or mail 14 days prior to the requested date of the overnight stay.

Visit the Anoka County Camping Webpage or contact Anoka County Parks (763-324-3300) for more information.