Permits & Reservations

The Blue Heron Picnic Shelter is one of two shelters available for use in the day-use area at Osceola Landing.

NPS/Peterson

 

Camping Permits and Reservations

Riverside campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require a permit or a reservation except for those on the St. Croix River between Highway 8 and the Soo Line High Bridge. A free annual Camping Permit is required for the river section. Reservations are required to camp in state park campgrounds along the Riverway. Go to the camping page for details about camping options along the St. Croix and Namekagon.

Picnic Shelter Reservations - Osceola Day Use Area

Picnic shelters located in the day-use area at Osceola Landing can accommodate up to 50 people. The two shelters are the Osprey shelter, nearer to the entrance, and the Blue Heron shelter, further south in the day-use area.

• Shelter Hours: sunrise to sunset.
• Costs: there is no fee for the use of the shelter but reservations are required.
• What's not provided: electricity

Call the St. Croix River Visitor Center at 715-483-2274 to make a reservation. Unfortunately, we cannot hold dates and only accept reservations for the current calendar year.

Other Nearby Shelter Suggestions
The following links are suggestions for picnic shelters located on or near the Saint Croix River. Reservations are required.

• Lions Park Main Shelter - St. Croix Falls
  809 N Hamilton Street

• Lions Park - Taylors Falls
  1751 Chisago Street

• Minnesota Interstate State Park

• Wisconsin Interstate State Park

Special Use Permits

Some activities, including many types of organized gatherings, require a Special Use Permit.

Filming and Still Photography Permit

Please visit the Filming and Still Photography Permit page for guidance.

Scientific Research Permit

Scientific research is often conducted in national parks by professionals and schools independent of the National Park Service. Apply through the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System.