Camping On The Mississippi River

Island Camping On The Mississippi River

By Tom Watson

While floating lazily down a backwater slough in the Mississippi River, I caught patches of a young bucks brownish-gray summer coat flashing between the clumps of dusty green leaves of the alder bushes lining the bank. The deer sprang over a rotting cottonwood trunk lying along the embankment and, in a graceful arch, leaped headlong into the river right in front of my kayak. With dogpaddle-like strokes, it crossed the 60 yards of slow, flowing water in less than a minute.

While the main navigational channel of the Mississippi weaves a serpentine route from bank to bank, Minnesota to Wisconsin and back its the backwater channels interwoven among the bottomlands and between islands that had attracted me. Many of the smaller waterways are no wider than a kayak is long and are connected in series to larger, tree-lined channels and wider river-like bodies of water, called sloughs. Together they form a maze of routes that weave through tree-covered islands all along the river from Minneapolis to the Iowa border and beyond.

Boaters have easy access to scores of remote riverside campsites along many islands in the Mississippi River.

In spring, flooding pushes the shoreline back several hundred yards in some places, completely flooding others. The rest of the year there are ample places above the riverbank to make very cozy, albeit buggy, campsites. Larger islands have game trails for hiking, while island hopping by canoe or kayak is more practical over all.

At Trail Of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites and a special-use camping area.

You are now able to reserve your Missouri State Parks campsite up to 12 months in advance, expanding from the previous six-month window. To make a reservation or view campsites details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the “Make a Reservation” link below and start planning your trip today. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO . Printable campground maps are available for your reference by clicking the “Map” links.

Important Camping Information:

• Reservable sites may be available on a day-by-day basis if the site is not reserved. Before occupying a site, check with the park staff or follow the directions on the posted card.
• During the off-season , water is off for full hookup sites, and showerhouses are closed. Potable water is available from the frost-free spigot at the dump station.
• The railroad near the Mississippi River Campground is still active.
• Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories.
• Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park or historic site.

Other Types of Camping Areas Available in the Park:

Going North Along The St Croix National And Scenic River

While the Mississippi River flows through Northern Minnesota from its source at Lake Itaska , much of what is designated as the Great River Road doesnt actually flow along the river. So in our opinion the more scenic drive is traveling North along the St. Croix Scenic Byway until Taylor Falls, MN and St. Croix, Wisconsin where the St. Croix Falls National Interstate Park offers camping, hiking, and outstanding scenic attractions. In future articles we plan to profile interesting things to see and do, as well as camping, along this route.

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Welcome To Prairie Island Campground

EVENTS: Kids activities, live music, yoga, and more are planned throughout the summer.Keep checking the Event Calendar for whats happening.

Tiny House Cabins. Situated right on the rivers edge with an amazing view, the Potluck String Lodge and Warbler Lodge will comfortably sleep 5 and 4, with a kitchen and private bathroom. Click on the link to Airbnb to check availability. We have also added cozy little camper that can now be rented.

Yoga Sunday mornings 8:30 – 9:30. Delivering on RELAXATION beside the river! $10 drop-in, $40 for 5 class punch card

Campgrounds Along The Mississippi River

by M& G Trailer Sales | Feb 2, 2021 | Lifestyle

The legendary Mississippi River has inspired Americans for hundreds of years. Great American authors like Mark Twain and environmentalists like Winona Deluke have found their purpose in its flowing waters. The world-renown river starts right here in the great state of Minnesota, and flows through nine others on its journey down to the Gulf of Mexico, where it finally meets the open ocean.

Commune with nature and soak in the inspiration of the Mississippi River yourself this summer in each of the ten states the river flows through. M& G Trailer Sales and Service put together a list of some of the best campgrounds along the Mississippi River to help guide you through your expedition.

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People Along The River

We found one of the best parts of the trip was meeting people along the river. Almost everyone we ran into was enthusiastic, friendly and interested in what we were doing. Many immediately offered us help: food, showers, places to stay, transportation to stores and so forth. Their spontaneous generosity was both unexpected and greatly appreciated. Long-distance hikers call these people Trail Angels we called them River Angles. In reading other paddlers trip reports and blogs, we learned our experiences were not unique. Trip reports from many other paddlers report the same thing happened to them time after time during their journeys. Although most of our assistance was serendipitous, we learned late in our trip that by posting on either the Mississippi River Paddlers or Lower Mississippi River Paddlers Facebook groups, you may also get offers of assistance from people who live along the river.

One form of assistance that was incredibly helpful was offers of rides to grocery stores. As discussed in the Resupply section, in many river towns the grocery stores are located some distance from take-outs. Getting rides to stores meant not spending an hour or two walking to and from the store and also meant we could buy a lot more food since we didnt have to hand carry it from the store back to the water. We greatly appreciated those rides.

Facts About The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is 2320 miles long, starting in Minnesota and finishing up in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. It takes a drop of water 90 days to travel the length of the river! The river borders 10 States: Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana .

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Kickapoo Valley Reserve La Farge Wi

How about an adventure where the only access to your campsite is via canoe or kayak? The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has campsites that are river access only, or river and trail access that you can hike out to. There are more traditional sites in the Reserve as well where you can park at your site. The river access only sites can be a challenge and be prepared to hike your gear up a ways as there is always the risk of flooding on the Kickapoo, so theres no riverbank camping. You may find a steep hike up to your site from the river, but the challenge is what makes it awesome.

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Algonquin Highlands Heritage Map

Geographic location: Lot 4, Conc. A, Sherborne

Current address: 20130 Hwy 35 on St. Nora Lake

Date range:1944 – present

Interesting facts:

In 1944 the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto Faculty of Forestry entered into a partnership to educate government personnel and university students. For many years the site was known as the Ranger School and later, the Ontario Forest Technical Training School. Many courses were taught to government personnel. Students from various faculties at the University came to the school each year on field trips.

In 1969, the schools curriculum of resource management was taken over by Ontarios colleges and universities. That was the first time the future of the property that would become the Frost Centre, was in doubt. In 1974, Ontario Premiere William G. Davis announced that the facility would be developed as a demonstration area in resources management, education and recreation and would be called The Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Centre. The Centre became the first outdoor education Centre in the province dedicated to environmental and resource management education. It was also the first Centre to have a large crown land management unit , associated with it for research in and demonstration of resource management, recreation and public education.

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Guide To Places To Campingalong The Great River Roadin The Middle Mississippi River Valley

Camping can be a great way to immerse yourself in nature and check out hiking trails, scenic views, and more as you go off-grid. Cabins can be an option for those wanting to stay dry and a bit more covered, but others may want to pitch a tent or drive up in an RV. Camping sites in the Middle Mississippi River Valley along the Great River Road will help you forget the daily grind for a while.

The Tri-State RegionIowa, Western Illinois, and Northwestern MissouriFor outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend a night or two under the stars, the Tri-State region offers plenty of options. There are 4 state parks – Battle of Athens State Historic Site, Nauvoo State Park, Siloam Springs State Park, and Wakonda State Park that offer both electric and basic camping option. Siloam Springs also has facilities for horses. In addition to the state parks campers can stay at Lake Pittsfield or a number of private campgrounds.

Missouris Lincoln HillsFor those looking for Camping options in Missouris Lincoln Hills there are two state parks with wonderful facilities: Cuivre River State Park and Mark Twain State Park. There are also numerous private campgrounds providing a range of options and activities.

Enjoy Natures Beauty At Pettibone Resort In La Crosse Wi

Wiggle your toes in the grass and sip your favorite beverage while enjoying the shade of the old oak tree and an occasional boat cruising down the river. Walk through the park, and let yourself unwind.

From sunset to sunrise its all about a dream, as you row, row, row your boat down the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Lay back in your lawn chair to gaze up at the stars and listen to the crackle of the campfire. Pettibone Resort, where life is about a dream!

Things to Do Around La Crosse, WI

• Excellent restaurants

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Camping Along The Mississippi River In Iowa

Posted by: Nick in Iowa, Locations

Camping along the Mississippi River conjures up thoughts of Mark Twain or maybe Louis and Clark. The history, the tranquility the flowing water from one place to another. We touched base with Cindy Klebe who works with the US Army Corps of Engineers on the Mississippi River Project and is responsible for 7 of the rivers recreation areas in both Iowa and Illinois to shine some light on these outstanding recreation areas.

Camping Along The Mississippi River Iowa

Camp Iowa: How long have there been established parks designated for camping along the river?

Klebe: Designated camping at parks along the river were first established as early as 1959 at Shady Creek Recreation Area. In the late 1970s and early 80s, more and more recreational use was occurring along the river. This prompted the need for modernized campgrounds, boat ramps, and other day use recreation areas, to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Camp Iowa: What are the main reasons that people choose to camp along the Mississippi River?

Camping along the Mississippi River gives people a sense of adventure

Camp Iowa: What activities does each of the parks offer? Rentals? Programs?

Camp Iowa: Can you bring your own firewood into the parks?

Camp Iowa: When guests leave the parks for an outing, where do they usually go in the area?

Trails and observation decks are open to the public

Camp Iowa: Do you offer any group camping sites?

Camping Along The Mississippi River in Iowa

Big Lagoon State Park

This is a 704-acre coastal park near Pensacola is rated as one of the best Floridas state parks. Big Lagoon offers visitors the opportunity to swim, boat, fish, crab, paddle, hike, and camp along the parks saltwater tidal marshes and within the pine flatwoods.

The park is a bird watchers paradise, with more than 23 species of wood-warblers, as well as many varieties of duck, sandpipers, and plovers.

The parks beaches and shallow bays are a wonderful place to go crabbing and beachcombing. Likewise, the open woodlands offer the hiker plenty of opportunities to see all sorts of wildlife, including deer, raccoon, black bears, opossum, and more.

Big Lagoon has 67 RV campsites, but only five have 30-amp electric.

Otherwise, its dry camping with water spigots and restrooms with hot showers dotted throughout the camping area. There is also a central dump station.

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Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parksmississippi Gulf Coast

Salt, sand, surf, and seafood: thats what Mississippis Gulf Coast is all about.

If youre looking for a summer fun destination, Mississippis small but diverse shoreline should be at the top of your list. However, thanks to sunny southern climates, the beaches here are worth visiting year-round. Thats just one of many reasons why the Gulf Coast is a long-time favorite for RV travelers in Mississippi.

Less popular than their Floridian cousins to the east but just as beautiful and lively, the beaches along the Mississippi shore are a brilliant vacation option for RV campers who want affordable destinations that arent too overcrowded. While Mississippis Gulf Coast draws a vibrant crowd every spring and summer, its much easier to find a campground where you can park it for the night than it can be in some of the countrys more well-known coastal cities.

From the Louisiana border to the shores of Alabamas Gulf Coast, there are plenty of coastal towns, cities, and parks along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that are worth visiting. At the far east side of the state, youll find secluded beaches along marshy coastal preserves and within Buccaneer State Park, bordered by the lovely Pearl River. Just a short drive across the state line will put you in the iconic city of New Orleans.

A ferry also leaves from Gulfport each day to take visitors to the picturesque Ship Island, which was named one of the top 10 beaches in the United States.

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Tarrant Park Durand Wi

Bicyclists will find Tarrant Park to be of particular interest. The park has direct access to the Chippewa River State Bike Trail. This trail is 30 miles long and takes you right into the downtown area of Eau Claire where the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers meet. There are a lot of amenities that make this park a favorite stop including a swimming pool with a bathhouse. Youll also find lots to keep the family occupied with volleyball sand courts, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits. Both RV and tent sites with and without electricity are available at the park.

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Cypremort Point State Park

Around two hours west of New Orleans, youll find Cypremort Point, the only location near the Gulf of Mexico that you can drive to.

The 185-acre park features a half-mile long man-made beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sparkling water. You can also crab along the beach, fish, windsurf, and go sailing.

Finally, there is a 100-foot fishing pier jutting out into the bay is a spectacular place to not only fish but also enjoy the sunset.

In addition to the excellent water recreation, the parks marshland is also teeming with wildlife. You can see muskrat, nutria, alligators, deer, black bears, red fox, opossum, and all types of native birds.

There is primitive camping within the park, as well as six cabins overlooking Vermilion Bay you can rent for $150 to $175 per night.

Thomson Causeway Recreation Area

We stayed at the Thomson Causeway Recreation Area in Thomson, IL. It is one of many camping areas on the Mississippi river that you can choose from. The site is run by the US Army Corps who keep it well taken care of and of course safe. We chose it because it was advertised online as being able to camp on an island which we thought was exciting. We also chose them because they are dog friendly. There is a road that connects you to where the campsites are so dont worry you can actually drive out to it you dont have to boat or anything. They have RV and tent sites that are located pretty close together, so if you are looking for isolation look elsewhere. That said, it was very quiet at night and any other time. Everyone , while friendly and quick to wave hello, had a healthy appreciation for the peace and quiet that most of us are seeking when on a camping trip. As far as amenities, they have outhouses and one indoor bathroom shower house along with an outdoor movie screen, playground and and tons of benches along the water for fishing or enjoying the view.

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Mississippi Lock And Dams

The top part of the river between Minnesota and St Louis Missouri is dammed by a series of 29 locks that are maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The primary use for these, is to assist with the transportation of barges and the elevation change of the river. The locks are fascinating to watch. At Lock and Dam 11 in Dubuque you can take a free tour on a Sunday during the summer season and they have an observation deck overlooking the dam.

The locks empty and fill up at roughly 1ft of water per minute. The Dubuque Lock and Dam 11 has a water level change of roughly 8ft but the biggest is 26ft and would take a lot longer to lock through!