Nebraska / Cedar County / Missouri National Recreational River

Goat Island Primitive Camping

Open — Open year-round with hunting season restrictions. From after Labor Day through January, camping is restricted to two designated areas only. During other months, primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the island. A free backcountry use permit is required.

About

Goat Island, also known as Jake's Island, is an 800-acre island situated in the Missouri National Recreational River between Yankton and Vermillion, South Dakota. This remnant of large emergent sandbars features dense cottonwood and Eastern red-cedar forests, sandbars, and free-flowing chutes that provide important wildlife habitat. The island is one of the few publicly owned lands in Nebraska and South Dakota offering island camping, hiking, and hunting opportunities. Two designated tent-only camping areas are being established on the island. Outside of hunting season, primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the island. However, during the established hunting season from after Labor Day through January, camping is restricted to the two designated areas only. The island is accessible only by boat along the Missouri River Water Trail, making it an ideal stopover for paddlers and boaters navigating the river. Goat Island maintains a primitive character with no developed amenities. There are no toilets, water sources, hookups, or other facilities. Campers must be completely self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. A free backcountry use permit is required and can be obtained by contacting the park headquarters.

Directions

Goat Island is located in the Missouri River between River Mile 786.2 and 782.6, within the 59-Mile District of the Missouri National Recreational River between Yankton and Vermillion, South Dakota. The island is 3.6 river miles long and accessible only by boat.

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