Nebraska / Cedar County / Missouri National Recreational River

Green Island Primitive Camping

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations required, but campers should call with their itinerary. Accessible by boat only.

About

Green Island Recreation Area provides a unique primitive camping experience on a 60-acre island in the Missouri National Recreational River, accessible only by watercraft near River Mile 806. The island features five designated tent camping sites marked with brown camping signs and metal fire rings. Two isolated tent sites are located on the east side of the island, while three adjacent sites are positioned on the west side, offering flexibility for solo campers or small groups seeking solitude or community. This is true primitive camping with no facilities, no water, no toilets, and no services. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and be completely self-sufficient. Fires are permitted only in the designated metal fire rings at each campsite. The island's remote location and boat-access requirement create an authentic backcountry experience along one of the few remaining free-flowing stretches of the Missouri River. Camping is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required, though the National Park Service requests that visitors call and leave their basic itinerary for safety purposes. The unpaved terrain varies across the island, offering opportunities for exploration, fishing, and wildlife observation in an undeveloped natural setting.

Directions

Near River Mile 806 on the Missouri National Recreational River. Only accessible by watercraft.

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