Namekagon District

About

The Namekagon District encompasses 67 primitive Leave No Trace campsites along two scenic river segments within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Sites are distributed along the Namekagon River from Namekagon Dam to the St. Croix confluence, and along the upper St. Croix River from Gordon Dam to Riverside Landing. These remote shoreline camps are primarily water-access only, designed for canoeists and kayakers on multi-day river trips. Camping is completely free with no permits or reservations required. Sites operate first-come, first-served and are marked by brown camping signs with tent symbols at the river's edge. Each site has a metal fire ring, and most have picnic tables. Primitive vault toilets are located near sites, though campers must bring their own toilet paper. There is no potable water available, so plan to bring all drinking water. A three-night stay limit applies. Individual sites accommodate up to 8 people and 3 tents, while group sites allow up to 10 people and 6 tents. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dead and down wood may be collected from shoreline areas but not from islands, and firewood from more than 25 miles away is prohibited.

Directions

Campsites are located along the 100-mile reach from Namekagon Dam to the St. Croix confluence. Each site is identified by a square brown sign with a tent symbol at the river's edge, located near take-out or beach areas. Sites are primarily accessible from the water via canoe or kayak.