Camping on the Croix questions

I have a few questions. I am hoping IDO can help. I plan on taking the kids camping Saturday night on one of the islands. Can anyone tell me if that is still allowed? I recall hearing something a couple years ago that they were going to shut down that activity. Any insights on where to go? How about a landing? Where can you park over night? Is the boom-site an option? I put in in Bayport the last time I was on the St. Croix. I think it was $20 to launch and another $20 to park over night. I’m hoping there is a less expensive option. Any and all info is appreciated.

Where exactly are you thinking ? From Taylors Falls to Arcola ? Arcola to Stillwater ? or Stillwater to Prescott ? I can help you figure it out if I know the area you plan on camping ?

Rite now most islands are underwater or very small, the Croix is up

Osceola is a good landing to use. Try one of the Island camping sites south of there. North of Osceola can get busy. You will need a permit to camp. Many Saturdays you can get one at the landing. I think you could also launch out of william o brian to camp.

Osceola is a free launch.

The islands around Hudson don’t require a permit. Space is very limited due to high water. I don’t think you are suppose to camp on the island just north of the RR bridge. I’m sure people do, but your not suppose to. The downside (with a family) to these islands is there isn’t anyone telling everyone else what time to turn out the lights.

The Kinnikinic State park would be a very family friendly place to camp, but I think you need a reservation and I think your boat is suppose to have a head.

Launching a boat with the high water is tough right now. The Hudson landing has been closed all year except about 5 days.

I was thinking of camping around Hudson. I didn’t realize the water was so high. That could pose a problem. I will go wherever I can. Yes, the Kinni will take your fee, but you can’t camp there. You have to sleep on your boat. That won’t work for me. My Aunt has a place just south of the Kinni. If I can’t find any island because of the water, or if it’s too crowded, I could always put the tent up on her beach. Provided she has a beach that is.

Osceola is a little farther than I would like to go, but…the price is right. Where is O’brian? Can you park at these places over night? Anyone launch from the boom site? Thanks for your help.

I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but the water is really high right now. I doubt there is a beach anywhere south of the Kinni. You’d better call her and ask.

You may want to consider non-river campsites this year for your trip!

Sorry!

Camping on the islands in/near Hudson is free however lot’s of drinking going on on those islands. Rite now in order to get a piece of real estate out there you may need to show up on a Wednesday as there isn’t much beach and what is there for beach gets taken fast.

Thanks Jesse and Coug too. I did call the Aunt. Not much beach there. What about islands north of Hudson? All under water?

What about the land just upstream from Stillwater where people always line the shores camping? Underwater?

I’m guessing with the water as high as it is the islands North of Stillwater are pretty much fish holding humps rite now. You may be able to find a small piece of real estate to camp on but I wouldn’t bank on it.

Here’s some great info I go last year.
I put in at the Somerset landing on Saturday. Never have saw the water this high this time of year. Went south so I don’t know about Greenburg Island.

http://www.idofishing.com/forum/viewmessage.php?Cat=&message=654032&status=&box=received

William o brian is north of Marine on St croix. Its the state park. Camp sites, cabins, beach, landing, trails, biking and much more. Not sure what the islands are like in that area right now. Even in high water last year we where finding beaches to swim on.

Good chance we will be over there swimming again this weekend.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/william_obrien/index.html William O Brian State Park.

here’s a good website that I have been following to keep up on the Croix http://www.stcroix360.com

Heard on the news this morning that there is still camp sites available at Afton State Park. Not sure if you can launch a boat their though. You just have to hope they don’t have another government shut down.