My wife and I were supposed to be camping up near Itasca this weekend, but with the government shutdown we are left looking for other plans. I was just curious how camping works on Pool 2 and Pool 4. I have been on both stretches and see people camping all over the place. I also see a lot of no trespassing signs. Do people just pull up and camp anywhere or are there designated camping spots? I would check the DNR’s site, but….
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Drew
Joe Busch would know the answer on p2. I see people camp all over like you have seen. I would think that if you grab a spot on an island that has been used and there are no signs you are ok. Have fun!
dd
The sandbars down near Wabasha make for some excellent camping. Pick a sand island along the main channel and have at it. 
The islands are Corp I believe, may want to look at that website. I have spent many a night on P2 camped, river rat rule is first come first serve, don’t destroy, and leave something behind to make an improvement if you can. The Corp has every right to ask you to leave and/or take down a camp site, this seems to happen with more elaborate long term ‘campers’ more so than the night or two pitch a tent folks. Again, not sure what the formal rules are, just my experience.
There was a guy who camped down at Lillydale for years. He was a snazzy dresser too.
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The sandbars down near Wabasha make for some excellent camping. Pick a sand island along the main channel and have at it.
Pool 4 sounds good. I have been fishing pool 2 and it would be nice to bring home a fish or two for dinner. Which access should I use that would allow me to leave the truck and trailer over night for multiple nights?
Drew
Stop picking on Fisher Dave, Pug! 
dd
I thought it was Pug DD 
Also, anyone know of anywhere in the Red Wing area that carries B Fish’n tackle? Specifically jigs?
Drew
4 seasons sports in Red Wing carries them.
Thanks for all the replies guys! Where else can a person get all the info they need in a little over an hour?
Can I launch out if Issac Walton and keep my my truck and trailer parked there for multiple nights without having to worry about it getting moved for me? 
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I thought it was Pug DD
Maybe… Pug, Fisher Dave, BK those cat guys all start looking alike. I think it is from the lack of natural sunlight. 
dd
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The sandbars down near Wabasha make for some excellent camping. Pick a sand island along the main channel and have at it.
Pool 4 sounds good. I have been fishing pool 2 and it would be nice to bring home a fish or two for dinner. Which access should I use that would allow me to leave the truck and trailer over night for multiple nights?
Drew
There’s a private marina and public launch located in Wabasha just upstream from the “big bridge” that crosses into WI.
My memory fails me and I can’t recall if they allow overnight parking of trucks and trailers but I bet the people at Parkside would know. Give them a call. Either overnight parking will be allowed at the public landing OR they’ll likely be able to provide the same service.
The public landing in Wabasha puts you right at the top of the good camping. I think you can leave the rig parked there without any problem.
As for fishing, this area is ripe with fishing possibilities for just about all species.
Thanks for all the replies! We headed down to Wabasha Thursday afternoon and parked the vehicle at the public launch. No issues. We ended up catching a few eyes and sauger for the box so that was nice. There was an FLW event down there this weekend and it was something else watching those boats scream down the river one after another.
Thanks again!
Drew
Shoot me a PM if you intrested in camping on P2 and dont rule out P3 either. There are loads of places to set up a tent but you will want to find what your looking for. With the water so high this year there is lots of compitition for spots but there are a few sleepers that no one really bothers with.
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