Saint Croix National Scenic River

Above this is the link to the National Park Service for the St. Croix and the Namekagon Rivers in Wisconsin.

I live within a few miles of these rivers and they are beautiful areas for canoe camping. Just like most areas, weekends can be busy and week days you can have it all to yourself. There are outfitters if rentals and shuttles are needed. The fishing can be very good if a person takes their time. Getting out of the canoe or anchoring and working an area can make a big difference. A few of the bigger landings have drinking water. Tables and fire rings at many of the campsites. Wildlife is very abundant. This is a very easy trip for first timers. Water is slow most times of the year and very few building left on the upper parts of the river.

ive always wondered this. firewood? or are fires a non factor?

Firewood can be found easily. Still need at least a saw.

Is there much portaging, or can I load up the cooler for this trip?

The only portaging is from the car to the water. Cooler works well on this trip. I would be hesitant to take the kevlar on the St. Croix in places. The Namekagon is sandier but care should still be taken. It would probably be a more relaxing trip if the plastic or Aluminum canoes are used.

As with lakes, the water level on rivers varies from year to year. So, it may be necessary to get out of your canoe and wade through areas with exposed rocks during low-water times.

Even though the St. Croix is deemed a "wild and protected river" above Taylors Falls there is alot of private property on both sides. Keep that in mind and camp only in designated campsites.

I would have to agree with buck47 about the weekend trips. I Live about 6 Miles from the St.Croix River north of 70 and the traffic on the river in July and august can make finding a camp site a little difficult at times.

Also, I think some of the island campsites have been closed due to overuse.