Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota locals who cherish the raw beauty of the wilderness and seek an authentic escape from the everyday, Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 offers a compelling and truly primitive camping experience. Located within the expansive 850-acre Cannon River Wilderness Area in Rice County, this campsite is one of four such primitive sites designed for those who prefer to immerse themselves deeply in nature. Unlike typical campgrounds with numerous amenities and bustling crowds, Campsite 3, along with its counterparts, emphasizes solitude and self-reliance. It's a place where the sounds of the river and the rustling of leaves replace urban noise, and the vast Minnesota sky becomes your ceiling. This park, stretching 4.4 miles along both sides of the Cannon River, showcases a diverse landscape of forested hills, ravines, riverbottom forests, and even steep bluffs and sheer cliffs. It's an area rich in natural history, preserving remnants of the "Big Woods" ecosystem. Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 is ideal for adventurers who embrace the challenge of packing in and packing out, valuing unspoiled nature above all else. It's a perfect destination for a quiet, reflective trip, a challenging hike-in adventure, or a serene stop on a canoe journey along Minnesota's designated Wild and Scenic River.

Location and Accessibility

Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 is situated within the Cannon River Wilderness Area in Bridgewater Township, MN 55019, USA. Its location is a key aspect of its primitive appeal: it's a hike-in or canoe-in campsite. This means that direct vehicle access to the campsite itself is not available, which contributes significantly to its secluded and wild character. For visitors planning to camp here, access typically begins from designated parking areas within the Cannon River Wilderness Area. The park has both East and West trailheads. The West Trailhead, in particular, offers trails that lead past a footbridge over the Cannon River, with one specific campsite noted to be on the east side of the river from this bridge. Hikers can expect to walk roughly 10 minutes or more from parking to reach the furthest sites. The trails are generally maintained, with main paths often mowed during summer months to ease access, though signage can be minimal, requiring a good sense of direction. For canoeists, the Cannon River itself serves as the primary access route, allowing paddlers to pull up directly to the site from the water. This dual accessibility, catering to both hikers and paddlers, makes it a unique destination for Minnesota locals looking to combine a wilderness adventure with their camping experience. While it feels remote, the park is located just a few miles north of Faribault and south of Northfield, meaning essential town amenities are relatively close by for pre-trip provisioning.

Services Offered

• Primitive Campsites: Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 is one of four primitive, undeveloped campsites, meaning it offers minimal amenities and focuses on a natural experience.
• First-Come, First-Serve Basis: All four primitive campsites in the Cannon River Wilderness Area are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, eliminating the need for reservations and allowing for spontaneous trips.
• Portable Toilets: A portable toilet facility is available at the east side parking area from May through October, providing a basic restroom option for park visitors and campers.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to have campfires for warmth and cooking (note: campers must provide their own firewood, and no wood from the park may be burned).
• Picnic Table: While not explicitly stated for every single primitive site, picnic tables are typically found at primitive campsites within the Cannon River Wilderness Area, providing a basic surface for meals.
• No Potable Water: There is no running, potable water available directly at the campsites or within the park, emphasizing the need for campers to pack in all their water supply.
• No Garbage Service: Campers are required to "pack it in, pack it out," as there is no garbage service provided, reinforcing leave-no-trace principles.
• Hiking Trail Access: Direct access to five miles of hiking and horseback riding trails within the Cannon River Wilderness Area, offering opportunities for exploration right from the campsite.
• Canoe Launch: A canoe launch is available within the park, facilitating water access for those arriving by paddlecraft.
• Maximum Stay: There is a three-day maximum stay limit for all primitive campsites, ensuring fair access for all visitors.

Features / Highlights

• True Wilderness Experience: The primary highlight is the genuine wilderness feel, offering deep solitude and immersion in nature, ideal for those looking to escape crowds.
• Hike-In or Canoe-In Access: The unique accessibility by foot or canoe makes the journey to the campsite an adventure in itself, appealing to more active and self-reliant campers.
• First-Come, First-Serve Availability: This allows for spontaneous camping trips, providing flexibility for Minnesota locals without the hassle of advance reservations.
• Located on a Wild and Scenic River: The Cannon River is one of Minnesota's designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, offering stunning natural beauty, excellent paddling opportunities, and unique ecosystems.
• Diverse Ecosystems: The park encompasses a rich variety of habitats, including Big Woods remnants, floodplain forests, bluffs, and cliffs, providing diverse scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Abundant Wildlife: The varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife, including various bird species, mammals like white-tailed deer and coyotes, and amphibians, offering excellent opportunities for nature observation.
• Wood Beam Footbridge: A picturesque wooden pedestrian bridge crosses the Cannon River, adding a scenic element and connecting different trail systems within the park.
• No Fee or Permit Requirements: As a Rice County park, there are typically no fees or permits required for camping at these primitive sites, making it a very affordable option for outdoor recreation.
• Ideal for Disconnecting: The lack of extensive amenities and remote feel encourages campers to truly unplug and reconnect with the natural world, free from digital distractions.
• Horseback Riding Trails: Beyond hiking, the park's five miles of trails are also accessible for horseback riding, catering to equestrians.

Contact Information

As Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 is a primitive, first-come, first-serve site within a Rice County park, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the campsite itself. Reservations are not taken, as availability is on a walk-in basis.

For general information about the Cannon River Wilderness Area, including park rules, conditions, or any broad inquiries about Rice County Parks, Minnesota locals should refer to the Rice County Parks & Trails official resources. While a direct phone number for the campsite isn't provided, it is best to consult the Rice County website or general county parks department contact for comprehensive information.

Address: Bridgewater Township, MN 55019, USA

For detailed maps, trail conditions, or any updates regarding the park, it is highly recommended to check the official Rice County Parks website or relevant Minnesota DNR resources. These will provide the most current and accurate information for planning your primitive camping adventure at Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals, Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 represents an invaluable opportunity to tap into the very essence of our state's rich natural heritage without venturing far from home. This primitive, first-come, first-serve campsite is perfectly suited for those who truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the outdoors and seek a genuine wilderness experience. The lack of extensive amenities, far from being a drawback, is a distinct advantage for Minnesotans who pride themselves on self-reliance and connecting with nature on its own terms. It's a place where you can escape the booking pressures of popular state parks and embrace the spontaneity of a weekend adventure. Being a hike-in or canoe-in site directly along the beautiful Cannon River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, offers unique recreational opportunities for paddlers and avid hikers alike, allowing them to explore breathtaking landscapes right in their own backyard. The diverse ecosystems, from ancient "Big Woods" remnants to impressive bluffs, provide endless opportunities for exploration, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the tranquility that defines Minnesota's wild spaces. Furthermore, the absence of fees and permit requirements makes it an incredibly accessible and affordable option for a quick overnight escape. Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3 is not just a place to camp; it's an invitation for Minnesota locals to truly disconnect, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the wilderness that defines our state, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wild heart of Minnesota.

Cannon River Wilderness Campsite 3

Bridgewater Township, MN 55019, USA