St Croix River Campsite 36.6

For Wisconsinites with a love for the outdoors, particularly those who enjoy paddling and primitive camping, the St. Croix River offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within the protected St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Campsite 36.6 provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a truly wild and scenic setting. Unlike typical campgrounds with extensive amenities, this site offers a rustic, immersive experience for those seeking solitude and a genuine wilderness feel.

The St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway, managed by the National Park Service, preserves over 200 miles of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, making it a treasured resource for both Wisconsin and Minnesota residents. Campsite 36.6 is one of many designated primitive campsites along this beautiful waterway, specifically intended for those who arrive by canoe, kayak, or other watercraft. These sites are designed to be low-impact, offering basic facilities while emphasizing the natural beauty of the river corridor.

While specific individual reviews for "Campsite 36.6" are not typically found as separate entries, general reviews of similar primitive campsites along the St. Croix Riverway highlight the serene atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and the joy of camping directly on the riverbanks. Paddlers often praise the peacefulness and the feeling of being truly "away from it all." It’s a chance to disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in the natural rhythms of one of America's designated Wild and Scenic Rivers.

This article will guide you through what to expect at St. Croix River Campsite 36.6, covering its specific location, the minimalist services provided, the unique features that make it special for local outdoor enthusiasts, and essential contact information for planning your trip. If you're a Wisconsin resident looking for an authentic river camping adventure, read on to see if Campsite 36.6 is your next destination.

St. Croix River Campsite 36.6 is situated at coordinates 66GV+FX, East Farmington, WI 54020, USA. This address, primarily a geographical marker, indicates its location within the broader St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a protected area spanning parts of both Wisconsin and Minnesota.

It is crucial for prospective campers to understand that Campsite 36.6, like many primitive campsites along the St. Croix River, is primarily accessible by watercraft. This means that reaching the campsite typically involves paddling a canoe, kayak, or navigating a small boat along the St. Croix River. There is generally no direct road access for vehicles to these specific primitive river campsites. This water-only accessibility is a defining characteristic that contributes to the secluded and natural experience the campsite offers.

While the campsite itself is a remote natural spot, its general vicinity in East Farmington, Wisconsin, places it within a region that offers land-based access points to the river. Popular launch points and towns like St. Croix Falls, WI, or Taylors Falls, MN (just across the river), serve as common starting points for paddling trips that might include a stop at Campsite 36.6. These towns provide essential services like gear rentals, supplies, and parking for vehicles. This means that while the campsite is remote, it's part of a well-established recreational corridor.

The St. Croix Riverway itself is easily accessible from major population centers in Wisconsin and Minnesota. For Wisconsin residents, it's a relatively short drive from areas like Minneapolis-St. Paul (just over the border) or closer Wisconsin communities in Polk and Burnett counties. This combination of remote river access and reasonable proximity to urban centers makes the St. Croix River campsites, including 36.6, a popular choice for local paddlers and campers seeking a wilderness experience without traveling too far from home.

St. Croix River Campsite 36.6, as a primitive campsite within a National Scenic Riverway, offers a minimalist set of services. The emphasis here is on self-sufficiency and enjoying the natural environment. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find flush toilets, showers, or electricity at these sites. The services provided are designed to support basic, low-impact camping:

• Designated Campsite: Campsite 36.6 is a recognized and marked primitive campsite. This means it's a designated area where camping is permitted, helping to concentrate use and minimize environmental impact. These sites are typically marked with brown signs featuring a white campsite symbol.

• Basic Fire Ring: Most primitive campsites along the St. Croix Riverway, including 36.6, are equipped with a metal fire ring. This provides a safe and contained area for campfires, allowing campers to enjoy a traditional campfire experience while adhering to safety regulations. It's important to note that gathering live vegetation for firewood is prohibited, and there are regulations regarding transporting firewood to prevent the spread of pests like the emerald ash borer.

• Picnic Table: A simple picnic table is generally provided at these sites. This offers a convenient surface for food preparation, dining, and other campsite activities, enhancing comfort during your stay.

• Limited Capacity: Individual primitive campsites on the St. Croix Riverway typically accommodate a maximum of 8 people and 3 tents. This helps maintain the primitive feel and prevents overcrowding, preserving the natural experience for all users.

• Human Waste Disposal Guidance: While there are no flush toilets, campers are required to bring and use their own portable camp toilets or utilize onboard facilities if camping from a self-contained vessel. All human waste must be carried out and disposed of properly, emphasizing the "Leave No Trace" principle.

• "Carry In, Carry Out" Policy: All trash and waste must be packed out by campers. This strict policy ensures the pristine condition of the riverway and its campsites, maintaining the natural beauty for future visitors.

These services are fundamental, requiring campers to be well-prepared and self-reliant, which is part of the appeal for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

St. Croix River Campsite 36.6, as part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offers unique features and highlights that emphasize its natural setting and the authentic outdoor experience it provides. These elements truly set it apart for those seeking a less developed camping adventure:

• Direct River Access and Views: The primary highlight is its direct adjacency to the St. Croix River. Campers have immediate access to the water for paddling, swimming, or fishing. The views of the river and its undeveloped banks are often stunning, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop to your camping experience.

• Primitive, Secluded Experience: Unlike bustling public campgrounds, Campsite 36.6 offers a truly primitive and secluded feel. It's designed for those who appreciate quiet solitude, the sounds of nature, and a respite from modern distractions. This remoteness enhances the sense of adventure and connection to the wilderness.

• Water-Access Only: The fact that it's primarily accessible by watercraft is a defining feature. This limits vehicular traffic and helps maintain the quiet, natural ambiance. It appeals strongly to canoeists, kayakers, and boaters who use the river as their primary mode of transportation and recreation.

• Part of a National Scenic Riverway: Being within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway means the campsite is part of a federally protected area. This designation ensures the preservation of its natural, cultural, and recreational values, offering a consistently high-quality outdoor environment.

• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The undeveloped nature of the riverway means abundant opportunities for wildlife observation. Birdwatching, spotting deer, otters, and other native species is a common and rewarding experience for campers.

• Undeveloped Shorelines: The surrounding shoreline of the St. Croix Riverway is largely undeveloped, preserving its wild character. This contributes to the feeling of being deep in nature, even relatively close to populated areas.

• Emphasis on "Leave No Trace": The required use of portable toilets and the "carry in, carry out" trash policy instill a strong sense of environmental responsibility among campers. This practice helps to maintain the pristine condition of the campsite and the riverway for future generations.

As St. Croix River Campsite 36.6 is a primitive, water-access campsite managed by the National Park Service as part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, direct phone numbers for individual campsites are not available. Instead, you would contact the main administrative and visitor center for the Riverway for information, permits, and regulations.

• Address (for St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Visitor Center): 401 North Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024, USA

• Phone (St. Croix River Visitor Center): (715) 483-2274

For camping on the St. Croix River between Highway 8 and the Soo Line High Bridge (the section where Campsite 36.6 likely falls), a free annual camping permit from the National Park Service is required. This permit can be obtained by contacting the visitor center. It is highly recommended to contact them to confirm specific regulations, obtain necessary permits, and get detailed information about water levels, access points, and any current conditions or advisories before your trip.

For residents of Wisconsin, St. Croix River Campsite 36.6 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience authentic primitive camping within a protected National Scenic Riverway. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with amenities, and that's precisely its charm and suitability for a specific type of local outdoor enthusiast.

Locals who cherish canoeing, kayaking, and a desire to truly disconnect will find Campsite 36.6 to be an ideal destination. Its water-only access ensures a peaceful and secluded environment, far removed from the noise and crowds of more developed sites. This solitude allows for deeper immersion in nature, offering a chance to witness local wildlife, enjoy the tranquility of the river, and simply relax without modern distractions.

The affordability and "Leave No Trace" ethos are also highly appealing to environmentally conscious Wisconsin residents. The focus on self-sufficiency and responsible camping aligns with a deep respect for the natural environment. For those who own their paddling gear and enjoy packing light, this type of campsite reduces the financial burden often associated with more amenity-rich recreational areas, allowing for more frequent and spontaneous trips.

Furthermore, being part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway means that the natural integrity of the area is rigorously protected, ensuring that this pristine wilderness experience will be available for generations to come. It’s a point of pride for Wisconsin that such a beautiful and well-preserved natural resource is so accessible.

In essence, St. Croix River Campsite 36.6 is perfect for the Wisconsin local who yearns for a true wilderness escape, values the quiet beauty of a protected river, and is prepared for a primitive, self-reliant camping adventure. It's a chance to paddle into serenity and rediscover the simple joys of nature, right in your own backyard.

St Croix River Campsite 36.6

66GV+FX, East Farmington, WI 54020, USA