Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite

🛶 **Introduction / Overview**

For Minnesota paddlers who seek a rewarding challenge beyond the typical lake route, the **Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite** offers a designated, primitive stop along the rugged **Vermilion River State Water Trail**. This isn't a conventional campground; it's a small, basic clearing established specifically for canoeists and kayakers navigating the river's sometimes turbulent waters and numerous portages. Its location is intrinsically linked to the river's dynamic flow, specifically near the dramatic drop known as Shively Falls.

The Vermilion River flows 42 miles north from Lake Vermilion to Crane Lake, winding through the vast Kabetogama State Forest in St. Louis County. This water trail is known for its alternating segments of calm, wide water and challenging whitewater rapids, making it most suitable for **experienced paddlers**. The Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite serves as a vital resting point, breaking up a strenuous day of paddling and portaging. Like most watercraft campsites on State Water Trails, it is primitive, typically operating on a **first-come, first-served** basis, providing a fundamental connection to the wild, forested landscape of Northeast Minnesota.

---

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite is located along the banks of the **Vermilion River**, in the wild heart of **Northeast St. Louis County, MN 55771, USA**. This places it deep in the Northwoods, surrounded by the forests of pine, spruce, fir, aspen, and birch that characterize the region.

Accessibility is exclusively by watercraft (canoe, kayak) and is directly tied to river navigation:

• **River Context:** The campsite is located on the Vermilion River State Water Trail, specifically near the river mile (RM) marking **Shively Falls**. Official state water trail maps indicate a watercraft campsite near RM 41.0, and another near RM 39.3.
• **Entry/Exit:** Paddlers typically access the Vermilion River from upstream entry points such as the Vermilion Dam access, or potentially points further downriver. The closest developed areas are resorts and the town of Buyck, but the campsite itself is remote.
• **Portage Required:** The campsite is situated adjacent to or very near **Shively Falls**, which necessitates a significant portage. Shively Falls is described as having three steep boulder-bed pitches, categorized as **Class III whitewater**. A long portage (approximately 440 yards) on the left bank (when facing downstream) is required to bypass this hazardous section, and the campsite is typically located near the end of this portage.
• **Vehicle Access:** There is **no direct road or vehicle access** to the campsite. All gear must be transported by canoe and then carried via the portage trail to the site.

Its remote location near significant rapids ensures that the campsite is used primarily by dedicated paddlers seeking a genuine wilderness challenge.

---

⚙️ **Services Offered**

As a designated **Watercraft Campsite** on a State Water Trail, the facilities at Shively Falls are minimalist and primitive. These sites are designed for low impact, and visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all necessities, including purification methods for water.

The essential, free-to-use services typically available at this type of rustic river campsite include:

• **Canoe Landing:** A natural, designated spot on the riverbank for safely landing and securing canoes and kayaks.
• **Designated Camp Area:** A cleared, relatively level area for pitching tents.
• **Fire Ring:** A basic **fire ring** or **fire grate** for containing campfires. Firewood must be gathered from dead and downed wood only.
• **Backcountry Latrine:** A rustic, open-air pit toilet (thunderbox) is usually provided a short distance from the main camp area to manage human waste.
• **Water Source:** Direct access to the **Vermilion River**. **Crucially, this water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated** before consumption.

There are **no modern amenities** such as running water, electricity, trash disposal, or developed restrooms. Campers must adhere strictly to the "Leave No Trace" principles, packing out all waste.

---

🌟 **Features / Highlights**

The Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite is highlighted by its location in a dramatic section of the Vermilion River:

• **Proximity to Shively Falls:** The primary feature is the campsite's position right next to (or immediately downstream from) the dramatic **Shively Falls**, offering views and the constant sound of rushing water—a unique sensory experience not found at lake campsites.
• **Whitewater Experience:** The river section surrounding the site provides Minnesota's paddlers with one of the state's few opportunities for experiencing and navigating **Class II-III whitewater**, though requiring careful portaging.
• **Water Trail Solitude:** Located on a river route with few access points, the campsite provides a high degree of **solitude and quiet**, often only encountering fellow paddlers.
• **Scenic Boreal Forest:** The surrounding landscape is characterized by wild, exposed bedrock, tall bluffs, and dense forests of the Kabetogama State Forest, providing stunning Northwoods scenery.
• **Angling Opportunities:** The Vermilion River is known for its fish populations, offering excellent **fishing opportunities** for Walleye and Northern Pike, especially in the quieter pools above or below the rapids.
• **Strategic Rest Stop:** The campsite is an essential, designated stop along this challenging river route, making it a valuable and welcome sight after a long day of paddling and portaging around the falls and rapids.

---

📞 **Contact Information**

Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite is an unstaffed, primitive facility administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of the State Water Trail system. It does not have a unique phone number.

For all official inquiries regarding the Vermilion River State Water Trail, river conditions, and camping regulations, contact the managing authorities, typically the DNR’s local area office:

**Address (General Administrative Area):** Northeast St. Louis, MN 55771, USA (Location on the Vermilion River)

**Phone (Minnesota DNR Information Center):** (888) 646-6367 (For general State Water Trail and regional forest information)

Paddlers are strongly advised to check the latest river level information and condition reports from the DNR or local outfitters before attempting this stretch of the Vermilion River, as water flow can dramatically affect the safety and difficulty of the portage and rapids.

---

👍 **What is Worth Choosing**

Shively Falls Watercraft Campsite is an ideal choice for the experienced Minnesota paddler who seeks **adventure, dramatic scenery, and a true river wilderness experience.**

It is worth choosing because it offers the rare chance to camp directly beside a significant natural feature—**Shively Falls**. The constant sound of the falls and the dramatic topography of the river gorge provide a memorable backdrop that lake camping simply cannot replicate. Furthermore, using this site means successfully navigating a challenging section of the Vermilion River, an accomplishment valued by local whitewater and adventure seekers. It serves as a necessary and scenic respite along a difficult but rewarding State Water Trail. For those who own a canoe or kayak and are comfortable with portaging and self-sufficient camping, Shively Falls offers an authentic, wild journey into the unique fluvial landscape of Northeast Minnesota.