St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite

For those in Wisconsin seeking an authentic outdoor experience, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers a sanctuary of natural beauty and tranquility. Nestled within this remarkable landscape is the St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite, a gem for primitive campers, particularly those exploring the river by canoe or kayak. This campsite provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene environment of one of America’s most cherished wild and scenic rivers, offering a genuine escape into the heart of Wisconsin's wilderness.

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, encompassing over 200 miles of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, is a protected corridor that maintains its wild character, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate undeveloped natural spaces. The Scott Rapids Campsite embodies this spirit, offering a basic yet profoundly rewarding camping experience. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the rhythm of the river dictates your pace, providing a refreshing contrast to modern life.

Whether you're planning a multi-day paddling trip or a challenging hike along the North Country National Scenic Trail, the St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite serves as a perfect stopover, allowing you to truly disconnect and appreciate the pristine environment. Its primitive nature means fewer amenities, but in turn, it offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and connection with the natural world that many developed campgrounds simply cannot provide. This is a destination for the adventurer, the nature lover, and anyone looking to experience Wisconsin's wild side.

The St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite is located near Gordon, WI 54838, USA, deep within the picturesque St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Its placement is strategic for those navigating the upper St. Croix River, providing a convenient and scenic stop for paddlers. The campsite is generally accessible from the water, making it a popular choice for canoe and kayak campers who are journeying along the river. This water-based access contributes to its secluded feel, as it filters out casual visitors and helps preserve the quiet, wild atmosphere.

For hikers, particularly those traversing the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT), the Scott Rapids Campsite is also a significant point. The NCT passes close to the campsite, making it a viable option for long-distance hikers seeking a primitive overnight spot. While the primary access is often by watercraft, sections of the NCT can lead hikers to the vicinity. It is important for visitors to understand that road access to these primitive riverway campsites is typically limited or non-existent, reinforcing the "wilderness" aspect of the experience.

Visitors planning to access the campsite should be prepared for its rustic nature. There are no paved roads leading directly to the campsite, and vehicle access is generally not possible. This helps maintain the natural integrity of the area and ensures a quieter, more isolated experience for campers. While the exact entry points for watercraft will depend on your chosen paddling route along the St. Croix River, outfitters in nearby towns can often provide guidance on put-in points and logistics for multi-day trips that include this campsite.

• Primitive Camping: The campsite offers a primitive camping experience, meaning basic facilities are provided. This is ideal for those who prefer to "rough it" and enjoy nature without extensive amenities.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are required or accepted. This encourages spontaneous adventure but also means planning ahead for busy periods, though primitive sites along the river are often easier to secure mid-week or during non-holiday times.

• Designated Fire Rings: To ensure safety and minimize environmental impact, designated fire rings are typically provided at campsites. Campers are permitted to collect dead and down wood from shoreline areas for campfires, but cutting live vegetation is strictly prohibited.

• Vault Toilets (Primitive): While not always at every single primitive site, primitive toilets (often vault toilets) are generally available at designated campsites and landings within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Where not available, proper waste disposal practices (burying human waste 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water/campsites) are required.

• No Potable Water: Visitors should be aware that potable water is generally not available directly at these primitive campsites. Campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to treat river water to make it safe for consumption.

• No Electrical Hook-ups: Reflecting its primitive nature, the St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite does not offer electrical hook-ups.

• Three-Night Stay Limit: There is generally a three-night limit for staying at a single primitive campsite along this section of the St. Croix River.

• Water-Accessible Wilderness: The primary highlight is its water accessibility, offering a true "paddle-in" or "canoe-in" camping experience along the St. Croix River, a federally protected National Scenic Riverway.

• Proximity to North Country National Scenic Trail: For hikers, its location near the North Country National Scenic Trail offers convenient access for overnight stays as part of a longer trek. The campsite is specifically mentioned as available for long-distance hikers.

• Scenic River Views: As part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the campsite provides stunning views of the river and surrounding forested landscape, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

• Class I-II Rapids: The section of the St. Croix River near Scott Rapids features Class I-II rapids, offering a moderate challenge and exciting paddling experience for canoeists and kayakers. This adds an element of adventure for paddlers.

• Undeveloped Natural Environment: The campsite is characterized by its primitive and undeveloped setting, ensuring a genuine wilderness experience away from the crowds and modern amenities. This is a key feature for those seeking solitude.

• Opportunities for Fishing: The St. Croix River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, allowing campers to cast a line directly from the shoreline or from their watercraft.

For general inquiries regarding the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, including information pertinent to the St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite, it is best to contact the National Park Service, which manages the Riverway.

Address: St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, 401 North Hamilton Street, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024

Phone: Park Headquarters and Visitor Information: 715-483-3284

St. Croix River Visitor Center: 715-483-2274 (Open mid-April through end of October)

For emergencies, dial 911. For reporting illegal activity, you can also use PARKTIP (1-800-727-5847).

For Wisconsin residents, the St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the state’s natural heritage. As a part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, it provides a true escape into the wild, right in your backyard. Unlike many commercial campgrounds, Scott Rapids Campsite emphasizes a primitive, undisturbed experience, making it perfect for those who cherish solitude and the authentic sounds of the forest and river.

Its accessibility primarily by watercraft makes it a rewarding destination for local paddling enthusiasts. Imagine launching your canoe or kayak and navigating the gentle currents (and occasional rapids) of the St. Croix River, eventually pulling ashore at a secluded campsite where the only sounds are those of nature. This kind of intimate connection with the river is a quintessential Wisconsin experience, offering a unique perspective on the state's remarkable waterways. It’s also an ideal spot for locals looking to challenge themselves with a multi-day paddling adventure, offering a sense of self-reliance and accomplishment.

Furthermore, for hikers exploring the vast North Country National Scenic Trail that winds through Wisconsin, the Scott Rapids Campsite provides a much-needed, well-placed resting point. Its rustic nature means minimal light pollution and noise, allowing for spectacular stargazing and truly peaceful nights. This raw, untamed environment is increasingly rare and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the demands of modern life. For Wisconsin families and individuals seeking to instill a love for the outdoors in themselves and future generations, teaching responsible camping and river ethics in such a pristine setting is invaluable.

In essence, St. Croix NSR Scott Rapids Campsite isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to experience Wisconsin's natural beauty in its purest form. It offers locals a chance to disconnect from digital distractions, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories on one of the nation's most treasured rivers. Its primitive charm and dedication to preserving the wild character of the St. Croix River make it a truly special and accessible outdoor destination for anyone in Wisconsin seeking genuine adventure and tranquility.