Camping
Camping on the various islands of the Mississippi River and its backwaters is allowed and campers are subject to the Rules and Regulations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Camping is free and permits are not needed. There are no designated camping areas, campfire rings, drinking water or restroom facilities on the islands; campers are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out trash and properly disposing of waste. For the safety of other visitors and wildlife, please leave glass containers within boats.
Camping is defined as erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use, parking of a motor vehicle or mooring or anchoring of a vessel, for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy. Camping is also defined as occupying or leaving personal property, including boats or other craft, at a site anytime between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Camping on land or on boats at any one site on the refuge for a period longer than 14 days, during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited. After 14 days, you must move all persons, property, equipment and boats to a new site located at least 0.5 mile away from the previous site. Campsites must be occupied daily.
Leaving tents, camping equipment or other property unattended at any site for more than 24 hours is prohibited. Any property left unattended in violation may be impounded at the owner’s expense. If tables, fireplaces or other facilities are erected, they must be removed before departure.
Camping within 200 feet of refuge boat landings, access areas, parking lots, structures, roads, trails or other facilities is prohibited. During waterfowl hunting seasons, camping is prohibited within areas posted Area Closed or No Hunting Zone or on any sites not clearly visible from the main commercial navigation channel.