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20220715 I've been exploring the local rivers and streams for years and have been curious about camping at the boat access campsites along the smaller interior rivers in Southeastern Minnesota. I finally got around to it and went on a last minute trip with my husband and our friend Mike to check out the camping situation on the North Branch of the Root. We went into the trip knowing that we would have to be flexible and prepared for alternatives if we couldn't find the sites or if they were occupied. Following our campout, we paddled to Peterson for a total of about 27 river miles. This post covers the highlights of the trip and things to consider when planning an overnight kayak camping trip. Trips longer than an overnight have additional considerations and require additional gear and supplies.
We got a late start out of Moen's Bridge Access and were on the water around19:08. Our trip ended up taking around 20 hours to complete. Water levels were high and gave us some extra speed. We had a good rain the previous day. The paddle was leisurely, and we took a few breaks. We saw a muskrat and a couple bald eagles. Chris caught a brook trout. We found the upstream Whispering Pines campsite before dark. Great scenic location with limestone rock outcrops with large towering pines. It was very nice. The site was mowed, has a picnic table, fire pit with grill and a privy. There was plenty of space along the river to land kayaks. There was ample relatively flat space for at least 3 tents.
We pitched our tents and found some downed wood to make a fire. There was a surprising lack of mosquitos despite the recent rain and humidity. We had a snack and watched the fire and fireflies for a bit and then went to bed. We agreed to meet some friends at 9:30 the next day and figured that we needed to get up at 05:00 in order to make it in time.
In the morning, we packed up, had a quick meal and got on the water. There was a beautiful fog that persisted until well after the sun was up. With the river being up we were making really good time. When we came upon the old Root River Power & Electric Co building stamped with year 1915. We found a path up to the old building and got to check it out. Definitely not safe! Many ledges to fall off of and things to trip on but a nice view. We checked it out and then got on our way. We saw a couple beavers, Canadian Geese, Blue Heron and Bald Eagles, Whitetail Deer and many other birds. We didn't see any other people out on the water during our travels down the North Branch.
When we got to the confluence of the North and South branches. The South branch was very murky and moving quickly. I was concerned it might not be safe but once we got on it things were fine just an extra speed boost. The river is wide enough that is fairly easy to avoid snags and other hazards. We met our friends on the south branch at the access point between Whalen and Lanesboro and headed on to Peterson. We had a smooth trip and made good time. We found a sandbar that didn't have to many weeds to stop on. The riverbanks and sandbars in July can be very thick with vegetation so if you find one without vegetation you may want to take a break and enjoy.
At the end the Peterson landing was easy to find on the south side of the river. There was a lot of tuber traffic between Whalen and Peterson and the access parking was overflowing. The access is wide enough that you can back your vehicle down close to the water and easily load the kayaks. There were 5 of us together at the end. We loaded up all the yaks, piled in the truck and went to Rushford to grab some food and ended up at Shawnees. It was pretty tasty, good burgers and fries.
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| Moen's Bridge Access |
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| Fully packed kayak |
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| Approaching the first Whispering Pines Canoe Access Campsite |
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| Upstream Whispering Pines campsite |
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| Privy |
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| Morning Fog |
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| Access point to the downstream Whispering Pines Canoe Access campsite |
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| Root River Power & Light Co 1915 |
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| Path to Root River Power &Light Co, access just down stream |
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| Inside the Root River Power & Light Co |
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| View from Root River Power & Light Co |
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| One of the Power Plant Canoe Access campsites |
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| Canoe Access Campsite sign |
When planning a route, I start by thinking about what I want to do or see. A lazy float trip route might not be the best for fishing, photography or viewing wildlife. For maps, I usually start with a DNR map or map designed for such purpose. If you are planning in advance, you'll have to allow some flexibility for weather and check water levels and conditions just prior to your departure. The DNR maps denote every mile on the river with a red dot so you can count the dots to determine how long your desired route would be. The maps also show other major characteristics and amenities including rapids, dams, other hazards, launches, campsites and rest areas.
Water level - Low levels are going to slow things down and may require you to get out of your kayak in places if the water is too low. High levels make for a quicker paddle but also usually come with increased safety risks that need to be considered.
Stream width - If the body of water is not very wide it is easier for fallen trees and fallen debris to span the width of the body of water. These can be hazardous especially if the current is fast. If the trees or debris do span the whole width of the stream you may need to portage around or climb over it.
Water clarity - this impacts fishing and underwater photography
Below is my camping supply list. I keep my clothing and bedding in a dry bag. I have a dry compartment on my kayak but don't often use it because it is easy for things to get lost in there.
Tent
Air mattress
Sleeping bag liner
Bivy aka sleeping bag
Aluminum Mess kit, Teflon skillet, 2 pots, removable handle
Silicone collapsible bowls and cups
Spork knives
Spoon
Spatula
Salt (pepper is optional for me)
Scrubby
Dish towel
Dish soap (used for dishes, hair and body)
Over the counter medications /first aid / blister kit
Sewing/ patch kit
Compass
Matches / lighter / Fire starter
Lightweight camp stove
Fuel (white gas)
Compostable toilet paper / baby wipes
Hand sanitizer
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bugspray / thermocell
Water bottles
Headlamp
Rope
Poncho
Waterproof cell case
60 L Drybag
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