Green Island Primitive Camping

3 reviews

Quick Facts

1,171 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Missouri National Recreational River site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,171 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Missouri National Recreational River site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Green Island Primitive Camping

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive camping is free of charge.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-665-0209dugan_smith@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Green Island Primitive Camping

42.8638, -97.4033

Driving directionsNear River Mile 806 is the 60-acre Green Island Recreation Area. Only accessible by watercraft.

Island access is boat only; there are no roads leading to the campground. No driving accessibility beyond watercraft navigation, making it essential to plan accordingly with proper boating equipment.

Best Time to Camp at Green Island Primitive Camping

Winter transforms Green Island into a crisp wonderland where adventurous souls discover the raw beauty of the season. Expect invigorating cold temperatures that make morning coffee taste extraordinary and occasional dustings of snow that blanket the landscape in pristine white. The moderate winds carry the whisper of the river, while freezing temperatures create a magical frost on tent walls at dawn. Smart campers come prepared with quality cold-weather gear to fully embrace the winter camping experience, finding warmth not just in their sleeping bags but in the unique serenity this season brings to the island.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Boat access and river setting make summer ideal for camping and paddling.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Riparian colors and quieter season likely make fall very appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers nature recovery but river conditions (flows) may complicate access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

"Winter transforms Green Island into a crisp wonderland" but access and cold limit appeal.

Planning Tips

About Green Island Primitive Camping

Escape to Green Island Primitive Camping, where adventure begins the moment you push off from shore. This secluded riverside sanctuary features five carefully positioned tent sites that promise solitude and connection with nature. Choose between the two intimate eastern sites for ultimate privacy or the trio of western sites perfect for small groups seeking camaraderie under the stars. Each site comes equipped with its own fire ring, where evening conversations and marshmallow roasting create lasting memories. As a true primitive camping experience, you'll embrace the Leave No Trace ethos while navigating to this water-access-only destination—a journey that rewards paddlers and boaters with an untouched camping paradise far from the crowds.

Green Island Primitive Camping exclusively offers primitive camping experiences. The campsite features five designated tent camping sites with no modern amenities.

Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Green Island into a crisp wonderland where adventurous souls discover the raw beauty of the season. Expect invigorating cold temperatures that make morning coffee taste extraordinary and occasional dustings of snow that blanket the landscape in pristine white. The moderate winds carry the whisper of the river, while freezing temperatures create a magical frost on tent walls at dawn. Smart campers come prepared with quality cold-weather gear to fully embrace the winter camping experience, finding warmth not just in their sleeping bags but in the unique serenity this season brings to the island.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the captivating embrace of the Missouri National Recreational River, where Green Island emerges as a natural jewel adorned with thriving riparian forests and meadows. Wake to panoramic river views that change with each passing hour—from misty morning reflections to golden sunset displays dancing across the water. The island's lush vegetation creates a living tapestry of native plants and towering trees that provide both shade and habitat for diverse wildlife. This riverine ecosystem pulses with life, offering campers front-row seats to nature's daily performances, from bird songs at dawn to the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline throughout the night.

Geological RegionNestled within the Missouri National Recreational River system, Green Island spans 60 pristine acres of remarkable riverine geology. This dynamic landscape tells the story of centuries of river flow, creating rich riparian environments where water and land merge in perfect harmony. The island's terrain showcases the fascinating interplay between river deposits and erosion, resulting in diverse microhabitats that support an impressive array of plant and animal life. This geological wonderland offers campers the rare opportunity to explore an ever-evolving ecosystem shaped by the timeless forces of one of America's great rivers.

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two isolated sites on the east side and three adjacent sites on the west side of the island.

Reservation PlatformsNot available for reservation through any platforms; camping is first-come-first-served within designated sites only.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is available on a first-come-first-served basis only.

AccessibilityThere is no information provided about the accessibility features at the campground.

Site SizeThe campground offers five primitive tent campsites. Two isolated tent sites are located on the east side of the island, while three adjacent sites are situated on the west side. Site sizes are not described in detail.

PrivacyThe two isolated tent sites on the east side of the island offer a higher level of privacy, while the three adjacent sites on the west side are likely to be less private.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Green Island Primitive Camping are focused on nature-based and outdoor experiences. Campers can enjoy the solitude and wilderness of the island.

BoatingIsland access is exclusively by boat, making boating an integral part of the camping experience. Campers must use watercraft to reach the island.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include boat access challenges, water navigation difficulties, and exposure to weather conditions like freezing temperatures and snow during winter.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.