Mississippi High Banks | Beltrami County

Mississippi High Banks is a primitive campsite with spectacular views of the “Wild” Mississippi River system, approximately 8 miles southeast of Solway MN.

The classification of "Wild" as defined by the Mississippi Headwaters Board are those areas of the Mississippi River corridor that are generally inaccessible, except by trail, and which include unique and significant natural, cultural, historic, scientific, and recreational values. They are generally considered remote and represent the region's appearance before organized European settlement. The protection area for a river-corridor with this classification is 1000-feet from the ordinary high-water mark (OHWM).

Summer Access: In promoting a remote and primitive camping experience the NRM Department has placed a locked gate along the access road to this site. Those interested in utilizing this area either for day-use purposes or camping must fill out a Mississippi High Banks Use Permit and receive approval form the NRM Department beforehand. You will be given the combination to the lock on the gate which provides access for highway vehicles only. Due to the sensitive nature of this area, OHV’s are not allowed.

Winter Access: Access to the campsite is not plowed in the winter.

Amenities: Picnic table, fire pit with log benches, and benches overlooking the Mississippi River.

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Primitive Camp Site

CAMPING: Primitive camping, reservations required. Camping is limited to a total period of 16 days and one camping group of eight or less people. Digging or trenching around camp shelters is prohibited.

COOKING WASTE: Liquid waste from cooking/washing may be disposed of on the ground at least 150 feet from the Mississippi River in a manner that does not pollute a water supply or constitute a public health/safety issue.

EXPLOSIVES: Firecrackers/fireworks are prohibited.

FIRES: Any open fire must be in a fireplace, grill, or other suitable container. Camp stoves/charcoal burners may be used provided they do not create a hazard. No fire may be left unattended.

FIREWOOD: Only dead and downed wood may be used to build fires. Ash firewood is not permitted. All firewood brought in from outside Beltrami County must be burned or taken with you when you leave, do not leave wood for the next visitor. To purchase firewood from a DNR approved vendor, visit firewoodscout.

GARBAGE: Carry-in and carry-out all garbage. Waste disposal in fire rings is prohibited. Do not burn garbage.

TREES: No nails, screws, or other fasteners may be placed in living trees.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: No personal property (boats, fish houses, etc.) may be stored or left on site or along Rice Lake.

SEWAGE WASTE: Human waste must be buried at least 150 feet from the Mississippi River in a manner that does not pollute a water supply or constitute a public health/safety issue. Sewage waste from a camping trailer must be emptied at a suitable facility. This facility does not have any waste disposal system.

VEHICLES: OHVs and snowmobiles are prohibited behind the locked gate due to the sensitive nature of this location. Camping groups are limited to two vehicles.

Abridged from the Developed County Parks and Recreation Area Ordinance. The above rules relate to Mississippi High Banks. All other rules covered under the Ordinance are still in effect even though they are not listed in this abridged version.