Bluff Camping on the Mississippi River

I wonder why I always feel the need to camp on a bluff in Spring. You would think I've learned my lesson already. Especially after last year's freeze fest at Wyalusing. Now, before we dive in, let's set the stage. It's Spring, and the air is crisp and cool(to say the least), with a hint of moisture in the air. The trees were just starting to bud, and the wildflowers were peeking out from under the leaves. It's the perfect time to go camping, right?

Well, maybe not the perfect time, but when the camping urge hits you, you have to answer. And that's exactly what I did. So, without further ado, let me take you on a journey through the ups and downs of tent camping in the cold of Spring, with the Mississippi River as my backdrop.

First off, let's talk about camping in the cold. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Aaron, why are you camping so early in the Spring?" Good question. Easy answer...I'm a campaholic.

From what I hear, admitting it is the first step. But, every time is different. Every location is different, and every season is different. The first thing you need to consider when camping in the cold is your gear. You need a tent that can handle the cold, and a sleeping bag and extra blankets that will keep you warm. Layers are your friend, so make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, and don't forget the wool socks. One thing I did forget was a good hat. All I had was my baseball cap and my ears got windburned to the point they were ringing.

Next up, let's talk about the bluff. Now, I'm not talking about a little hill here. We're talking about a 500-foot steep drop-off overlooking the Mississippi River. It was breathtaking, to say the least. But, it also came with its challenges. You have to be careful when setting up your tent, and make sure you have plenty of stakes and guidelines to secure it. It can get windy up there, and the last thing you want is your tent blowing away in the middle of the night with you in it.

But, the view. Oh, the view. It was worth every challenge I faced. I could see for miles, and the river was a constant source of entertainment.

Now, let's talk about the flooding of the river. When I arrived, I noticed that the water was higher than usual. I didn't think much of it at first, but as the day went on and driving up the road to the little town of Cassville, I realized just how high the water had gotten. It wasn't until later that I found out that there was flooding upstream and many houses on the banks of the Mississippi River were underwater.

This is something you need to be aware of when camping near a river. Floods can happen quickly, and they can be dangerous. Make sure you know the flood stage of the river you're camping near, and have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Obviously, I was on a bluff and did not have to worry about that but it was a reminder that Mother Nature is always in control.

So, what did I do to stay warm? Again good question. I built a fire, of course. And a big one at that. And there was definitely a lot of hot coffee involved. There's something about cooking over an open flame that just makes everything taste better. Coffee was a nice way to take the edge off the chill, but I usually don't drink coffee that late and knew I needed to sleep.

Overall, tent camping on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river in the cold of Spring was an adventure I'll never forget. It had its challenges, but the reward was worth it. The view alone was worth the trip, and the memories I made will last a lifetime.

Stay Warm and Happy Camping!

For more about Nelson Dewey State park click on the link below!

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