Mile 49.0 LBD — Marquette Island

Marquette island offers one of the most reliable highwater campsites on the entire Middle Miss (along with Ste. Genevieve’s Moro Island, Rockwood island, Brown’s Bar, and a few others). Great spot but surrounded by industry on the top end. Plenty of other locations in bcak channels and backside of island. The island is one of seven of identified as a "string of pearls" several years ago by the Middle Mississippi River Partnership as “environmentally important properties.” The partnership, a coalition of 16 public and private agencies, works to promote the environmental health of the river. Best camping in high water is top end. Find a place protected by the trees, and enjoy the enchanting view of the Cape Bridge and its city behind.   In low and medium water levels, good camping can be found around the outside edge. Paddle along and keep looking until you find something that appeals to you. Marquette Islan d contains 550 acres of forest, primarily cottonwood and willow, and approximately 280 acres of sandbar. Marquette Island provides habitat for pallid sturgeon, interior least tern, and Indiana bat.