- Glass containers of any kind are prohibited in the riverway (including landings) and will result in a fine of up to $767.50.
- Campfires are allowed on sandbars but not at boat landings or parking areas.
- Fireworks are illegal in the riverway.
- Camping does not require fees or permits and is allowed on any sandbar/island within the riverway if you arrive by watercraft. Walking out to a sandbar and camping is illegal. No camping is allowed on the main shoreline and there are a few infamous locals that will call the sheriff for trespassing. One spot in particular is right after a bridge near the end of your trip – there is usually a bench on what looks like a sandbar but is technically shoreline. You may be tempted to use it, don’t.
- The former Mazomanie nude beach has posted no camping signs within 1 mile of the beach (see river map). This rule has been in place since 2001 and will be enforced until at least 2020. If camped on one of these islands with a no camping sign, a DNR warden is likely to make you move camp.
- There are no public garbage facilities within the riverway. You are required to take all garbage with you, do not leave it at the landings. You are required to bring a waterproof container for garbage. Plastic bags satisfy this requirement.
- Noise travels far over water. Please be considerate of other river users. Chainsaws are illegal within the riverway.
- If traveling on the river after dark, canoes and kayaks are required to have a flashlight/headlamp/white light available for visibility.
- Alcohol is okay to have in the riverway if you are above the legal drinking age. Glass containers/bottles are prohibited.
These rules are very strictly enforced by Wisconsin DNR wardens. They may approach you by boat, jet ski, or kayak. Warden Dave is the usual guy on our stretch of river. If you’re trying to follow the rules he’s a very reasonable, friendly guy. That said, he will not hesitate to write a ticket
Also worth knowing: the nearby town of Arena is notorious for pulling over out-of-town speeders. The highway drops to 45mph for about a mile and 80% of the time there will be a patrol car at the top of the rise in the middle of ‘town’ on a Saturday morning. DO NOT SPEED IN ARENA.