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Rum River State Forest Dispersed

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Quiet stretches of forest road define the experience at Rum River State Forest Dispersed, where pull-off sites sit cleared and spaced apart along the gravel routes through the woods. Sites are right on the road, so the occasional passing vehicle is part of the deal. Most spots are simple pull-offs; one reviewer noted a pull-through site further down Game Refuge Road that accommodates rigs up to 37 feet. The campgrounds near Rum River State Forest give a sense of what the broader area offers, with Rum River State Forest just a couple miles northeast and Rum River RV Park a few miles northwest for those wanting hookups.

Crowd levels tend to stay low. Even on a Sunday in July, one camper found very few others around. Winter visitors should plan for unplowed roads and 4-wheel drive. Wolves have been heard howling after sunset. Deer and birds are common. Ticks are a consistent presence, so preparation matters.

Cell coverage is a practical plus here. Verizon users have streamed video and worked remotely without issue, which sets this spot apart from more remote dispersed areas. Formal hiking trails are not marked, though off-road paths exist. As Art S. put it, "off road trails can be found but we did not discover cleared hiking paths." Camping is free, fires are permitted, and pets are welcome. Worth a night if you're passing through central Minnesota.

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Map & DirectionsRum River State Forest Dispersed is located in Minnesota near Milaca

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

45.92261035 N
93.5960404 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/22/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Rum River State Forest Dispersed

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4.5

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2024

Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd

There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rum River State Forest Dispersed by Erin G., July 28, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Rum River

7/7/1921 pull off sites big have a 37 ft fifth wheel no problem nice an quietalot of ticks but had a great time

Siteno #
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2021

Walking in and roadside camping

I've camped here twice, now. Once roadside during hunting season with oranges on and once in December. So far, I enjoy it. Where to start... The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving. I walked in for ten minutes from one of the parking spots. I just cleared the snow, built a heat retaining wall, and set up camp in front of it. I did hear wolves for the first time. They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone. But, i don't suspect they'd come too close.

If you want secluded, minimal camping. This is an okay spot, close to the twin cities.

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Reviewed Jun. 12, 2019

State forest dispersed camping

Dispersed camping along the forest roads. Areas are cleared away that are quite separate giving some privacy. They are right on the road so vehicles pass by. Off road trails can be found but we did not discover cleared hiking paths. After finding a tick quickly we just hiked along the road. Only one other camper so during the non-hunting season this might be a good stopover.

We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer.

  • Review photo of Rum River State Forest Dispersed by Art S., June 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Rum River State Forest Dispersed by Art S., June 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Rum River State Forest Dispersed by Art S., June 12, 2019
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Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed in Rum River State Forest?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Rum River State Forest. The forest features multiple dispersed camping sites located along the forest roads. These sites are cleared areas that offer some privacy, though they are positioned right on the road where vehicles pass by. The sites are well-separated from each other, and some are spacious enough to accommodate larger RVs, with campers reporting no issues parking a 37-foot fifth wheel. While enjoying the forest's tranquility, be prepared for ticks, which are commonly encountered in the area.

Where can I find a map of Rum River State Forest camping areas?

Maps of Rum River State Forest camping areas can be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or at their local offices. For the most current and detailed information, contact the DNR directly or visit their website. Physical maps may also be available at forest entry points or nearby ranger stations. Since many of the camping spots are simply pull-offs along forest roads, having an official map will help you locate these dispersed sites more efficiently.

Is Rum River State Forest different from Rum River State Park?

Yes, Rum River State Forest and Rum River State Park are two distinct areas managed differently. Rum River State Forest is primarily undeveloped land with dispersed camping options along forest roads without designated facilities. In contrast, Rum River State Park would have developed campsites, maintained trails, and more amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. The forest offers a more primitive, self-sufficient camping experience, while state parks typically provide more structured outdoor recreation with established facilities and services.

Does Rum River State Forest have a shooting range?

Rum River State Forest does not have a designated shooting range. While recreational shooting may be permitted in certain areas of state forests following Minnesota DNR regulations, there is no formal shooting facility within this forest. For target shooting, follow all state forest regulations regarding safe distances from camping areas, roads, trails, and water bodies. Always check current regulations with the Minnesota DNR before planning any shooting activities in the forest.

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