Dispersed camping near Andover, Minnesota offers rustic opportunities within an hour's drive in multiple directions. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with sandy, glacial outwash soil that supports mixed pine and hardwood forests. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0Ā°F, while summer days reach 80-90Ā°F with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms from May through August.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Game Refuge Road in Rum River State Forest provides entry points to unmarked but navigable forest paths. "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," explains one winter camper who enjoyed the solitude.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Early mornings offer optimal viewing conditions, particularly in spring and fall. "We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer," reports a camper at Rum River. Another visitor had a more unusual experience: "I did hear wolves for the first time. They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone."
Water recreation: The St. Croix River access points provide excellent paddling opportunities during summer months. Sandrock Cliffs campsites sit along the riverbank with "a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tents at each site." These areas require permits from the National Park Service, available at the St. Croix Falls Visitor Center.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides genuine isolation. "I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," writes one reviewer who appreciated the forest's accessibility and privacy.
Ease of access: Most dispersed areas maintain reasonable road conditions for standard vehicles. "We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect," reports a visitor to County Road O Landing.
Established sites: While rustic, many areas feature basic amenities. "Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits," notes a Rum River State Forest camper who found multiple suitable options.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Insects become problematic during warmer months throughout the region. A camper at County Road O Landing stated simply: "The only problem was the mosquitoes." For winter camping, prepare for difficult access: "The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving."
Wildlife encounters: Beyond deer and birds, larger predators inhabit the area. Wolves have been reported in Rum River State Forest, though they typically avoid humans. Bears occasionally visit campsites in search of improperly stored food.
Varying regulations: Each management area enforces different rules regarding stays and activities. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, "The ease of access probably makes this a hangout spot as we saw a good amount of refuse around the pad," indicating potential enforcement challenges at more accessible sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection criteria: Choose locations with adequate space between camping area and roadways. "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," notes a Rum River visitor who found family-friendly options.
Safety considerations: Limited cell service affects emergency communication capabilities. Pack a basic first aid kit and inform others of your location. Surprisingly, some locations maintain decent connectivity: "The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease."
Activity planning: Pack games and nature identification guides for children. For river access points, consider water safety equipment. "The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river," reports a Sandrock Cliffs visitor, suggesting potential family-friendly day activities.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. However, one Rum River camper notes, "pull off sites big have a 37 ft fifth wheel no problem nice an quiet alot of ticks but had a great time," indicating some locations can handle larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly with weather and season. "Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4Ć4 depending on your rig and route," cautions one experienced camper. Another advises: "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot."
Parking techniques: Consider site orientation before committing. "The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods," explains a camper who prioritized privacy. "You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer."
