Best Dispersed Camping near Andover, MN
Dispersed camping near Andover, Minnesota centers around several undeveloped areas within state forests and along riverways. South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides primitive camping along gravel roads with pull-off sites, while Rum River State Forest offers similar dispersed opportunities approximately 40 miles north. Additional options include riverside camping at County Road O Landing and Sandy Cove along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin, roughly an hour northeast of Andover.
Access varies significantly between sites, with most requiring travel on dirt or gravel forest roads. South of Sand Dunes sites are accessible from County Roads 233-237, featuring cleared pull-offs suitable for tents and smaller recreational vehicles. Rum River State Forest contains roadside camping spots with some requiring four-wheel drive during winter months. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings but no amenitiesāno drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in summer and 21 days in cooler seasons at Sand Dunes, though restrictions vary by location.
The camping experience provides genuine seclusion with minimal facilities. Visitors to South of Sand Dunes Forest report "quiet and serene nights once side roads thin out," though some note "plenty of spots but fairly small spots" with occasional traffic. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with one camper noting "lots of different bird sounds" at Sand Dunes. Rum River State Forest campers report wolf howling after sunset and numerous deer sightings. Weather and seasonal challenges should be anticipatedā"roads aren't really kept up for the winter" at Rum River, and multiple reviews across locations mention significant mosquito and tick populations, particularly during summer months. Cell service varies significantly, with Rum River offering surprisingly good connectivity while most Sand Dunes areas have minimal to no signal.
