Best Dispersed Camping near Bayport, MN
Dispersed camping options near Bayport, Minnesota include two free sites along the St. Croix River in neighboring Wisconsin. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers primitive camping with basic amenities including a fire ring, picnic table, and vault toilet. The site sits along the Ice Age Trail with a well-maintained gravel path to the south and a single-track footpath to the north. The accessible picnic table features an extended side to accommodate wheelchair users. According to reviews, spring flooding can affect site conditions, so checking river levels before arrival is advisable.
County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp in the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway provides free camping with toilet facilities and a boat ramp for river access. The site accommodates both tent and RV camping with drive-in and walk-in options. Several campers note the site is "quiet and easy to find," with optimal spots located near the trailhead. Parking is available near the boat ramp and bathroom facilities. Limited cell service exists (one bar of Verizon reported, no T-Mobile coverage).
Both sites require permits for overnight stays. Fires are permitted in designated rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Summer visitors should prepare for significant mosquito activity, particularly in June. The sites feature basic vault toilets but no showers, hookups, or sanitary dump stations. Drinking water is available at County Road O Landing, but not at Sandy Cove. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, as some areas have experienced issues with accumulated refuse. The St. Croix River offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with campers reporting "amazing bird calls" during early morning hours.
