Best Dispersed Camping near Bloomington, MN
South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities approximately one hour from the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages this area, where campers can find primitive sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake, primarily on County Roads 233-237. These pull-off sites are positioned between pine stands and open sandy areas, offering basic backcountry camping with no established facilities or infrastructure.
Access routes consist primarily of gravel forest roads that accommodate standard vehicles, though some sections may require careful navigation. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days during summer months and extends to 21 days in cooler seasons. The area provides no amenities - campers must bring all necessary supplies including water and pack out all waste. Fire regulations follow standard DNR guidelines, with fires permitted in most conditions but subject to seasonal restrictions. Cell service throughout the forest is minimal to nonexistent.
The dispersed sites feature varying levels of privacy and natural surroundings. "Campsites were pretty far apart. Not bad, quiet, aside from the occasional truck speeding through," notes one visitor. Wildlife sightings include sandhill cranes, which can be territorial during nesting season. Poison ivy is prevalent throughout the forest, particularly in off-trail areas. Reviews consistently mention the relative quiet of the area despite periodic vehicle traffic on the main forest roads. Most camping spots accommodate tents and small trailers, though pulling large RVs into the forest may present challenges. Seasonal mosquitoes and ticks are common, especially during warmer months.
