South of Sand Dunes State Forest dispersed camping offers primitive camping opportunities approximately an hour northwest of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Campsites are situated along County Roads 233-237 south of Ann Lake, with limited cell service throughout the area. Road conditions vary seasonally, and campers should prepare for wildlife encounters including protective sandhill cranes during nesting season.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: The forest roads connect to various hiking paths where campers can stretch their legs and explore the surrounding pine stands. One visitor noted that "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock" at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Bird watching opportunities: The natural forest setting attracts diverse bird species, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. According to one camper, the area offers a "nice quiet area" with "lots of different bird sounds" throughout the day.
Early morning nature viewing: Dawn provides optimal wildlife viewing with minimal disturbance from other campers or vehicles. A visitor mentioned, "We woke up to amazing bird calls and left before 6am" when staying at County Road O Landing.
What campers like
Proximity to Minneapolis: The location makes it ideal for quick weekend getaways without extensive travel time. One camper appreciated that "it's so close to home" while another noted it's "conveniently close to the cities" despite feeling remote.
Privacy between sites: Most campsites offer sufficient space from neighboring campers, creating a sense of solitude. A visitor to Foster Island Watercraft Campsite mentioned "Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy."
Easy setup options: The dispersed nature of the camping allows flexibility in choosing suitable spots. One camper shared, "I really recommend this for an easy stop if you're looking for a place to put up. It's peaceful and tons of spots to park."
What you should know
Seasonal hunting activity: During hunting seasons, expect to hear gunfire in the surrounding area. A camper reported, "The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that's to be expected this time of year."
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be numerous, particularly during summer evenings and near water. According to a visitor at Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, "We camped here on our way to the badlands starting from Michigan. It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes."
Traffic conditions: Despite the remote setting, forest roads can experience surprisingly busy traffic. One camper observed, "Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking."
Tips for camping with families
Consider weekday visits: Traffic on forest roads decreases significantly mid-week, creating a safer environment for families with children. A camper noted, "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything."
Stay visible near roads: Given traffic reports, establish camp away from main forest roads and ensure children wear bright colors when near roadways. A visitor cautioned, "Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road."
Watch for protective wildlife: Some wildlife may become territorial during breeding seasons. One camper at County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp warned, "Sandhill storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only, with limited turnaround space. According to one RVer, the area is "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers."
Check local regulations: RV and trailer camping regulations may vary by location and enforcement. One camper reported, "I had a county sheriff person tell me it's not lawful to park a trailer and they kicked me out. I called the DNR and they said that wasn't right but I decided to leave anyway."
Scout pullouts carefully: For those with trailers, dedicated pull-through spots exist but are limited. A visitor observed, "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly."
