Dispersed camping areas near Cambridge, Minnesota offer rustic experiences on forest service land with minimal amenities. Most sites sit on sandy soil with pine and oak forests dominating the landscape. Winter dispersed camping remains available in many locations but requires high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation through unmaintained forest roads where snowdrifts can block access from November through March.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: The diverse ecosystems around Rum River State Forest provide excellent wildlife viewing. "We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer," notes one camper. Winter visitors might hear wolves, as one camper reported: "I did hear wolves for the first time. They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone."
Hiking access: The Ice Age Trail passes near several dispersed sites and offers maintained pathways. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, "Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north" provides good access. The crushed gravel section makes travel to nearby Lions Park easy, even for those with mobility concerns.
Water recreation: Boat-in camping options allow for combining paddling with primitive camping. Sandrock Cliffs sites require some walking but reward with riverside spots. "You hike along the Saint Croix river," writes one visitor who noted that camping areas can accommodate "three or more tents at each site."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Most dispersed sites offer significant privacy. In Rum River State Forest, a camper found their spot "through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing!"
Good cell service in unexpected places: Unlike some wilderness areas, certain sites maintain usable connectivity. At Rum River State Forest Dispersed camping, one visitor found "The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease."
Winter camping options: For those seeking true isolation, winter camping offers unique experiences. One camper at Rum River described their December experience: "I just cleared the snow, built a heat retaining wall, and set up camp in front of it." They note that "The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving."
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Throughout the area, insects present a consistent challenge. "The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this," mentions a Rum River State Forest visitor. Another camper at County Road O Landing stated the problem simply: "The only problem was the mosquitoes."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access routes remain unpaved and can deteriorate quickly. One camper noted about South of Sand Dunes State Forest: "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking."
Potential for overcrowding on weekends: Some easily accessible sites attract weekend visitors. At Sandrock Cliffs, a disappointed camper reported: "Soon the parking lot was also full of cars of some shady looking people who appeared to be looking for a spot to party."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure the best spots. One visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest found that "After 12 p.m., not much of anything" remains available on busy weekends, suggesting morning arrivals work best.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many sites offer chance encounters with diverse bird species. One camper described South of Sand Dunes as "Quiet with lots of different bird sounds" while noting an amusing wildlife caution: "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack."
Pack-in necessities: Most dispersed sites lack water sources. A County Road O Landing visitor advised: "There are bathrooms and 1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service)," but little else in terms of amenities, so prepare accordingly with sufficient water and supplies.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, one camper advised: "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers."
Seasonal accessibility concerns: Winter conditions limit RV access significantly. A winter camper at Rum River State Forest noted: "The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving."
Jurisdictional confusion: RVers should verify camping rules with the correct agency. One camper at South of Sand Dunes 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."
