Best Dispersed Camping near Carlton, MN

Dispersed camping near Carlton, Minnesota includes several free primitive sites on public lands within driving distance of town. Carrol Truck Trail offers a remote camping experience with access to a public canoe/kayak launch at the end of the trail. Grace Lake Road Dispersed provides primitive camping opportunities in the region, while Afterhours Meadow across the border in Wisconsin features open field camping suitable for those seeking more space. These areas typically have minimal or no facilities, following true dispersed camping principles on public land.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads that may present challenges during wet conditions. Carrol Truck Trail involves a 5-mile drive on gravel roads that can be navigated with standard vehicles, though higher clearance is beneficial. Reviews indicate that while most locations are accessible with 2WD vehicles, some narrow passages exist—particularly at Grace Lake Road where "the gate is very narrow, had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through." Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or established fire rings, requiring visitors to pack in all necessities and practice Leave No Trace principles.

The dispersed camping areas around Carlton provide varying wilderness experiences based on location. Wildlife encounters are common, with one camper at Carrol Truck Trail noting "a pack of coyotes or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going." Cell service ranges from limited to nonexistent, with reviewers reporting "service is a measly 2 bars through ATT" at Carrol Truck Trail to complete disconnection at other sites. Afterhours Meadow offers particularly scenic surroundings, described by visitors as a "beautiful wildflower meadow on quiet forest land" that is "stunning" at sunset. Bugs can be problematic in warmer months, with multiple reviews mentioning mosquitoes and ticks as significant considerations when planning visits to these primitive camping areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Carlton, Minnesota (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Carlton, MN

3 Photos of 7 Carlton Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Carlton, MN

12 Reviews of 7 Carlton Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem for Hike in/Drive in

    Upon reaching the end of the trail, there is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water. Surrounded by woods, so there is no shortage of wood for a campfire. Service is a measly 2 bars through ATT. Overall, a lovely hidden gem if you pack accordingly. Recovery gear would be beneficial.

  • Anna P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Buggy, limited spots

    Very buggy (mosquitos, ticks), no cell service. Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles. River access. There were multiple pull offs along the long road to get to the site, but most of them are not on public land.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Secluded! But nothing else

    It's a fine place to go to get away from everything. No reason to drive all the way out unless you're trying to camp. There are 3 campsites at the end of the road where the GPS takes you. There are a few other pull offs along the way. I'm guessing all the forest roads around here have sites so even if this one is occupied, there are others close.

    BRING BUG SPRAY! the mosquitoes are no joke

  • Jasmine L.
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem!

    Beautiful! Absolutely dispersed, we went all the way down the gravel road 5 miles in by SUV to the landing. Couple spots where you could clearly tell people were here before. (garbage, but we picked up as we came across) no one else out there but us! Couple fire pits already built. No bugs! Lots of wildlife for sure. But a pack of yoties or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going. We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything. Our dog wouldn’t sleep so had to take off. Otherwise definitely going back again!

  • Julia D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Location is inaccurate

    This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 20, 2023

    Graces Lake Boat Access

    Not a camp site

    Public water access. No camp sites at this location

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Arrived after dark

    Easy to access, trails are all obvious, and near a water supply. We decided to go off the cuff, and the only thing we weren’t ready for was the damn mosquitos! Will be bringing repellent next time. BEAUTIFUL SPOT.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good

  • B
    Mar. 11, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    A great spot to camp.

    Myself, my wife and one of my best buddies came here after looking on The Dyrt. It’s a beautiful spot, we are currently here in warmer weather, but surrounded by snow. Theres plenty of woods/dead things to burn meaning the fire never goes out. It is very clean and an overall beautiful area. We are very happy we decided to take a visit here and definitely will be coming back. I highly recommend.


Guide to Carlton

Dispersed camping near Carlton, Minnesota offers several free primitive sites on public lands within a 30-mile radius of town. Most sites are located in mixed hardwood and pine forests at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet, with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than urban areas during summer months. Winter camping remains accessible at most sites, though snowfall from November through April can make roads challenging without four-wheel drive.

What to do

Water activities at Dago Lake: Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road provides access to fishing and paddling opportunities. "Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night," notes Christine H. from Dago Lake.

Wildlife observation: The forested areas around dispersed sites harbor diverse wildlife. Bring binoculars for bird watching, especially during migration seasons. "Lots of wildlife for sure," reports one Carrol Truck Trail camper.

Star gazing: Light pollution is minimal at most sites. Open meadow sites like Afterhours Meadow provide excellent viewing conditions. "This is a beautiful, quiet spot at the end of a forest spur road. Surrounded by wildflowers in mid July," writes Joni Z.

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: Most dispersed sites around Carlton offer significant privacy. "Beautiful! Absolutely dispersed, we went all the way down the gravel road 5 miles in by SUV to the landing. No one else out there but us!" reports a visitor to Carrol Truck Trail.

Natural clearings: Open field camping provides space for larger groups. "Easy gravel road to the pin, there is one or two small sites on the left side of the road but we turned right and went down the 2 track (which was fine in 2wd vans w low clearance) and you end up in a big clearing," notes Liona L. about Afterhours Meadow.

Fishing access: Several sites provide direct water access. "You're about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good," shares Michael S. about his experience at Grace Lake Road Dispersed.

What you should know

Vehicle considerations: Access roads vary in quality and width. "Gate is very narrow, had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it's a short walk," cautions Michael S. about Grace Lake Road Dispersed.

Insects are prevalent: Prepare for mosquitoes and ticks during warm months. "Very buggy (mosquitos, ticks), no cell service. Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles," warns Anna P. about Carrol Truck Trail.

Multiple site options: Some locations have several potential camping spots. "Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here," advises Julia D. regarding Grace Lake Road.

Terrain quality varies: Not all sites have ideal ground conditions. "Nice little field. Would be great if the ground wasn't all sticks and thorns. Good place to sleep. Not for extended camping," notes a camper about Afterhours Meadow.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose sites with established fire rings when possible. "Couple fire pits already built. No bugs!" reports Jasmine L. about their Carrol Truck Trail experience.

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters and establish clear boundaries. "We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything. Our dog wouldn't sleep so had to take off," describes one camper's encounter with coyotes at Graces Lake Boat Access.

Sunset viewing spots: Meadow locations offer memorable evening views for families. "Stunning Meadow Sunset," titles Liona L. in her review of Afterhours Meadow, adding it was "So beautiful, highly recommend."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites near Carlton accommodate smaller rigs only. "Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles," notes Anna P. about conditions at Carrol Truck Trail.

Leveling considerations: Some meadow sites provide easier leveling options. "Easy to get level and room for several rigs," reports Joni Z. about Middle St. Croix camping areas.

Road conditions: Access roads may require higher clearance vehicles. "Recovery gear would be beneficial," advises Peter L. about reaching the river access at Carrol Truck Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Carlton, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carlton, MN is Dago Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Carlton, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Carlton, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.