Sand Dunes State Forest offers primitive dispersed camping opportunities within a mixed pine and sandy environment. The forest's unique ecosystem contains stands of native jack pine on rolling sand dunes formed thousands of years ago when glacial Lake Grantsburg receded. Camping areas can be found at elevations between 900-950 feet, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation across the 5,000+ acre forest.
What to do
Birding opportunities: The forest attracts diverse bird species, especially in quieter areas away from traffic. Campers report "very quiet with lots of different bird sounds" at South of Sand Dunes State Forest, making it ideal for wildlife observation.
Hammock camping: The pine stands provide perfect hammock suspension points. One visitor noted, "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock" when describing their experience at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Water activities: For those wanting riverside dispersed camping near Champlin, County Road O Landing offers access to the St. Croix River. A camper described it as a "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," providing water recreation options.
What campers like
Quick access from urban areas: The forest's proximity to the Twin Cities makes it popular for spontaneous trips. A camper emphasized, "I love that it's so close to home," highlighting the convenience factor of Sand Dunes State Forest for metro residents.
Varying site options: The forest roads offer different camping experiences based on location. As one visitor observed, "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found," giving campers choices based on vehicle type and preferred privacy level.
Early morning nature: Dawn provides special wildlife experiences in the forest. A camper at County Road O Landing "woke up to amazing bird calls" during their stay, emphasizing the natural soundtrack that rewards early risers.
What you should know
Vehicle traffic patterns: Road conditions vary by time and day. A midweek visitor reported, "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything," indicating timing affects the camping experience at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Wildlife encounters: Some species in the area can be territorial. One camper warned, "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," highlighting the importance of maintaining distance from nesting birds.
Insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be intense in certain seasons. At County Road O Landing, a camper stated, "The spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes," suggesting proper repellent is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Alternative camping locations: Families looking for more amenities might consider sites along the St. Croix River. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers "a pad at the bottom of the path up to the open air vault toilet, a fire ring, and a table. The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair."
Prepare for limited facilities: No water or trash services means additional planning. A visitor observed, "The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," indicating nearby access points for additional facilities.
Timing considerations: Weekday visits offer quieter experiences. One camper noted, "I just did an overnight camp one night in a truck camper and it was very easy to navigate and it was cleaned quiet area to spend the night," suggesting weekday visits provide calmer environments for families.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. A camper advised, "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," indicating limitations for larger recreational vehicles.
Know local regulations: Different enforcement agencies may interpret camping rules differently. One RVer cautioned, "Be aware if you have an rv though. 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."
Accessibility factors: Road conditions affect RV access. A visitor reported, "I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. The road goes for a long ways," suggesting positioning closer to main access points for easier navigation with larger vehicles.
