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Big Rice Lake and Carrol Truck Trail offer free dispersed camping opportunities north of Chisholm, Minnesota. Big Rice Lake features three primitive campsites suitable for small RVs and travel trailers along a smooth gravel road. The area provides vault toilets, limited Verizon cell reception (2 bars), and lake access. No drinking water, hookups, or trash service is available.
Carrol Truck Trail presents more rugged, secluded camping approximately 5 miles down a gravel road ending at a canoe/kayak launch. The trail accommodates multiple access methods including drive-in, hike-in, boat-in, and walk-in options. A camper wrote, "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." The area has no marked sites or amenities, requiring visitors to filter water and pack out waste. Wildlife encounters are common, and visitors should prepare for significant mosquito activity. Several existing fire rings can be found, but campers must bring all necessary supplies, including insect repellent.
"There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night. The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth."
"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."
"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."
"Took 38, took a left on 2153 and drove until we saw a path to the right. Drove in with a van, low clearance but we made it. Lead to a large space with dug out fire pit. Lots of trees for hammock."
TravelerUpon 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.
GuideVery 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.
GuideIt'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
TravelerBeautiful! 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!
ScoutEasy 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.
TravelerWe have a 40’ 5th wheel, so decides not to stay in the “formal” campground. There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night. The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth.
ScoutMyself, 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.
GuideCampground is small with 3 free campsites, all of which can fit a small Rv or travel trailer. There is a boat landing with a vault toilet that was clean. Verizon cell reception of 2 bars. I was able to stream YouTube video.
ScoutNo marked sites or mowing/trimming done that we could find. There's a shooting range that is not marked as such and we didn't realize that's what it was until we had already camped. Easy to find if out of the way quite a bit. Very quiet.
Dispersed camping near Chisholm, Minnesota offers access to the Superior National Forest's southern reaches, where the terrain features rolling hills and numerous lakes formed by glacial activity. The area typically experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-80°F and cold winters dropping well below freezing. Seasonal road conditions vary significantly, with spring thaws often creating muddy access challenges on unpaved forest roads.
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities: Access to water is available at the end of Carrol Truck Trail where a public canoe/kayak launch provides entry to the waterway. "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," notes Peter L.
Wildlife observation: The forested areas around these dispersed camping spots host diverse wildlife. According to Jasmine L., "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." Wildlife sightings can be common, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Stargazing: The remote locations provide minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. With proper weather conditions, the night sky offers excellent visibility of stars, planets, and occasional northern lights displays during peak season.
Seclusion and privacy: The remote nature of Big Rice Lake provides a peaceful setting away from crowds. "Peaceful location. Campground is small with 3 free campsites, all of which can fit a small RV or travel trailer," reports Scott K. The limited number of sites ensures a quieter experience.
Natural surroundings: The wooded environment creates an immersive outdoor experience. Blake B. describes Carrol Truck Trail as "a beautiful spot, we are currently here in warmer weather, but surrounded by snow. There's plenty of woods/dead things to burn meaning the fire never goes out."
Accessibility options: Despite being remote, some areas provide suitable access for certain vehicles. Pamela B. notes about Big Rice Lake, "We have a 40' 5th wheel, so decided not to stay in the 'formal' campground. There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night. The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth."
Insects can be problematic: Prepare for significant insect activity, particularly during warmer months. Ralph K. warns about Carrol Truck Trail: "The only thing we weren't ready for was the damn mosquitos! Will be bringing repellent next time." Another camper emphasizes, "BRING BUG SPRAY! The mosquitoes are no joke."
Limited amenities: These sites provide minimal facilities. Chelsea N. reports, "No marked sites or mowing/trimming done that we could find." Campers must be self-sufficient with water, waste management, and other essentials.
Cell reception varies: Connectivity can be unreliable in these remote areas. While some locations offer limited service, Anna P. notes, "Very buggy (mosquitos, ticks), no cell service." Plan communications accordingly.
Site selection considerations: Choose camping locations based on accessibility needs and proximity to water. Jayson R. found Carrol Truck Trail to be exceptional: "Hands down the best spot I have ever camped at, especially here in the midwest."
Emergency preparedness: Given the remote location and potential wildlife encounters, families should establish clear safety protocols. Pack a comprehensive first aid kit, extra food supplies, and communication devices that function without cell service.
Activity planning: Prepare activities suitable for varying weather conditions. Blake B. describes enjoying the area "in warmer weather, but surrounded by snow," indicating seasonal variability that families should account for.
Road access evaluation: Assess routes carefully before attempting access with larger rigs. For Big Rice Lake, Pamela B. advises: "The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth." This allows even larger vehicles like their 40' 5th wheel to access certain areas.
Alternative parking options: Consider parking options beyond designated areas. "Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles," notes Anna P. about Carrol Truck Trail, indicating size limitations at some sites.
Recovery equipment: Challenging terrain may require additional vehicle preparation. Peter L. recommends: "Recovery gear would be beneficial" when accessing the more remote dispersed camping locations around Chisholm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chisholm, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chisholm, MN is Big Rice Lake with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chisholm, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Chisholm, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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