Primitive camping near Circle Pines, Minnesota offers multiple forest and riverside options within a one-hour drive. The dispersed sites in this region range from heavily wooded pine areas to riverside locations along the St. Croix, with most areas experiencing significant mosquito activity from late May through August. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85Ā°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms requiring proper tent drainage and rain protection.
What to do
Explore forest hiking trails: South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides access to numerous hiking paths through pine stands and sandy terrain. A recent camper reported, "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock." The forest offers multiple trail options for day hiking directly from camp.
Birdwatching opportunities: Jason B. described the South of Sand Dunes area as "a nice quiet area" with "lots of different bird sounds." Morning hours provide the best viewing conditions, particularly around forest edges where diverse species can be spotted. Bring binoculars and a field guide for Minnesota birds.
Riverfront activities: At County Road O Landing, campers can directly access the St. Croix River. The site includes a boat ramp for kayaks and canoes. One visitor mentioned waking up to "amazing bird calls" near the river access point, making this an excellent location for wildlife observation and water-based activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, campers appreciate the separation between camping areas. Samuel C. noted, "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot." The forest setting provides natural buffers between camping zones.
Accessibility from metro area: Multiple campers mention the convenience of reaching these sites from the Twin Cities. One regular visitor stated, "I love that it's so close to home," highlighting how quickly urban residents can access these primitive camping opportunities. Most sites are within 45-60 minutes of Circle Pines.
Solitude on weekdays: Despite weekend crowds at some locations, weekday camping offers significantly more isolation. A repeat visitor noted, "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything." For maximum solitude, arrive midweek or early morning to secure preferred spots.
What you should know
Vehicle restrictions: Many side roads at South of Sand Dunes State Forest have restricted vehicle access. Adam W. explained, "A lot of the side roads are closed to motor vehicles due to some issues they had a couple years ago but are now taken care of like people dumping." Stay on main forest roads to avoid fines.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for various wildlife interactions in these areas. Heather W. warned about protective birds, noting "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack." Proper food storage in animal-proof containers is essential at all sites.
Permit requirements: Riverside camping locations along the St. Croix require permits. At Sandrock Cliffs, a camper shared their experience: "I first went to the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain a permit and learned that I don't need one for Sandrock Cliffs." Check current requirements before your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: Choose camping areas with natural boundaries and safe play spaces. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas," according to Samuel C., making it easier to maintain sight lines to younger campers.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes present significant challenges, particularly near water. One County Road O Landing visitor reported, "The only problem was the mosquitoes." Pack child-safe repellent, protective clothing, and possibly portable mosquito nets for young children.
Accessible activities: Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers wheelchair-accessible features. Travis B. noted, "The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," providing options for families with diverse mobility needs.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping near Circle Pines accommodates smaller rigs only. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, one camper advised it's "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers." Standard RVs over 25 feet will have difficulty at most locations.
Regulatory awareness: RV campers should understand local regulations before setting up. Jason B. shared this cautionary experience: "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." Contact the DNR directly to confirm current rules for your specific vehicle type.
