Best Dispersed Camping near Coon Rapids, MN
Dispersed camping near Coon Rapids, Minnesota centers primarily around Sand Dunes State Forest, where primitive sites are available along gravel forest roads. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages these free camping areas, with most sites located south of Ann Lake along County Roads 233-237. Additional dispersed camping options exist at County Road O Landing in the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin and at Sandy Cove along the St. Croix River, both within driving distance of Coon Rapids.
Access to South Sand Dunes State Forest camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads that accommodate standard vehicles, though some spots may need higher clearance during wet conditions. Most sites are small clearings suitable for tents or small trailers, with no amenities provided. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days during summer months and 21 days in cooler seasons. County Road O Landing features vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables but requires permits. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River is accessible only by foot and also requires permits.
These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. At Sand Dunes State Forest, campers report "quiet and serene nights once side roads thin out," though some mention "the road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people fly down it." Sites are generally well-spaced, with one visitor noting "campsites were pretty far apart." County Road O Landing offers river access via a boat ramp, though seasonal mosquitoes can be problematic. "It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes," according to one camper. Cell service is limited throughout these areas, with most locations offering minimal to no connectivity, making them suitable for those seeking a true disconnect from urban life.
