Dispersed camping sites near Coon Rapids, Minnesota can be accessed primarily from May through October, with late spring and early fall offering the most comfortable conditions. The region's sandy soil drains well after rainfall, making most forest roads passable for standard vehicles. Winter camping is permitted in some areas but requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing access: At County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp, campers can use the boat ramp to access the St. Croix River for fishing. "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," notes one visitor who enjoyed the riverside location.
Bird watching: The early morning hours offer prime bird watching opportunities in the camping areas. One camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest describes it as a "nice quiet area" with "lots of different bird sounds," making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Hammocking: The pine stands throughout Sand Dunes State Forest provide perfect spots for setting up hammocks. A recent visitor shared their experience: "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
What campers like
Proximity to Twin Cities: The appeal of free camping near Coon Rapids is its accessibility from urban areas. One camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest appreciates "that it's so close to home," making it convenient for quick overnight trips without extensive travel time.
Peace and solitude: Many sites offer surprising quietude despite their location. A visitor noted, "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot." This accessibility combined with seclusion makes these areas popular for weekend escapes.
Multiple site options: The forest roads offer various camping spots to suit different preferences. "Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots," reports one camper, while another mentions, "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road," providing options for different vehicle types and group sizes.
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: While most roads are accessible with standard vehicles, larger rigs may face limitations. "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises one camper about Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, where access requires careful navigation.
Road traffic: Some camping areas experience more traffic than expected. One camper observes, "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be particularly problematic during summer months. A camper visiting County Road O Landing reported, "It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have minimal connectivity. One visitor noted "Weak cell service but manageable" while another mentioned having "1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service)," so download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Midweek timing: For quieter experiences with children, midweek camping is recommended. "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything," reports a camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest, suggesting weekdays offer more peaceful conditions.
Wildlife awareness: Families should be cautious around local wildlife. One visitor at South of Sand Dunes State Forest warns, "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," highlighting the importance of teaching children to respect wildlife boundaries.
Bathroom facilities: For families needing basic facilities, select locations with vault toilets. County Road O Landing features restrooms, making it more suitable for families with young children who might find primitive camping challenging.
Tips from RVers
Spot selection strategy: RVers should scout locations before committing. "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly," advises an RV camper who visited County Road O Landing.
Trailer restrictions: Some areas have limitations for trailers. One RVer warns, "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."
Overhead clearance: Check for low-hanging branches when parking larger vehicles. One camper reported, "We did find one we thought we liked, but branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high)," highlighting the need to assess vertical clearance.
