Best Dispersed Camping near Cotton, MN

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cotton, MN has a lot to offer. Cotton is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Cotton, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cotton, Minnesota (3)

    1. Carrol Truck Trail

    7 Reviews
    Knife River, MN
    21 miles

    "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."

    2. Big Rice Lake

    2 Reviews
    Tower, MN
    37 miles

    "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."

    3. Castle Danger

    3 Reviews
    Two Harbors, MN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 834-2700

    "This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter."

    "The location on the dirt does take you to a persons property but check out Skips review for a detailed location. Overall great spot and close to a superior hiking trailhead"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cotton, MN

3 Photos of 3 Cotton Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cotton, MN

12 Reviews of 3 Cotton Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem for Hike in/Drive in

    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. 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.

  • Anna P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Buggy, limited spots

    Very 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.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Secluded! But nothing else

    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. 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

  • Jasmine L.
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem!

    Beautiful! 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Great dispersed camping!

    This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter. There are low sites, and if you have 4x4, you can drive up to another plateau of sites. There's plenty of wood, but depending on location, you'll have to walk for it.

  • TexasRed (.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Castle Danger

    Great Spot

    Very nice n secluded spot, only had one other person stay there on labor day weekend. There are a couple of designated spots with fire rings, some are harder to get to. The road in is kind of rough but my subie handled it fine. The location on the dirt does take you to a persons property but check out Skips review for a detailed location. Overall great spot and close to a superior hiking trailhead

  • Carissa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Well hidden dispersed spot

    This area is definitely off the beaten path. Super skinny road with lots of rocks/hills and puddles coming in. I would recommend a car with 4WD for it and would not suggest pulling a camper unless you have experience bringing it over rough terrain. The sites themselves appeared to not be visited often. I went in early August and a lot of the places were over grown with plants! It was nice to be right by the north shore but in a spot that felt very much secluded. There was also no bugs here which was amazing! Great spot to hang out by a campfire without getting swarmed. You’ll be able to find plenty of wood from the nearby trees for a fire as well.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Arrived after dark

    Easy 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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Big Rice Lake

    Beautiful view

    We 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.


Guide to Cotton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cotton, Minnesota, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a unique camping experience away from the crowds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cotton, Minnesota

  • Be prepared for a rustic experience; for instance, Carrol Truck Trail offers no amenities like drinking water or toilets, so pack accordingly.

Wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

  • If you're keen on wildlife, Big Rice Lake is a peaceful location where you might spot various animals while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Hiking adventures while free camping near Cotton

  • For those who love hiking, Castle Danger provides access to beautiful trails, but be ready for a rugged drive to reach this hidden gem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cotton, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cotton, MN is Carrol Truck Trail with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cotton, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Cotton, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.