South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers dispersed camping near Eagan, Minnesota, approximately one hour northwest of the Twin Cities. The area features sandy soil supporting stands of jackpine, oak, and aspen with elevations between 950-1000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85Ā°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping provides cooler conditions and fewer insects.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: Early morning hours at South of Sand Dunes State Forest attract various bird species. According to camper Heather W., the area is "very quiet" with "sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack." Bird enthusiasts should bring binoculars and identification guides.
Hammock camping: The pine stands provide excellent hammock suspension options between trees. Visitor Joslyn H. notes, "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock." Bring tree-safe straps and plan for 100-300 feet from parking areas to find ideal hammock locations.
Hiking trails: The surrounding forest contains numerous walking paths connecting dispersed sites. Samuel C. reports that "roads were totally fine for any vehicle" with access to various trails. Most trails are unmarked, requiring navigation skills and downloaded maps.
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: The location provides quick wilderness access for Twin Cities residents. David R. appreciated that it's "conveniently close to the cities" making it "a good spot for a quick overnight stay." Many campers choose this location for weekend getaways when time is limited.
Privacy between sites: South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers adequate spacing between camping areas. David R. observed "plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy." Most sites feature natural screening from vegetation with distances of 100+ yards between neighbors.
Weekday solitude: Traffic diminishes significantly during midweek visits. Skip H. noted, "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything." Visitors seeking maximum solitude should plan Monday through Thursday trips when possible.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Various animals frequent the camping areas, including both wild and domestic species. Samuel C. reported, "Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk." Secure food supplies in vehicles overnight.
Vehicle traffic considerations: Despite the remote setting, some forest roads experience significant traffic. Ryan P. warns that "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking." Campsite selection away from main corridors improves safety and reduces noise.
Hunting seasons impact: Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River and similar areas experience seasonal hunting activity. David R. observed, "The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that's to be expected this time of year." Wearing bright colors during fall hunting seasons increases visibility and safety.
Tips for camping with families
Cell service limitations: Prepare for limited connectivity when visiting with children. Alison O. reports "Zero Bars, Zero Interruptions" and advises families to "bring a journal and some good companyāyour phone's chances are slim." Download offline maps and entertainment before arrival.
Road noise awareness: Select sites further from main access roads for quieter family experiences. David R. mentions the area is "right off a busy road, so you'll hear some traffic noise." Interior forest sites typically offer more peaceful conditions than roadside locations.
Evening social atmosphere: Foster Island Watercraft Campsite and other locations can become lively after dark. Samuel C. noted "Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy." Families with younger children might prefer midweek visits when fewer groups are present.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle accessibility assessment: RV access varies significantly throughout dispersed areas. Skip H. advises the area is "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers." Most sites accommodate vehicles under 20 feet in length, with limited options for larger rigs.
County enforcement concerns: RV and trailer camping faces potential regulatory challenges. Jason B. warns, "Be aware if you have an rv though. I had a county sheriff person tell me it's not lawful to park a trailer and they kicked me out." Contacting county authorities before arrival with larger vehicles prevents disrupted stays.
