Best Dispersed Camping near Elba, MN

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Elba, Minnesota in multiple state forest areas. The Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest offers free primitive camping at the Isinours Management Unit and Reno Unit. Zumbro Bottoms State Forest provides dispersed sites accessible from dirt roads. Most areas permit camping without reservations or fees, though each location has different access requirements. These public lands provide backcountry camping experiences in Minnesota's diverse landscape with options ranging from riverside sites to forest clearings.

Access varies significantly across these dispersed camping areas. The Isinours Management Unit includes drive-in and walk-in sites with basic amenities like picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water. In contrast, the Reno Unit requires hiking in with no facilities available. Zumbro Bottoms is reached via low-maintenance dirt roads, best approached from the south as the northern bridge gate is sometimes closed. Root River Canoe Campsite can be accessed by boat, bike, or on foot, with the river having changed course over time. Most sites permit campfires and allow pets, though amenities are minimal or nonexistent.

The region's dispersed camping areas offer unique experiences based on their terrain and accessibility. The Reno Unit features steep hiking trails with dramatic overlooks of the Mississippi River and Driftless Area, though camping spots are not well marked. A review noted these trails are "not for those that are scared of heights." The Isinours Management Unit includes highly-rated hike-in sites with spectacular views, where "the hike up the hill to the overlook is a daunting one." At Zumbro Bottoms, parking is available near known camping spots with hiking trails passing nearby. The Root River Canoe Campsite, while less frequently used, maintains basic facilities including a pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire ring.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Elba, Minnesota (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elba, MN

2 Photos of 5 Elba Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elba, MN

5 Reviews of 5 Elba Campgrounds


  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2022

    Root River Canoe Campsite

    Old Boy Scout Campsite

    This was used and built by Boy Scouts ages ago. It’s still exist, however the river changed course and is further away than it once was. There is a bike trail that had a fork in the road that leads right to it someone could walk, hike, canoe or kayak to access this campground. I haven’t camped here since the 90’s, but have visited it in the last 5 years via bike, walking, and kayak. It’s free to stay here, and doesn’t seem like people really camp here anymore. Has a pit toilet, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Ideal for tent camping via bike, kayak or canoe.

  • Stephanie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    Best Hike In sites around

    The hike up the hill to the overlook is a daunting one. We used a collapsible wagon to haul all the supplies up the hill. There are two hike in sites here at overlooks that give spectacular views. The site has a shelter for the tent as well as other places outside for it. A fire spot and picnic table. Worth the hike.

  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful hikes overlooking the driftless and Mississippi

    This is an awesome place to hike, not a very long hike but it’s steep with drop offs. Not for those that are scared of heights.

    This is a hike in camping spot, camp spots are not well marked I stayed in the old rock Cory when I camped here, years ago.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit

    Lovely space

    There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed.

  • Michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Crater Island

    Great place for camping via Boat

    Big parties in the cove. No bathrooms no showers, just sand and water. Very busy on weekends in the summer, as long as there is no dredging operations going on, otherwise it’s closed. If it is closed, there are plenty of islands and beaches near by to set up for camping.


Guide to Elba

Dispersed camping near Elba, Minnesota offers both river valley and bluff top experiences in the Driftless Area, characterized by steep ridges, limestone outcroppings, and valleys carved by glacial meltwater. The region typically experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures between 70-85°F and cold winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Seasonal temperature swings and periodic flooding can affect campsite accessibility, particularly during spring melt and after heavy rains.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The Root River provides access to brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass fishing. At Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit, campers can access nearby streams for fishing. A reviewer noted, "There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed."

Water activities: Canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Root River where the Root River Canoe Campsite provides a primitive base camp. "This was used and built by Boy Scouts ages ago. It's still exist, however the river changed course and is further away than it once was," explains one camper who accessed the site multiple ways.

Hiking exploration: The trail systems throughout the state forests offer varied difficulty levels. In the Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit, trails provide Mississippi River views. A visitor describes, "This is an awesome place to hike, not a very long hike but it's steep with drop offs. This is a hike in camping spot, camp spots are not well marked I stayed in the old rock Cory when I camped here, years ago."

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: The hike-in sites at Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit receive high ratings for their privacy. One camper described their experience: "We used a collapsible wagon to haul all the supplies up the hill. There are two hike in sites here at overlooks that give spectacular views. The site has a shelter for the tent as well as other places outside for it."

Free accommodations: All dispersed camping areas around Elba provide no-cost camping options for budget-conscious travelers. The state forest lands operate under Minnesota DNR rules which generally allow camping for up to 14 days.

River access: Camping at Crater Island provides direct water access. A camper reports, "Big parties in the cove. No bathrooms no showers, just sand and water. Very busy on weekends in the summer, as long as there is no dredging operations going on, otherwise it's closed."

What you should know

Variable accessibility: Zumbro Bottoms State Forest roads can become impassable during wet weather. A visitor advises, "This area is off a low maintenance dirt road. It is best to come in from the south as sometimes the gate on the river bridge to the north is closed."

Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping sites have minimal or no amenities. Crater Island has "no bathrooms no showers, just sand and water," according to a recent visitor. Most areas require campers to bring their own water or filtration systems.

Terrain challenges: Many campsites require significant hiking over steep terrain. The Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit trails are described as "not for those that are scared of heights" by someone who has camped there.

Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends attract more visitors, particularly to water-accessible sites. Crater Island becomes "very busy on weekends in the summer" according to a camper who frequents the area.

Tips for camping with families

Pack-in supplies planning: When camping with children at the hiking sites, bring collapsible wagons or sturdy backpacks to transport gear. The hike-in sites at Isinours Management Unit require planning, but one camper mentions the effort is worth it: "There are two hike in sites here at overlooks that give spectacular views."

Water safety precautions: For families visiting water-accessible sites like Crater Island, bring personal flotation devices for children and be aware of boat traffic. The area can become crowded, with one visitor noting "Big parties in the cove" during peak times.

Bike-accessible options: The Root River Canoe Campsite offers multi-modal access options for families. A reviewer explains, "There is a bike trail that had a fork in the road that leads right to it someone could walk, hike, canoe or kayak to access this campground."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most dispersed camping areas around Elba do not accommodate RVs due to narrow, unmaintained roads and steep terrain. Zumbro Bottoms State Forest has some vehicle-accessible sites but they're best suited for smaller vehicles or truck campers.

Parking considerations: At Zumbro Bottoms State Forest, a camper notes "There is a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it." These designated parking areas typically accommodate only a few vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elba, MN is Zumbro Bottoms State Forest with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Elba, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.