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Best Dispersed Camping near Esko, MN

16 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround Esko, Minnesota, primarily on public forest lands. Carrol Truck Trail offers free primitive camping with boat and vehicle access, located about 5 miles down a gravel road. The site features established fire pits but no amenities. Visitors note it's "secluded" with "3 campsites at the end of the road" and warn that mosquitoes are prevalent.

Dago Lake provides another free dispersed option between Willow River and Sturgeon Lake. A camper described it as "quiet aside from the occasional car" and "pitch black at night." Other nearby options include Castle Danger, which requires 4WD access via a "skinny road with lots of rocks/hills," and Grace Lake Road Dispersed camping, which offers multiple sites with water proximity. Most dispersed camping in this region allows fires and pets but provides no facilities - no toilets, water, or trash service. Pack accordingly and be prepared for variable road conditions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Esko, Minnesota (8)

    1. Carrol Truck Trail

    8 Reviews
    Knife River, MN
    32 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. Dago Lake

    1 Review
    Moose Lake, MN
    32 miles

    "Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night."

    3. Afterhours Meadow

    4 Reviews
    Brule, WI
    37 miles

    "Boondocking great spot! Drive back in to open field."

    "Easy gravel road to the pin, there is one or two small sites on the left side of the road but we turned right and went down the 2 track (which was fine in 2wd vans w low clearance) and you end up in a"

    4. Castle Danger

    4 Reviews
    Two Harbors, MN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 834-2700

    "DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4. The “road” up to the campsite is basically a jeep trail."

    "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."

    5. Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Danbury, WI
    47 miles
    Website

    "Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."

    "Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot"

    6. Middle St. Croix — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Be the first to review!
    Holyoke, MN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 483-2274

    7. Graces Lake Boat Access

    1 Review
    Danbury, WI
    44 miles
    Website

    8. Brule River State Forest Backpacking Sites — Brule River State Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Brule, WI
    38 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Esko, MN

5 Photos of 8 Esko Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Esko, MN

16 Reviews of 8 Esko 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

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Castle Danger

    Awesome extremely private and primitive camping

    DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4. The “road” up to the campsite is basically a jeep trail. But if you can get to it I recommend taking the first right if you have a pickup truck or going immediately left if you have anything else. The spot on top of the hill is a great spot.

  • 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

  • Julia D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Location is inaccurate

    This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here.

  • 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.

Guide to Esko

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Esko, Minnesota, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to set up camp.

Dispersed campers should check out Carrol Truck Trail

  • This spot offers easy access with multiple ways to get there, including boat-in and hike-in options, making it versatile for different camping styles. Check it out at Carrol Truck Trail.
  • Campers have noted the stunning natural beauty of the area, with trails that are easy to navigate and a nearby water supply for convenience.
  • Be prepared for the local wildlife, as some visitors have encountered curious animals while enjoying their campfires.

Top activities while free camping near Esko

  • Enjoy the tranquility of nature at Castle Danger, where you can find hidden spots perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • The area is surrounded by woods, providing ample firewood for cozy campfires and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  • With no amenities available, this location encourages campers to pack wisely and embrace a true back-to-nature experience.

Wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

  • At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, visitors have reported friendly interactions with fellow campers and a vibrant wildlife presence.
  • The area is known for its ATV traffic, which can add an adventurous element to your stay, but be prepared for some bugs during the warmer months.
  • Campers have found various dispersed spots to set up camp, allowing for a unique experience each time you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Esko, MN is Carrol Truck Trail with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Esko, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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