Best Dispersed Camping near Fridley, MN

Dispersed camping near Fridley, Minnesota centers primarily around Sand Dunes State Forest, located about an hour from the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages this area where primitive camping is permitted along gravel forest roads, particularly south of Ann Lake on County Roads 233-237. Additional dispersed options include County Road O Landing along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin and Sandy Cove, also on the St. Croix River.

Access to South of Sand Dunes State Forest involves navigating gravel roads with pull-off areas for camping. Most sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, though not all areas are suitable for trailers. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in summer and 21 days in cooler seasons. No amenities are provided—no toilets, drinking water, or trash collection facilities. County Road O Landing offers slightly more developed dispersed camping with vault toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables, but remains primitive. All areas require campers to pack out waste and follow leave-no-trace principles.

These dispersed sites provide quiet experiences with varying levels of privacy. At Sand Dunes State Forest, campsites are spaced for solitude between pine stands and sandy areas. A camper noted, "This is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often." Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds and occasionally protective sand hill cranes. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas. Poison ivy is prevalent in Sand Dunes State Forest, particularly off established paths. The St. Croix River sites offer scenic water views but may experience seasonal flooding. County Road O Landing provides boat access to the river but can be challenging to navigate after dark.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fridley, Minnesota (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fridley, MN

4 Photos of 3 Fridley Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fridley, MN

15 Reviews of 3 Fridley Campgrounds


  • Alison O.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Nomad crew: Two humans, one adventure-seeking pup, zero bars on the phone šŸ•ļøšŸ‘«šŸ¶šŸ“µ

    🌲 Backcountry Bliss (with a side of frustration)

    Venturing into Sand Dunes State Forest feels like claiming a slice of untamed wilderness just an hour from the Cities. The experience? Rustic and immersive—zero amenities (no toilets, no water, no trash cans) as per MN DNR guidelines ļæ¼. That means real freedom—and responsibility.

    You’ll access pull-off dispersed sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake (Co Rd 233–237). The sites are spaced for solitude, nestled between pine stands and open sandy stretches—perfect for hammock hangs or pooch romps (). One camper even notes:

    ā€œLots of poison Ivy. Weak cell service but manageable.ā€ ļæ¼

    šŸ“µ Zero Bars, Zero Interruptions

    Bring a journal and some good company—your phone’s chances are slim. Recent check-ins confirm unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon. It’s peaceful… until you need GPS or an Uber. The upside? You’ll actually unplug and be present under the pines.

    🐜 Wide-Open Wilderness & Pesky Pests

    Campers speak of ā€œquiet and sereneā€ nights once side roads thin out ļæ¼. But set foot off-trail and you risk scenic encounters with poison ivy (it’s nearly unavoidable) and mosquitoes thicker than the air ļæ¼. Long sleeves, tick checks, and bug spray are essential.

    āœ… Highs, Lows & Clever Tips

    šŸ‘ Pros • Free, legal dispersed camping up to 14 days in summer; 21 in cooler seasons ļæ¼ ļæ¼ • Privacy and space—even pull-through spots for low-profile trailers ļæ¼ • Trails galore—horse, ski, hiking, and horseback routes all crisscross here ()

    šŸ‘Ž Cons • Poison ivy is everywhere—avoid off-trail wandering ļæ¼ • Minimal cell service—plan accordingly • Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4Ɨ4 depending on your rig and route

    šŸ’” Camp Hacker Hacks • Drive until a decay path opens, park, then trek 100–300 ft off-road to your camp ļæ¼ • Download the MN DNR MVUM and use GPS overlay to avoid gated roads and day-use zones ļæ¼ • Bug up at first signs of dusk—mosquitoes and ticks love these woods ()

    āø»

    šŸ“ Final Take

    If you’re chasing raw, quiet, and free dispersed camping near civilization—you’ll find gold here. It’s honest-to-goodness backcountry: phone signal is scarce, poison ivy is a fact of life, and you supply everything beyond a plot of land and forest atmosphere. But those epic silent nights, stars overhead, and pine-scented breezes? Priceless.

    Score: 4.5/5—For freeing your soul, but testing your patience (and other survival basics).

    āø»

    #TheDyrt #DispersedCamping #SandDunesStateForest #MNBackcountry #OffGridAdventure #RusticCamping #NoCellNoProblem #PoisonIvyZone #FreeCamping #TrailDogApproved

  • H
    Jul. 17, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Very Quiet

    There’s lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day. Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. 🤣

  • Adam W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Good easy access. Clean spots to camp

    I just did an overnight camp one night in a truck camper and it was very easy to navigate and it was cleaned quiet area to spend the night. The bad part a lot of the side roads are closed to motor vehicles due to some issues they had a couple years ago but are now taken care of like people dumping

  • Jason B.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quiet with lots of different bird sounds

    this is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often. 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. I called the dnr and they said that wasn't right but I decided to leave anyway. County sheriff's not pleasent around here.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Good forest road, nothing special

    For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. I stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle. Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly. Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.

  • Travis B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River

    Hard to say

    The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north.

    There is a pad at the bottom of the path up to the open air vault toilet, a fire ring, and a table. The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy.

    The ease of access probably makes this a hangout spot as we saw a good amount of refuse around the pad. The pictures are probably worst case scenario. We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night. Right on the beautiful st.croix river.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2023

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Quiet and off the beaten path

    Drove past several sites, most of which were by water. We did find one we thought we liked, but branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high) and in fact most sites were shaded. As to be expected, mozzies were present, but after 5mins of the door being opened and several flying in, we decided the area wasn't for us. There were other branches of the road that could be explored as well.

  • Joslyn H.
    Jul. 28, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Absolutely love it

    I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock.


Guide to Fridley

Dispersed camping near Fridley, Minnesota provides budget-friendly options with minimal development. Sand Dunes State Forest remains the primary destination, with primitive camping permitted along forest roads about 60 minutes northwest of Fridley. Recent visitors note varying road conditions with gravel surfaces that can be rutted after rain. Campsites are typically undesignated pull-offs where vehicles can safely park without blocking traffic, requiring self-sufficiency and adherence to leave-no-trace principles.

What to do

Explore nature trails: Sand Dunes State Forest features multiple hiking routes through pine stands and sandy areas. "I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," reports Joslyn H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.

Visit nearby Lions Park: Take advantage of the crushed gravel path connecting to local parks. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, "The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," notes Travis B., providing an accessible activity option.

Boating and water activities: The St. Croix River sites offer water recreation opportunities. "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," says Aly E. about their experience at County Road O Landing, making it suitable for paddlers and anglers.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: Birders and nature enthusiasts report diverse wildlife encounters. Heather W. notes, "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," highlighting the interesting birdwatching opportunities in the forest areas.

Proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul: Many campers appreciate these sites' accessibility from the Twin Cities. Samuel C. writes, "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot," making these locations practical for weekend getaways or quick overnight stays.

Privacy between sites: Despite being near urban areas, many dispersed locations provide isolation. "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything," shares Skip H., indicating quieter periods during certain times.

What you should know

Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from non-existent to spotty across most sites. "I pulled into the campsite late at night and was really confused where to go. There are bathrooms and 1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service)," reports Aly E.

Vehicle considerations: Many forest roads have limitations or seasonal restrictions. Adam W. explains, "The bad part a lot of the side roads are closed to motor vehicles due to some issues they had a couple years ago but are now taken care of like people dumping," indicating changing access conditions.

Law enforcement interactions: Be aware of different interpretations of camping regulations. Jason B. cautions, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Insect preparation: Plan for significant insect activity, especially during summer months. Marie G. warns about County Road O Landing: "It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes."

Traffic awareness: Some dispersed sites experience unexpected vehicle traffic. Ryan P. observes, "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking," highlighting safety considerations for families with children.

Early morning nature opportunities: Dawn provides unique wildlife experiences. Aly E. mentions waking up to "amazing bird calls" before 6am, suggesting early mornings as prime times for nature activities with children.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. Skip H. advises, "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," emphasizing the limitations for larger setups.

Overhanging branches: Some sites have low clearance issues. Gregory notes, "We did find one we thought we liked, but branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high) and in fact most sites were shaded," warning taller RVs about potential obstacles.

Site selection timing: Arriving during daylight hours improves site selection. Samuel C. suggests, "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly," indicating the importance of early arrival to secure suitable locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fridley, MN is South of Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

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