Dispersed camping sites near Harris, Minnesota cluster primarily along state forest roads and riverways within an hour's drive. The region spans elevations between 850-950 feet with mixed hardwood forests transitioning to pine stands and sandy soil conditions. Winter camping remains accessible on many roads, though seasonal washouts can limit travel options from March through May.
What to do
Bird watching: Keep binoculars ready at South of Sand Dunes State Forest where campers report "quiet with lots of different bird sounds" and even protective wildlife encounters. "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," warns one camper, highlighting the active avian population.
Paddle the St. Croix River: Access the water at County Road O Landing where you can launch directly from camp. "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," notes a camper who enjoyed the riverside location despite limited connectivity.
Hike the Ice Age Trail: The trail passes near several primitive sites, including sections with well-maintained surfaces. "Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north," according to a camper who explored the paths from their site.
What campers like
Cellphone connectivity surprises: Many primitive sites at Rum River State Forest Dispersed offer unexpected connectivity. "The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease," reports one visitor who appreciated staying connected in the woods.
Spacious pull-offs: Roadside camping areas feature generous clearings that accommodate larger vehicles. At Rum River, a camper noted "pull off sites big have a 37 ft fifth wheel no problem nice an quiet," making the area suitable for modest RV camping despite the rustic setting.
Winter solitude: Off-season camping provides a different experience with fewer visitors. One winter camper at Rum River State Forest shared: "I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing!"
What you should know
Wildlife encounters can be thrilling: Beyond birds and deer, some areas have larger predators. At Rum River, one camper reported, "I did hear wolves for the first time. They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone. But, I don't suspect they'd come too close."
Ticks require vigilance: The forested areas harbor abundant ticks in warm months. A reviewer at Sandrock Cliffs advises checking often, while another at Rum River simply reported "alot of ticks but had a great time."
Gate access can be restrictive: Some areas have narrow entrances that limit vehicle types. At Grace Lake, a camper warned, "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."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads deteriorate in wet conditions and winter. "The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. You'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving," cautions a winter camper.
Tips for camping with families
Scout for cleared spots: Many forest sites require minimal setup. "I just cleared the snow, built a heat retaining wall, and set up camp in front of it," explains one winter camper, demonstrating how to adapt to conditions.
Avoid peak summer crowds: Some areas become party spots during warm months. "Since this spot is accessible by road I'm assuming that its best not to visit in the summer, it seems to be a place that gets abused by the locals as a party area," warns a camper about overused sites.
Try Grace Lake for fishing access: The proximity to water makes Grace Lake Road Dispersed ideal for families who fish. "You're about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good," reports a camper who enjoyed the lake access.
Tips from RVers
Look for designated pull-throughs: While most sites are simple roadside clearings, some forests offer better options. "I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road," notes a camper who explored Rum River thoroughly.
Park strategically for safety: When using roadside pull-offs, consider location carefully. One camper advises, "The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer."
Watch for uneven ground: Forest roads often have ditches and obstacles. "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," explains a South of Sand Dunes camper who surveyed multiple options.
