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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Hayward, MN

2 Reviews

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Hayward? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Minnesota camping adventure.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hayward, MN (2)

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Hayward

2 Reviews of 2 Hayward Campgrounds

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Good spot, but not exactly private

    It's a nice spot off of the main road. It's pretty quiet, but there aren't many spots to camp. When you come in on the dirt road, it hooks to the right, and you'll come upon a dirt cul-de-sac. On the right, you'll see a grassy area set into the woods where you could camp. Other than that, your parking in the perimeter. There's enough room that virtually any size camper could navigate into this spot, but if there are other people, that will really complicate your life.

    There is a boat launch and paths down each side of the launch you could fish. On the way in, you'll see a deck to the left, providing a scenic overlook. There's also a spot there you could potentially park, but you'll be very exposed if there is any foot traffic.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Eagle Lake State Wildlife Management Area

    Nice spot at the end of the dirt road

    This spot is exposed with virtually no privacy. (Winter/ early spring) It's about a 1/4 mile off of the dirt road and makes a left towards the end with water access that is great for a kayak. During the summer, when the corn is in, it's looks like there would be plenty of privacy. There are NO amenities here. There's plenty of room here for any size rig.

Guide to Hayward

Camping near Hayward, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: There are great trails for both hiking and biking. Campers at Myre-Big Island State Park enjoyed the "great bike trails" and noted that the trails were "in great shape and beautiful."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making fishing a popular activity. One visitor at Lake Louise State Park Campground mentioned, "You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot deer and various birds. A reviewer at Pilot Knob State Park shared, "We saw several deer and other animals," making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Big Island Campground praised the "ultra modern and clean" bathrooms.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. One camper at Oakwoods Trails Campground said, "The owners Jan and Brian are super nice," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A reviewer at Hope Oak Knoll Camp Ground noted it was "very peaceful with the sound of laughter in the background from kids playing."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at Rice Lake State Park mentioned, "The mosquitoes were light this year; they seemed plentiful to me!"
  • Site Size and Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Riverview Campground commented, "The sites are really close together. Kind of makes you feel like a can of sardines."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A reviewer at Albert Lea-Austin KOA mentioned, "Not much for kids to do but if you're staying overnight, it’s fine for travelers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park said, "This is a nice park with a lot of activities for kids including a pool and jumping pad."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A family at River View Campground found "clean level sites" and enjoyed the "friendly Rangers."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Louise State Park Campground noted that group sites can be "quite loud."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "For $12/night on a 30AMP hookup, I really can't complain."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Some campgrounds are more accommodating for larger RVs. A camper at Myre-Big Island State Park found it "big rig friendly."
  • Be Mindful of Dump Stations: Check if dump stations are available and operational. A visitor at Big Island Campground noted that "the dump station was closed," which can be a hassle for RVers.

Camping around Hayward, MN, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hayward, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hayward, MN is Rice Lake Wildlife Management Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.