Best Dispersed Camping near Hinckley, MN

Dispersed camping options near Hinckley, Minnesota include several primitive sites within the surrounding state forests and along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Rum River State Forest provides multiple dispersed camping locations along forest roads with cleared pull-off areas that accommodate both tent camping and RVs. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway contains several free riverside camping spots including Sandrock Cliffs and County Road O Landing. Grace Lake Road Dispersed camping area offers additional primitive camping opportunities north of Hinckley, with sites that can be accessed by foot or vehicle.

Many dispersed camping areas require traveling on unpaved forest roads that may become difficult to navigate during wet conditions. Several sites at Rum River State Forest feature simple fire rings but lack amenities such as potable water, trash removal, or maintained restroom facilities. Some locations require permits, particularly those within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage reported at Rum River State Forest and limited connectivity at riverside locations. Most sites allow camping for extended periods, though specific rules vary by location. According to a recent visitor at Rum River State Forest, "There are many different sites in this area, most just pull offs. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease."

The region attracts wildlife enthusiasts, with visitors frequently reporting deer sightings and bird watching opportunities. Several locations provide direct water access, particularly along the St. Croix River. Campsite conditions vary significantly based on season and usage. A camper noted that Grace Lake Road Dispersed area had "a lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people, really buggy but a few nice spots to pull into for the night." Winter access requires four-wheel drive vehicles and careful planning. Most sites feature natural surroundings with minimal development, allowing for secluded camping experiences. Hunting season brings increased activity to these areas, particularly in Rum River State Forest where orange safety clothing is recommended during hunting seasons.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hinckley, Minnesota (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hinckley, MN

5 Photos of 10 Hinckley Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hinckley, MN

17 Reviews of 10 Hinckley Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Very quiet and beautiful

    I absolutely love this campground. You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail. Each one has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tense at each site. We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot. No trash, showers or water that we saw. 

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2024

    Rum River State Forest

    Great place to camp!

    Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits. The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. There is a firepit up there as well. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing! You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer.

  • 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.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Rum River State Forest Dispersed

    State forest dispersed camping

    Dispersed camping along the forest roads. Areas are cleared away that are quite separate giving some privacy. They are right on the road so vehicles pass by. Off road trails can be found but we did not discover cleared hiking paths. After finding a tick quickly we just hiked along the road. Only one other camper so during the non-hunting season this might be a good stopover.

    We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 20, 2023

    Graces Lake Boat Access

    Not a camp site

    Public water access. No camp sites at this location

  • Johnny H.
    Jan. 25, 2021

    Rum River State Forest Dispersed

    Walking in and roadside camping

    I've camped here twice, now. Once roadside during hunting season with oranges on and once in December. So far, I enjoy it. Where to start... The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving. I walked in for ten minutes from one of the parking spots. I just cleared the snow, built a heat retaining wall, and set up camp in front of it. 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.

    If you want secluded, minimal camping. This is an okay spot, close to the twin cities.

  • 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.


Guide to Hinckley

Dispersed camping areas around Hinckley, Minnesota sit within the mixed pine and hardwood forests of east-central Minnesota, where elevation ranges between 900-1100 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below 0°F. Forest access roads throughout the area typically close after significant snowfall between November and April.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Grace Lake Road Dispersed offers direct water access for anglers. Michael S. noted that the site is "about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good," making it an excellent choice for those wanting to combine primitive camping with fishing.

Wildlife viewing: Rum River State Forest Dispersed attracts various wildlife throughout the year. According to Skip H., "I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing!" This seclusion increases chances for wildlife encounters.

Winter camping adventures: The primitive sites offer year-round access for experienced winter campers. Johnny H. shared his experience at Rum River State Forest Dispersed: "The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving. I walked in for ten minutes from one of the parking spots."

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites offer separation from other campers. At Rum River State Forest, Rick M. appreciated the "free parking in solitude" and described the area as "rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park."

Cell service availability: While most primitive sites lack amenities, some offer surprisingly good connectivity. Erin G. reported about Rum River State Forest Dispersed: "The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease."

Natural soundscape: Campers frequently mention the natural sounds as a highlight. Johnny H. recalled: "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."

What you should know

Vehicle access limitations: Some sites have narrow entry points. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, Michael S. 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."

Location discrepancies: Map locations may be inaccurate for some sites. Julia D. noted about Grace Lake Road Dispersed: "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."

Tick prevention: Ticks are prevalent in the warmer months. Art S. mentioned at Rum River State Forest Dispersed: "After finding a tick quickly we just hiked along the road." Bring appropriate repellent and conduct regular tick checks.

Tips for camping with families

River access consideration: For families interested in river activities, County Road O Landing offers facilities and water access. Aly E. noted it's a "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river."

Insect preparation: Multiple sites report significant insect activity during summer months. Marie G. cautioned about County Road O Landing: "The spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes."

Bathroom availability: Most primitive sites lack facilities, but some have basic toilets. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, Travis B. mentioned "an open air vault toilet" accessible via "a pad at the bottom of the path."

Tips from RVers

Large rig accommodation: Some dispersed sites can accommodate larger vehicles. At Dago Lake, Christine H. described the area as "Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car."

Fifth-wheel access: Primitive camping near Hinckley can accommodate larger rigs at select locations. Ronney P. shared about Rum River State Forest Dispersed: "Pull off sites big have a 37 ft fifth wheel no problem nice an quiet."

Site selection strategy: Look for pull-offs rather than designated campgrounds. Skip H. advised about Rum River State Forest: "Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hinckley, MN is Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Hinckley, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.