Best Dispersed Camping near Hokah, MN
Dispersed camping near Hokah, Minnesota includes several free, primitive sites across public lands in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial State Forest. Campers can access sites in both the Reno Unit and the Isinours Management Unit, which offer different terrain and access options. The Root River area also provides boat-in camping opportunities, while Crater Island across the Mississippi River in Wisconsin serves as another boat-accessible option for primitive camping. These areas generally allow camping without reservations or fees, though they vary significantly in terms of accessibility and available amenities.
Access to dispersed camping sites ranges from drive-in options at the Isinours Management Unit to hike-in or boat-in only at other locations. The Reno Unit requires hiking to reach camping areas, with steep terrain that may challenge some visitors. Many sites lack basic amenities such as drinking water, showers, or established facilities. The Isinours Management Unit provides more amenities than most, including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Most areas permit fires, though campers should bring their own firewood and practice Leave No Trace principles. Pets are generally allowed at all sites.
The Richard J. Dorer Memorial State Forest camping areas feature dramatic views of the Driftless Area landscape. The Reno Unit's hike-in sites require significant effort but reward campers with spectacular overlooks of the Mississippi River. The Isinours Management Unit offers both drive-in convenience and hike-in options with scenic vistas. According to one visitor, "The hike up the hill to the overlook is a daunting one... There are two hike in sites here at overlooks that give spectacular views." The Root River Canoe Campsite, described as an "old Boy Scout campsite," provides a more secluded experience with river access, though a review notes "the river changed course and is further away than it once was." Crater Island primarily serves as a weekend destination for boaters, with one camper noting it can get "very busy on weekends in the summer."
