Dispersed camping near Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota offers rustic outdoor accommodations within a short drive from the Twin Cities metropolitan area. These primitive camping locations provide access to Minnesota's natural landscapes without formal campground infrastructure. At sites like South of Sand Dunes State Forest, campers will find soil that transitions between sandy and loamy depending on location, with terrain varying from flat to gently rolling through mixed pine and hardwood forests.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: South of Sand Dunes State Forest features diverse bird populations, including nesting sandhill cranes. Heather W. notes, "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."
Hiking nearby trails: Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River connects to established trail networks. According to Travis B., "The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north." The crushed gravel sections make for accessible walking even after weather events.
Set up hammock camping: The mixed forest environment provides ample hammock hanging opportunities. Joslyn H. shares her experience at South of Sand Dunes State Forest: "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."
What campers like
Quick access from urban areas: The proximity to Minneapolis makes these sites popular for weekend getaways. Skip H. appreciates South of Sand Dunes State Forest for convenience: "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers."
Relative solitude: Despite being close to population centers, campers can find quiet spots. Samuel C. reports, "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."
Cost-free camping: South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers no-fee camping with reasonable stay limits. Adam W. mentions, "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."
What you should know
Vehicle access limitations: Many forest roads have restricted access. 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."
Law enforcement interactions: Be prepared for potential encounters with authorities. 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."
Traffic patterns: Expect varying levels of vehicle traffic on forest roads. Ryan P. observes, "Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road."
Tips for camping with families
Time your visit strategically: Weekday visits often provide quieter experiences. Skip H. notes, "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything."
Plan for minimal facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. At Sandy Cove, Travis B. describes the limited facilities: "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."
Stay alert for wildlife: Local wildlife may require caution with children. Heather W. warns about one particular species: "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack."
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: South of Sand Dunes State Forest works best for smaller recreational vehicles. Gregory notes, "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."
Seasonal road conditions: Access varies throughout the year. Samuel C. provides insight on road conditions: "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."
Limited big rig options: Most sites accommodate smaller vehicles better. Skip H. confirms this limitation: "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers."
