Top Free Dispersed Camping near Knife River, MN

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Knife River, look no further. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Knife River, MN (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Knife River

7 Reviews of 5 Knife River Campgrounds


  • Carissa J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Danger
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Well hidden dispersed spot

    This area is definitely off the beaten path. Super skinny road with lots of rocks/hills and puddles coming in. I would recommend a car with 4WD for it and would not suggest pulling a camper unless you have experience bringing it over rough terrain. The sites themselves appeared to not be visited often. I went in early August and a lot of the places were over grown with plants! It was nice to be right by the north shore but in a spot that felt very much secluded. There was also no bugs here which was amazing! Great spot to hang out by a campfire without getting swarmed. You’ll be able to find plenty of wood from the nearby trees for a fire as well.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Carrol Truck Trail
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Arrived after dark

    Easy to access, trails are all obvious, and near a water supply. We decided to go off the cuff, and the only thing we weren’t ready for was the damn mosquitos! Will be bringing repellent next time. BEAUTIFUL SPOT.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Danger
    Jan. 18, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Great dispersed camping!

    This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter. There are low sites, and if you have 4x4, you can drive up to another plateau of sites. There's plenty of wood, but depending on location, you'll have to walk for it.

  • Jasmine L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carrol Truck Trail
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem!

    Beautiful! Absolutely dispersed, we went all the way down the gravel road 5 miles in by SUV to the landing. Couple spots where you could clearly tell people were here before. (garbage, but we picked up as we came across) no one else out there but us! Couple fire pits already built. No bugs! Lots of wildlife for sure. But a pack of yoties or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going. We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything. Our dog wouldn’t sleep so had to take off. Otherwise definitely going back again!

  • Chelsea N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Carrol Truck Trail
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    As advertised

    No marked sites or mowing/trimming done that we could find. There's a shooting range that is not marked as such and we didn't realize that's what it was until we had already camped. Easy to find if out of the way quite a bit. Very quiet.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Carrol Truck Trail
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Hidden Gem for Hike in/Drive in

    Upon reaching the end of the trail, there is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water. Surrounded by woods, so there is no shortage of wood for a campfire. Service is a measly 2 bars through ATT. Overall, a lovely hidden gem if you pack accordingly. Recovery gear would be beneficial.

  • Lesley R.
    Camper-submitted photo from State Land Lax Lake Area - Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 5, 2022

    State Land Lax Lake Area - Dispersed Camping

    Back Country Wonder

    If you like wilderness, rustic, resourcing wood for fires and pure relaxation in the woods, here’s the place for you to add to your trip. No where you’d find on the main searches, it’s a place to respect.



Guide to Knife River

Camping near Knife River, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The trails around Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground are fantastic. One camper mentioned, "Hiking trails and walking paths lead to great views of the lake and Gooseberry River."
  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. One review noted, "We had a lakeside tent site. Campsites aren’t that spread out, but the fishing was great!"
  • Exploring Waterfalls: Don’t miss the stunning waterfalls at Pattison State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The Big Manitou Falls is right there at the campground off the main road."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-maintained sites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground. One review stated, "All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many have praised the cleanliness of the facilities. A camper at Jay Cooke State Park Campground remarked, "Bathroom and private showers are new, clean, free, and hot."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: If you’re traveling with pets, you’ll find several campgrounds that allow them. A visitor at Burlington Bay Campground mentioned, "The campground is pet friendly."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One camper at Jay Cooke State Park Campground warned, "It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Amnicon Falls State Park Campground, may not have showers. A review noted, "There are clean toilets, but no showers."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, such as Burlington Bay Campground, can be noisy. One camper said, "Very noisy from highway traffic."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Secluded Sites: Look for sites that offer more privacy. A family camper at Spirit Mountain Campground shared, "We spent 2 nights at the back of the campgrounds in the most secluded area."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "We found this amazing picnic and hiking trail super close to the campgrounds."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from bugs. A visitor at Jay Cooke State Park Campground advised, "We had bug spray and mosquito nets."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Knife River, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, you’ll find great spots to enjoy the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Knife River, MN is Carrol Truck Trail with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Knife River, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Knife River, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.