Dispersed camping near Lake Elmo, Minnesota requires preparation as most sites feature sandy soil and pine forests across elevations between 900-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80Ā°F with nighttime lows in the 50s, while spring and fall bring wider temperature swings. Most primitive camping areas remain accessible from May through October, though specific sites close during winter months or wet conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: County Road O Landing provides boat launch access to the St. Croix River with opportunities for smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye fishing. "Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river," notes one County Road O Landing visitor who appreciated the water access.
Hiking nearby trails: The Ice Age Trail runs directly through the Sandy Cove area, offering connections to additional hiking routes. "The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," writes a visitor to Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, highlighting the connectivity to other recreational facilities.
Wildlife observation: Forest areas south of Sand Dunes State Forest support diverse bird populations and wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is a nice quiet area," reports one camper, while another mentions, "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers sufficient space between camping locations. "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found," notes a camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Proximity to Twin Cities: The relative closeness to Minneapolis/St. Paul makes these sites convenient for weekend trips. "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," shares one enthusiastic visitor who gave the location five stars.
Natural sounds: The quiet environment provides natural soundscapes. According to one camper, "Quiet with lots of different bird sounds," while another mentions, "We woke up to amazing bird calls," appreciating the natural soundtrack that often accompanies mornings at these sites.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Insects become problematic during warmer months at many sites. A County Road O Landing camper states directly, "The only problem was the mosquitoes," reflecting a common challenge across sites from late spring through summer.
Cell service limitations: Most locations have minimal connectivity. "Weak cell service but manageable," reports one camper, while another specifies, "1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service)" at their location, important information for those who need to stay connected.
Vehicle restrictions: Some forest roads limit motorized access. "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," explains one visitor, providing context for access limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Road traffic can pose hazards at certain sites. "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," warns a South of Sand Dunes State Forest camper about potential safety concerns.
Accessible facilities: Some areas have wheelchair-accessible features. A Sandy Cove visitor notes, "The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair," which may be helpful for families with accessibility requirements.
Site selection timing: Arriving early increases options for preferred locations. One camper advises, "After 12 p.m., not much of anything," suggesting that earlier arrival times offer better site selection opportunities, especially during busier periods.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises an experienced RVer about the practical limitations for larger vehicles at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Potential restrictions: RV camping may face enforcement challenges in certain areas. "Be aware if you have an rv though. 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," shares one camper, highlighting potential confusion about regulations.
Low clearance concerns: Overhanging branches can damage taller vehicles. "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," reports a camper who encountered clearance issues that prevented comfortable camping.
