South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers rustic camping near Long Lake, Minnesota on DNR-managed land characterized by sandy soil and mixed pine forests. The area sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85Ā°F. Winter primitive camping is permitted with extended stay limits of 21 days versus the 14-day summer maximum.
What to do
Hammock camping opportunities: Several spots between pine stands provide ideal hammock setup locations. "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," notes Joslyn H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Bird watching excursions: The forest hosts diverse avian species making it ideal for wildlife observation. One camper described the area as a "nice quiet area" with "lots of different bird sounds," adding unique natural ambiance to the primitive camping experience.
Early arrival recommended: Weekends see increased traffic, particularly before noon. Skip H. suggests visiting during weekdays: "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything."
What campers like
Proximity to urban centers: The location provides quick wilderness access for Twin Cities residents. "I love that it's so close to home," reports one visitor who appreciates the convenient distance for spontaneous overnight trips.
Multiple pull-off options: The forest roads offer various camping spots to suit different preferences. "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found," explains Heather W. at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Uninterrupted natural surroundings: Despite occasional traffic, campers value the overall tranquility. Samuel C. states: "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."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance considerations: Most campsites accommodate standard vehicles but may present challenges for larger rigs. Skip H. advises the area is "Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers."
Side road restrictions: Many secondary forest roads are now closed to vehicles. According to Adam W., "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."
Potential wildlife encounters: Beyond birds, campers may encounter various wildlife including protective waterfowl. "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," warns one experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Traffic safety awareness: The main forest road sees vehicles traveling at high speeds. "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking," cautions Ryan P. at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Site selection timing: Arriving midweek improves chances of finding ideal camping spots. "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."
Dog-friendly environment: Many campers bring pets to enjoy the forest settings. Samuel C. observed: "Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind."
Tips from RVers
Height clearance limitations: Low-hanging branches affect taller vehicles and campers. Gregory notes, "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."
Trailer accessibility: While small trailers can access certain areas, options are limited. "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly," according to one RV camper's experience.
Legal considerations: Check current regulations regarding trailers. One camper reported: "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."
