P
Preston R.
Guide
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
Dispersed Camping near Long Lake, MN
Search destinations
Add dates
South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides free dispersed camping opportunities about an hour from the Twin Cities. Campers can find primitive sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake, primarily on County Roads 233-237. This Minnesota DNR-managed forest land allows camping for up to 14 days during summer months and 21 days in cooler seasons. The dispersed sites are spaced for privacy, situated between pine stands and open sandy areas.
Access roads are unpaved gravel, requiring careful navigation but generally accessible with standard vehicles. Several reviewers note that some side roads are closed to motor vehicles due to past issues with illegal dumping. No amenities exist at these primitive sites - there are no toilets, drinking water, trash receptacles or hookups of any kind. Campfires are permitted when no fire bans are in effect. Cell service is minimal throughout the area, with multiple campers reporting unreliable or non-existent coverage even with major carriers.
The camping experience offers quiet and solitude for those seeking to disconnect. Wildlife viewing includes various bird species, with one camper noting "quiet with lots of different bird sounds." Natural hazards include abundant poison ivy, particularly when venturing off established areas. According to a visitor, there are "plenty of spots" though they tend to be "fairly small" and best suited for tent camping or smaller vehicles. Another camper mentioned that "most sites were shaded" with low-hanging branches that may present challenges for taller vehicles. Traffic on the main forest road can be a concern, as several reviews mention vehicles "flying down" the road, creating occasional noise and safety concerns for pedestrians.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Long Lake (2)
Drive Time
- 15 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 50 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 14 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 32 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Long Lake, MN
7 Photos of 2 Long Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Long Lake, MN
21 Reviews of 2 Long Lake Campgrounds
Jeremiah B.
ScoutSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Great Spot
Got a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
Larisa M.ScoutSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Peaceful
I was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
Nika S.
TravelerSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Very popular but good
We stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
Jennifer N.TravelerSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Pretty place, ugly locals
I stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
- JJon E.Guide
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Tents or small truck camper only
Small pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
T S.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Loved it!
Nice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
Greg M.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good spot for a night
Got in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
DIANNE T.GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Girl on first car camping trip
Kind of confusing for first time. Was not sure where I could camp. But then found out it's the spots right along road. Beautiful. Some good spots. Ended up in a pull thru around w view.
Guide to Long Lake
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 60-85°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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Long Lake, MN?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Long Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Long Lake, MN is South of Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
Keep Exploring