The Dyrt ā€“ find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Dispersed Camping near Long Lake, MN

2 campgrounds Ā· Check availability for any dates.

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.

    Voyageurs National Park Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Long Lake (2)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(20)30mi from Long LakeRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. šŸ¤£"

      2. Foster Island Watercraft Campsite

      Be the first to review17mi from Long Lake
    View all 2 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Long Lake Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Long Lake, MN

    6 Photos of 2 Long Lake Campgrounds

    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Long Lake, MN

    20 Reviews of 2 Long Lake Campgrounds

    • Alison O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2025

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Nomad crew: Two humans, one adventure-seeking pup, zero bars on the phone šŸ•ļøšŸ‘«šŸ¶šŸ“µ

      šŸŒ² Backcountry Bliss (with a side of frustration)

      Venturing into Sand Dunes State Forest feels like claiming a slice of untamed wilderness just an hour from the Cities. The experience? Rustic and immersiveā€”zero amenities (no toilets, no water, no trash cans) as per MN DNR guidelines ļæ¼. That means real freedomā€”and responsibility.

      Youā€™ll access pull-off dispersed sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake (Co Rd 233ā€“237). The sites are spaced for solitude, nestled between pine stands and open sandy stretchesā€”perfect for hammock hangs or pooch romps (). One camper even notes:

      ā€œLots of poison Ivy. Weak cell service but manageable.ā€ ļæ¼

      šŸ“µ Zero Bars, Zero Interruptions

      Bring a journal and some good companyā€”your phoneā€™s chances are slim. Recent check-ins confirm unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon. Itā€™s peacefulā€¦ until you need GPS or an Uber. The upside? Youā€™ll actually unplug and be present under the pines.

      šŸœ Wide-Open Wilderness & Pesky Pests

      Campers speak of ā€œquiet and sereneā€ nights once side roads thin out ļæ¼. But set foot off-trail and you risk scenic encounters with poison ivy (itā€™s nearly unavoidable) and mosquitoes thicker than the air ļæ¼. Long sleeves, tick checks, and bug spray are essential.

      āœ… Highs, Lows & Clever Tips

      šŸ‘ Pros ā€¢ Free, legal dispersed camping up to 14 days in summer; 21 in cooler seasons ļæ¼ ļæ¼ ā€¢ Privacy and spaceā€”even pull-through spots for low-profile trailers ļæ¼ ā€¢ Trails galoreā€”horse, ski, hiking, and horseback routes all crisscross here ()

      šŸ‘Ž Cons ā€¢ Poison ivy is everywhereā€”avoid off-trail wandering ļæ¼ ā€¢ Minimal cell serviceā€”plan accordingly ā€¢ Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4Ɨ4 depending on your rig and route

      šŸ’” Camp Hacker Hacks ā€¢ Drive until a decay path opens, park, then trek 100ā€“300 ft off-road to your camp ļæ¼ ā€¢ Download the MN DNR MVUM and use GPS overlay to avoid gated roads and day-use zones ļæ¼ ā€¢ Bug up at first signs of duskā€”mosquitoes and ticks love these woods ()

      āø»

      šŸ“ Final Take

      If youā€™re chasing raw, quiet, and free dispersed camping near civilizationā€”youā€™ll find gold here. Itā€™s honest-to-goodness backcountry: phone signal is scarce, poison ivy is a fact of life, and you supply everything beyond a plot of land and forest atmosphere. But those epic silent nights, stars overhead, and pine-scented breezes? Priceless.

      Score: 4.5/5ā€”For freeing your soul, but testing your patience (and other survival basics).

      āø»

      #TheDyrt #DispersedCamping #SandDunesStateForest #MNBackcountry #OffGridAdventure #RusticCamping #NoCellNoProblem #PoisonIvyZone #FreeCamping #TrailDogApproved

    • Larisa M.
      May. 18, 2026

      South 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.

    • H
      Jul. 17, 2024

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Very Quiet

      Thereā€™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. Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. šŸ¤£

    • Adam W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 23, 2023

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Good easy access. Clean spots to camp

      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. 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

    • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 2, 2024

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Quiet with lots of different bird sounds

      this is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often. 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. County sheriff's not pleasent around here.

    • samuel C.
      Jul. 18, 2024

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Good forest road, nothing special

      For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didnā€™t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. 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. 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. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 16, 2023

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Quiet and off the beaten path

      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. As to be expected, mozzies were present, but after 5mins of the door being opened and several flying in, we decided the area wasn't for us. There were other branches of the road that could be explored as well.

    • Joslyn H.
      Jul. 28, 2024

      South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      Absolutely love it

      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.

    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 60-85Ā°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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 20 reviews.

    Keep Exploring

    2. View all Minnesota cities for camping