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 Maplewood, MN
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Dispersed camping near Maplewood, Minnesota centers around South of Sand Dunes State Forest and nearby areas like Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River. The Sand Dunes State Forest area allows free primitive camping for up to 14 days during summer months and 21 days in cooler seasons. Campsites are typically found along gravel roads south of Ann Lake, particularly on County Roads 233-237, where pull-off areas create natural, secluded camping spots between pine stands and sandy stretches.
Access to these dispersed sites requires navigation via unpaved forest roads. Most spots accommodate standard vehicles, though some areas may benefit from vehicles with higher clearance. The sites are entirely primitive with no amenities—no restrooms, drinking water, trash receptacles, or hookups. Fires are permitted in existing fire rings, but campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste. Cell service is minimal throughout the area, with reviewers noting "unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon." This makes advance planning essential for safety.
The dispersed sites provide quiet, secluded camping experiences within reasonable distance of the Twin Cities. "Plenty of spots fairly far apart," notes one camper, while another mentions it's "quiet and off the beaten path." Wildlife sightings are common, with numerous bird species noted by visitors. Potential challenges include poison ivy, which reviewers warn is "nearly unavoidable" in some areas, and seasonal mosquitoes that can be intense at dusk. Traffic on the main forest roads can sometimes disrupt the peace, as one visitor reported: "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people fly down it." Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers an alternative experience with hike-in access, featuring an open-air vault toilet, fire ring, and picnic table overlooking the river.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Maplewood (3)
1. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
"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. 🤣"
2. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River
"Back in 2020 I did about 3 months camping along here ! Good spot !"
3. Foster Island Watercraft Campsite
Drive Time
- 11 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 2 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 10 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 22 min from Mankato, MN
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Maplewood, MN
8 Photos of 3 Maplewood Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Maplewood, MN
23 Reviews of 3 Maplewood Campgrounds
WhiteBoyChase
ScoutSandy Cove on the St. Croix River
Good spot
Back in 2020 I did about 3 months camping along here ! Good spot !
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.
Guide to Maplewood
Dispersed camping options near Maplewood, Minnesota extend beyond the main Sand Dunes State Forest area. The region features several free camping locations within pine-oak forests where sandy soil dominates the landscape. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer humidity creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes and ticks from May through September. Most sites sit at elevations between 850-950 feet above sea level with minimal terrain variation.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: The forest areas around dispersed campsites host diverse bird species. "There'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," warns a South of Sand Dunes State Forest camper.
Hammock camping: Sandy soil with pine stands creates perfect hammock setups. "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," notes another visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Trail exploration: Access nearby hiking paths from camping areas. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, "The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north."
What campers like
Peace and solitude: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere. "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything. I really recommend this for an easy stop if you're looking for a place to put up. It's peaceful and tons of spots to park."
Wildlife encounters: The forests host diverse wildlife. One camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest noted it was a "quiet with lots of different bird sounds" and described it as "a nice quiet area."
Proximity to urban areas: Free camping near Maplewood, Minnesota appeals to those seeking quick escapes. "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," reports a visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Communication options remain minimal. One camper noted, "Bring a journal and some good company—your phone's chances are slim."
Vehicle considerations: Some areas require appropriate vehicles. "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."
Traffic concerns: Despite remote locations, some roads experience unexpected traffic. "Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. 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."
Seasonal conditions: Spring flooding affects some sites. At Sandy Cove, a camper observed: "We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations away from busy forest roads. "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road," notes one camper, suggesting families can find quieter areas away from traffic.
Pet considerations: Many sites accommodate pets. One visitor mentioned seeing "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."
Adequate supplies: No-amenity camping requires complete preparation. A South of Sand Dunes State Forest camper advises bringing "anything from AWD to 4×4 depending on your rig and route."
Tips from RVers
Limited trailer options: Most free camping near Maplewood supports smaller rigs. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises a camper about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Overhanging branches: Watch for low clearance issues. "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."
Regulatory awareness: Check local rules before setting up RVs. "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
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Maplewood State Park?
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Maplewood State Park?
Since Maplewood State Park doesn't permit dispersed camping, visitors seeking this experience should look to nearby options like Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River. At dispersed sites in Minnesota state forests, standard rules apply: camping is typically limited to 14 consecutive days, pack out all trash, follow fire safety regulations, and leave no trace. Important regulations to note include keeping motorized vehicles on designated roads only, maintaining quiet hours, and being aware that RV restrictions may apply. Some areas may have local sheriff enforcement checking for compliance with camping regulations, particularly regarding trailer parking.
Where is dispersed camping allowed in Maplewood State Park?
Where is dispersed camping allowed in Maplewood State Park?
Dispersed camping is not permitted within Maplewood State Park itself, as it's a developed state park with designated campgrounds only. However, nearby alternatives include South of Sand Dunes State Forest, located about an hour from the Twin Cities. This area offers numerous small dispersed sites off the main gravel road. Be aware that motor vehicle access to some side roads may be restricted, and spots are best suited for smaller vehicles or tent camping. Look for established pull-offs along the main forest road, but avoid going deeper into restricted forest areas.
What amenities are available for dispersed campers in Maplewood State Park?
What amenities are available for dispersed campers in Maplewood State Park?
As Maplewood State Park doesn't offer dispersed camping, those seeking a primitive experience should understand that true dispersed camping areas like those in state forests provide minimal to no amenities. In the dispersed camping areas near Maplewood, expect a truly rustic experience with no facilities. You'll need to bring your own water, pack out all trash, and be prepared for no restroom facilities. Some dispersed sites may have basic fire rings from previous use, but you should be prepared to create a leave-no-trace campsite. Always bring necessary supplies including water, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper for a self-sufficient camping experience.
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