South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers primitive camping near Shakopee, Minnesota with varying terrain characterized by sandy soil and mixed pine-hardwood forest. Located in Sherburne County, the area sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85Ā°F during peak camping season. The forest roads create a network of potential sites for those seeking dispersed camping options without developed facilities.
What to do
Wildlife observation: The forest hosts diverse bird species including sandhill cranes that demand respect. "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," warns Heather W.
Hammock relaxation: The mix of trees provides ideal hammock spots for day use or overnight stays. "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," shares Joslyn H.
Dog exploration: Bring your canine companions for forest adventures on the numerous trails. "Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast," notes one visitor, though he also mentions "what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk."
What campers like
Proximity to Twin Cities: Many appreciate the location's accessibility for quick getaways. "I love that it's so close to home," says one camper who enjoys the convenience for overnight trips.
Peaceful environment: Despite occasional traffic, the area provides relative solitude. "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything," reports Skip H.
Multiple site options: The forest offers various pull-off spots along gravel roads. "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 a regular visitor.
What you should know
Vehicle traffic concerns: Some campers note safety issues with road traffic. "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 Ryan P.
Regulatory confusion: County and DNR regulations sometimes conflict regarding RV camping. "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," reports one camper.
Road access limitations: Not all forest roads remain open to vehicles. "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," explains a truck camper.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Find spots away from main roads for safety with children. "I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer," suggests one camper concerned about traffic.
Space constraints: Many sites have limited room for multiple tents or larger setups. "Fairly small spots," notes a visitor, which requires planning for family-sized equipment.
Branch clearance: Watch for low-hanging branches that may impact taller vehicles. "Branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high) and in fact most sites were shaded," cautions Gregory.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: The area best accommodates smaller camping vehicles. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises a regular visitor.
Pull-through availability: Limited options exist for easier RV parking. "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly," notes Samuel C.
Truck camper compatibility: Smaller self-contained units work well for the forest roads. "I just did an overnight camp one night in a truck camper and it was very easy to navigate," shares one camper who found the roads accessible.
