Top Free Dispersed Camping near McGregor, MN

Looking for dispersed camping near McGregor? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Minnesota camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near McGregor, MN (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest

    1.

    Hill River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    13 Saves
    Hill City, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping

    3.

    Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    7 Saves
    Longville, Minnesota

    Dispersed camping is allowed in Minnesota state forests. Dispersed camping is different from camping in a designated campground. It is a wilderness experience for campers who enjoy camping far from others and do not need any amenities.

    There are no amenities. No bathroom, pit toilet, water pump, fire grate, trashcan, or picnic table. State forest maps are a great guide; many are available as downloadable geopdfs. No fee. First-come, first-served. Where to disperse camp You must camp at least one mile outside of designated campsites or campgrounds on state forest land. Park vehicles in parking lots or safely on the full shoulder of a road. Do not block road or trail traffic with your vehicle. You cannot camp at parking lots or trailheads.

    Campsite selection Dispersed campers can camp in any suitable site that already exists or any opening in the woods - such as a natural clearing, meadow, or timber sale landing. You cannot create new campsites by cutting trees or vegetation.

    Pick a location that has level ground with good drainage. Place camping equipment to avoid damage to plants and do not camp within 100 feet of any water source.

    Dispersed camping rules All dispersed campers are responsible for obeying state forest rules and regulations in Minnesota Rules.

    State forests are open to dispersed camping unless otherwise posted. Do not dig or trench the ground around your tent. Bury human waste (if vault toilets are not available) and animal parts, such as fish guts, at least 150 feet from a water body and away from areas where it could cause a nuisance or hazard to public health. Collect only dead wood lying on the ground for campfires within the state forest. Do not block trails, roads, or gates with your vehicle. Building permanent structures of any kind is prohibited. You must remove all garbage. Summer dispersed camping is limited to 14 days. Dispersed camping is limited to 21 days between the second Sunday in September and first Saturday in May.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest
    • No image available
      • No image available

        6.

        Middle St. Croix — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

        Be the first to review!
        6 Saves
        Holyoke, Minnesota

        57, primitive, Leave No Trace campsites are located on the St. Croix River from Riverside Landing to Highway 8 at St. Croix Falls - Taylors Falls. All sites are free. No permit required. Camp only in designated sites marked with brown camping sign and metal fire ring. Sites are available first-come, first-served.

        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In McGregor

      8 Reviews of 6 McGregor Campgrounds


      • Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
        July 28, 2024

        Rum River State Forest Dispersed

        Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd

        There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
        July 18, 2024

        Hill River State Forest

        Okay

        There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest
        January 26, 2024

        Rum River State Forest

        Great place to camp!

        Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits. The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. There is a firepit up there as well. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing! You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
        January 17, 2024

        Hill River State Forest

        Quiet dispersed sites

        You'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp. I stayed over at the very dead end, which, on Google, is labeled "deer camp." It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
        January 25, 2021

        Rum River State Forest Dispersed

        Walking in and roadside camping

        I've camped here twice, now. Once roadside during hunting season with oranges on and once in December. So far, I enjoy it. Where to start... The roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving. I walked in for ten minutes from one of the parking spots. I just cleared the snow, built a heat retaining wall, and set up camp in front of it. I did hear wolves for the first time. They were howling after sunset. A little creepy, camping alone. But, i don't suspect they'd come too close.

        If you want secluded, minimal camping. This is an okay spot, close to the twin cities.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
        June 12, 2019

        Rum River State Forest Dispersed

        State forest dispersed camping

        Dispersed camping along the forest roads. Areas are cleared away that are quite separate giving some privacy. They are right on the road so vehicles pass by. Off road trails can be found but we did not discover cleared hiking paths. After finding a tick quickly we just hiked along the road. Only one other camper so during the non-hunting season this might be a good stopover.

        We did encounter a lot of birds as well as deer.



      Frequently Asked Questions

      Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near McGregor, MN?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near McGregor, MN is Hill River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

      What is the best site to find dispersed camping near McGregor, MN?

      TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near McGregor, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.