Best Dispersed Camping near Medina, MN

Dispersed camping is available south of Sand Dunes State Forest, approximately one hour from the Twin Cities near Medina, Minnesota. This free dispersed camping area follows Minnesota DNR guidelines for primitive camping, with sites primarily located along gravel roads south of Ann Lake (County Roads 233-237). Campers can access pull-off spots between pine stands and open sandy areas, offering privacy for tent and small RV camping. The forest provides a rustic camping experience with no designated campground facilities.

Access requires navigating gravel forest roads that are generally passable with standard vehicles, though some areas may benefit from AWD or higher clearance, especially after rain. No amenities are provided - no toilets, drinking water, trash receptacles, or established fire rings exist in the area. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days during summer months and 21 days in cooler seasons. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the forest, with most carriers having weak or no signal. Visitors should come fully prepared with all necessary supplies.

The camping experience at Sand Dunes State Forest features quiet surroundings with occasional traffic on the main forest roads. Sites are spaced for privacy, though reviews note variable traffic conditions. Wildlife encounters are common, including various bird species and occasional larger animals. Poison ivy is prevalent throughout the forest, making off-trail exploration challenging. "Plenty of spots, fairly small spots. This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people fly down it," notes one camper. The area provides primitive camping accessibility while maintaining a wilderness feel despite proximity to more developed areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Medina, Minnesota (1)

    1. South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Zimmerman, MN
    26 miles

    "Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. 🤣"

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Medina, MN

3 Photos of 1 Medina Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Medina, MN

11 Reviews of 1 Medina Campgrounds


  • Alison O.
    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

    🌲 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 immersive—zero amenities (no toilets, no water, no trash cans) as per MN DNR guidelines ļæ¼. That means real freedom—and responsibility.

    You’ll access pull-off dispersed sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake (Co Rd 233–237). The sites are spaced for solitude, nestled between pine stands and open sandy stretches—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 company—your phone’s chances are slim. Recent check-ins confirm unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon. It’s peaceful… until you need GPS or an Uber. The upside? You’ll actually unplug and be present under the pines.

    🐜 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 (it’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 • Free, legal dispersed camping up to 14 days in summer; 21 in cooler seasons ļæ¼ ļæ¼ • Privacy and space—even pull-through spots for low-profile trailers ļæ¼ • Trails galore—horse, ski, hiking, and horseback routes all crisscross here ()

    šŸ‘Ž Cons • Poison ivy is everywhere—avoid off-trail wandering ļæ¼ • Minimal cell service—plan accordingly • Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4Ɨ4 depending on your rig and route

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

    āø»

    šŸ“ Final Take

    If you’re chasing raw, quiet, and free dispersed camping near civilization—you’ll find gold here. It’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: 4.5/5—For freeing your soul, but testing your patience (and other survival basics).

    āø»

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

  • H
    Jul. 17, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Very Quiet

    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. 🤣

  • 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.
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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. Didn’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.

  • R
    Oct. 31, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    Nice place. Lots of 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2024

    South of Sand Dunes State Forest

    South sand dunes DNR

    Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers.


Guide to Medina

Dispersed camping near Sand Dunes State Forest provides backcountry camping options on Minnesota's sandy outwash plains. Campers can access this area via several unmarked access points along County Roads 233-237, navigating forest roads that intersect the main gravel corridors. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler conditions with fewer insects.

What to do

Hammock camping opportunities: The mixed pine and deciduous forest creates ideal spots for hammock setups between trees. "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 one visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest.

Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse bird populations that create natural soundscapes, particularly in early morning hours. One camper reports, "This is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often," adding that there are "lots of different bird sounds" throughout the forest.

Seasonal considerations: Weekday visits typically offer the most solitude, particularly in shoulder seasons. A return visitor mentions, "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."

What campers like

Natural separation between sites: The forest layout provides buffer zones between camping areas, creating semi-private spaces. "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 camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.

Proximity to Minneapolis: The location appeals to urban dwellers seeking quick nature escapes without long drives. "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," shares one visitor who appreciated the convenient location.

Low traffic on weekdays: Mid-week visitors often experience extended periods of solitude with minimal road noise. "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," reports a camper who found peaceful conditions during their stay.

What you should know

Vehicle restrictions: Many side roads are now closed to vehicles following management changes. "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 camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.

Law enforcement presence: Local authorities patrol the area and may enforce regulations differently than state DNR. One camper recounted: "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 pleasant around here."

Road traffic safety concerns: The main forest roads see regular traffic with sometimes excessive speeds. "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 a visitor about pedestrian safety concerns.

Tips for camping with families

Stay near numbered road sections: Camping closer to the main entrance areas provides better emergency access if needed. "The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer," advises one camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.

Wildlife awareness: Some wildlife encounters require caution and respect for territorial behaviors. "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," warns a camper who experienced territorial bird behavior during their stay.

Dog considerations: The area attracts dog owners but requires vigilance regarding loose animals. A camper 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: Many sites have low-hanging branches that restrict larger vehicles. "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," notes an RV camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.

Trailer size restrictions: The area best accommodates smaller trailers and truck campers rather than large rigs. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises a visitor familiar with the access limitations.

Limited pull-through options: Most sites require backing in, with few exceptions for trailers. One camper confirmed only finding "one pull through area" during their exploration of the camping area, making site selection important for those with towed vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Medina, MN is South of Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.