Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "I have hiked several of the trails and always see lots of wildlife. It is a great place to go and get lost in the woods...on some trails of course."
• Fishing: Head to Pokegama Dam Campground for some fishing fun. A reviewer mentioned, "Highlights include fishing in the rapids below the dam, or in the still river water above it."
• Kayaking and Canoeing: The Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area is perfect for paddlers. One camper shared, "This campground is in a sweet location on the banks of historic and beautiful Big Sandy lake."

What campers like:

• Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private."
• Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained amenities at Pokegama Dam Campground. One review highlighted, "Super clean bathrooms. Level sites and great views of the Mississippi."
• Nature Watching: The wildlife is a big draw. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground remarked, "We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Mosquitos are terrible—come prepared!!!"
• Water Quality: At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, some campers noted issues with water quality. A review mentioned, "My main complaint was the water was full of iron—it was a little brown and didn’t taste very good."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pokegama Dam Campground, may lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "There are no showers, but the restrooms are nice."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Moose Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The trails are nice walking trails with picturesque views of the lake."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite."
• Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, a camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, "We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes at places like Pokegama Dam Campground. A review noted, "Sites are level gravel pads. On the water sites have no beach shoreline lots of cattails."
• Be Ready for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Pokegama Dam Campground, are near highways. One visitor mentioned, "Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside."
• Use a Senior Pass: If you're a senior, take advantage of discounts at campgrounds like Pokegama Dam Campground. A camper shared, "We used our Senior National Park pass for 1/2 of $26. Sweet deal!!"

Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake, Minnesota, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone.