Best Dispersed Camping near Monticello, MN
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Monticello? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Monticello, MN (3)
1. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Zimmerman, Minnesota10 Reviews•18 Photos•105 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
2. Rum River State Forest Dispersed
Milaca, Minnesota4 Reviews•8 Photos•97 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Monticello
15 Reviews of 3 Monticello Campgrounds
- R
Ryan P.
Traveler
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.
Joslyn H.
GuideSouth 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.
- EErin G.Guide
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.
samuel C.
RangerSouth 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.
- HHeather W.Traveler
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. 🤣
Jason B.
ScoutSouth 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.
- SSkip H.Ranger
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Came back for round two
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.
- SSkip H.Ranger
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.
- SSkip H.Ranger
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
South sand dunes DNR
Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers.
- RRachel B.Guide
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Some road noise
Campsites were pretty far apart. Not bad, quiet, aside from the occasional truck speeding through.
- Adam W.Traveler
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
- GGregoryGuide
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.
- Ronney P.Scout
Rum River State Forest Dispersed
Rum River
7/7/1921 pull off sites big have a 37 ft fifth wheel no problem nice an quietalot of ticks but had a great time
- Johnny H.Traveler
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.
Art S.
LegendRum 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.
Guide to Monticello
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monticello, Minnesota, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Enjoy Scenic Views while Free Camping Near Monticello
- The South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers numerous spots along a busy dirt road, providing a unique opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of nature while being close to home.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Monticello, Minnesota
- When camping at Rum River State Forest, be prepared for limited amenities, as there are no toilets or trash services, making it essential to pack out what you bring in.
Wildlife Watching for Dispersed Campers
- At Rum River State Forest Dispersed, campers can enjoy the sights and sounds of various wildlife, including deer and a variety of birds, enhancing the overall camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monticello, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monticello, MN is South of Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monticello, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Monticello, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.