Best Dispersed Camping near New Brighton, MN
Dispersed camping near New Brighton, Minnesota centers primarily around Sand Dunes State Forest, where free primitive sites are located along gravel roads south of Ann Lake. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages these undeveloped camping areas, which provide a wilderness experience approximately one hour from the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Additional dispersed camping options include County Road O Landing along the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in Wisconsin and Sandy Cove, also situated on the St. Croix River.
Access to Sand Dunes State Forest dispersed sites involves navigating County Roads 233-237, with campsites positioned as pull-offs along these routes. Most sites accommodate standard vehicles, though some areas may require higher clearance during wet conditions. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days during summer months and extends to 21 days in cooler seasons. These areas provide truly primitive camping with no amenitiesāno toilets, drinking water, trash receptacles, or established fire rings. Cell service ranges from weak to nonexistent throughout the region.
The camping experience varies across these dispersed sites. Sand Dunes State Forest offers secluded spots nestled between pine stands and sandy areas. "Quiet and serene nights once side roads thin out," notes one visitor, though others mention "plenty of spots but fairly small" and occasional fast-moving traffic on the main forest roads. County Road O Landing provides river access with basic vault toilets, while Sandy Cove features an accessible picnic table and fire ring when river levels permit. Wildlife encounters are common, with bird watching opportunities particularly noted at County Road O Landing. Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito presence during summer months and poison ivy throughout Sand Dunes State Forest.
