Searching for the best camping near North Branch, MN? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are North Branch campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near North Branch, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect!"
"You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail."
"Good location"
"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."
"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."
"Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."
"Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot"
"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."
Guide🌲 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 . 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:
“Lots of poison Ivy. Weak cell service but manageable.” 
📵 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 “quiet and serene” nights once side roads thin out . But set foot off-trail and you risk scenic encounters with poison ivy (it’s nearly unavoidable) and mosquitoes thicker than the air . Long sleeves, tick checks, and bug spray are essential.
✅ Highs, Lows & Clever Tips
👍 Pros • Free, legal dispersed camping up to 14 days in summer; 21 in cooler seasons   • Privacy and space—even pull-through spots for low-profile trailers  • Trails galore—horse, ski, hiking, and horseback routes all crisscross here ()
👎 Cons • Poison ivy is everywhere—avoid off-trail wandering  • Minimal cell service—plan accordingly • Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4×4 depending on your rig and route
💡 Camp Hacker Hacks • Drive until a decay path opens, park, then trek 100–300 ft off-road to your camp  • Download the MN DNR MVUM and use GPS overlay to avoid gated roads and day-use zones  • Bug up at first signs of dusk—mosquitoes and ticks love these woods ()
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📝 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).
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#TheDyrt #DispersedCamping #SandDunesStateForest #MNBackcountry #OffGridAdventure #RusticCamping #NoCellNoProblem #PoisonIvyZone #FreeCamping #TrailDogApproved
TravelerI absolutely love this campground. You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail. Each one has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tense at each site. We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot. No trash, showers or water that we saw. 
TravelerThere’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. 🤣
RangerMost 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.
LegendDispersed 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.
ScoutThis spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here.
TravelerI 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
TravelerPublic water access. No camp sites at this location
Travelerthis 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near North Branch, Minnesota, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near North Branch, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near North Branch, MN is County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near North Branch, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near North Branch, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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