Top Free Dispersed Camping near Palisade, MN

Looking for dispersed camping near Palisade? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Palisade, MN (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest

    1. Hill River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    14 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping

    2. Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    7 Saves

    Dispersed camping is allowed in Minnesota state forests. Dispersed camping is different from camping in a designated campground. It is a wilderness experience for campers who enjoy camping far from others and do not need any amenities. There are no amenities. No bathroom, pit toilet, water pump, fire grate, trashcan, or picnic table. State forest maps are a great guide; many are available as downloadable geopdfs. No fee. First-come, first-served. Where to disperse camp You must camp at least one mile outside of designated campsites or campgrounds on state forest land. Park vehicles in parking lots or safely on the full shoulder of a road. Do not block road or trail traffic with your vehicle. You cannot camp at parking lots or trailheads. Campsite selection Dispersed campers can camp in any suitable site that already exists or any opening in the woods - such as a natural clearing, meadow, or timber sale landing. You cannot create new campsites by cutting trees or vegetation. Pick a location that has level ground with good drainage. Place camping equipment to avoid damage to plants and do not camp within 100 feet of any water source. Dispersed camping rules All dispersed campers are responsible for obeying state forest rules and regulations in Minnesota Rules. State forests are open to dispersed camping unless otherwise posted. Do not dig or trench the ground around your tent. Bury human waste (if vault toilets are not available) and animal parts, such as fish guts, at least 150 feet from a water body and away from areas where it could cause a nuisance or hazard to public health. Collect only dead wood lying on the ground for campfires within the state forest. Do not block trails, roads, or gates with your vehicle. Building permanent structures of any kind is prohibited. You must remove all garbage. Summer dispersed camping is limited to 14 days. Dispersed camping is limited to 21 days between the second Sunday in September and first Saturday in May.

    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite

    3. Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    30 Saves

    Canoe in site that is also used by hikers/bikers on the Paul Bunyan Trail. The Paul Bunyan State Trail is 115 miles long, not including a couple of short on-road connections through the cities of Baxter and Bemidji. Extending all the the way from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park, north of Bemidji, it is the longest of Minnesota's state trails and the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • No image available

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Palisade

    5 Reviews of 4 Palisade Campgrounds


    • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
      Jul. 18, 2024

      Hill River State Forest

      Okay

      There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Hill River State Forest
      Jan. 17, 2024

      Hill River State Forest

      Quiet dispersed sites

      You'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp. I stayed over at the very dead end, which, on Google, is labeled "deer camp." It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
      Sep. 28, 2021

      Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite

      Pristine spot on the Pine River!

      This is a beautiful deeply wooded double campsite along the scenic Pine River. It is accessible only by foot, bike or paddle, for trekkers on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail or the Pine River Water Trail. For paddlers, the campsite is right on the river between River Mile 35 and 36, just south of the town of Pine River. For bikers or hikers, it is about a half mile south  down the trail from the Bites Bar and Grill  to the turn off west on a dirt trail about a half mile down to the river. There are two campsites avaialble, for separate campers or for a group to encompas the whole camping area. Fire ring, picnic table, tent clearings available. There is no cost to camp here, but also no way to reserve either of the sites, and in accordance to trail etiquette if you show up on your bike or in your canoe ready to camp but someone else is there, they should share the camping space with you. 

      Map of the water trail is here: 

      https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/pine.pdf

      General info on the water trail is here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/pineriver/index.html

      Map of the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail is here: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state\_trails/paulbunyan\_heartland.pdf

      General info on the bike trail is here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state\_trails/paul\_bunyan/index.html

    • Brittany
      Camper-submitted photo from Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
      Sep. 15, 2020

      Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite

      Loved it!

      My middle son and I did a bike packing trip on the Paul Bunyon Trail, we rode up from Crow Wing and stayed at this little gem for the night. Got there around 3PM, set up camp and then rode into Pine River for his birthday dinner. The trail in to the site was fun to ride on bike, there was plenty of down wood for a fire and would love to return!



    Guide to Palisade

    Camping near Palisade, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do

    • Hiking and biking: Explore the trails at Cuyuna Country State Rec Area. One visitor mentioned, "The mountain biking trails were in great shape and were great for all skill levels." You can also enjoy the scenic views while hiking.
    • Fishing and swimming: At Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area, you can fish and swim in the pristine waters. A reviewer said, "Great campground. Well maintained, great staff, good fishing."
    • Wildlife watching: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground noted, "I always see lots of wildlife."

    What campers like

    • Privacy and space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Cuyuna Range Campground. A happy camper shared, "The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots."
    • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at True North Basecamp said, "The shower/bathroom house was nice."
    • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Red Rider Resort stated, "Staff was very friendly and helpful."

    What you should know

    • Mosquitoes can be a problem: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Mosquitoes are brutal here."
    • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Mabel Lake Campground mentioned, "No trash service here, please pack out."
    • Some sites are close together: If you prefer more space, check the layout before booking. A camper at Crosslake Campground noted, "The sites aren't very private."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Look for family-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground enjoyed, "There are two nice playgrounds here, a slide, water trampoline, nice beach."
    • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Cuyuna Country State Rec Area said, "The fishing was productive for small mouth bass and rock bass."
    • Pack bug spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. A camper at Mabel Lake Campground advised, "Mosquitos were brutal here!"

    Tips from RVers

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Cuyuna Range Campground mentioned, "Each lot has full hook-ups, that was a huge bonus!!"
    • Look for electric and water hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with these amenities. A camper at Red Rider Resort noted, "The sites are gorgeous and secluded."
    • Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at Crosslake Recreation Area said, "Campers can expect to be cramped end over end like sardines."

    Camping near Palisade, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Palisade, MN?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Palisade, MN is Hill River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Palisade, MN?

      TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Palisade, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.