Dispersed camping opportunities exist near Palisade, Minnesota in the Hill River State Forest, located about 25 miles northwest of town. The forest sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation and features mixed northern hardwoods with access via 640th Lane. Roads through the forest require careful navigation with multiple dispersed sites available off main forest roads at no cost.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Red Rider Resort provides direct trail access to the Yawkey section of the Cuyuna mountain bike trail system. "The site here was nice and wooded. Definitely a bit more private than other Cuyuna options. MTB access to the Yawkey section was nice and will be even better after more trail is added to the zone," notes Jake N.
Fishing opportunities: Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area offers fishing piers and boat access to Big Sandy Lake. "Great campground. Well maintained, great staff, good fishing. Multiple fishing areas, couple of playgrounds, and good history lessons," writes Brent G. about the facilities.
Historical exploration: At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, visitors can hike the historic portage trail that was important during the fur trade era. "The hike to see the continental divide was really cool. We saw a fox and a deer which was cool. Then spent the evening canoeing one of the lakes listening to Loons," says Branden W.
What campers like
Private, spacious campsites: At Cuyuna Range Campground, the layout provides extra room between sites. "The sites are wide to give you space. Picnic table and fire ring provided in each site. It's hidden in the woods but close enough for you to go adventure," says Melanie F.
Clean facilities: Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area maintains their amenities well. "This COE campground is fully open and functional. There's a nice variety of sites available, a boat landing and docks, shower building, dump station, playground, beach, etc. It's all very nicely maintained," shares Deb M.
Waterfront camping: RV campers appreciate the waterfront sites at Sandy Lake. "We were in spot 12 and it was right on the water. The spots are very small and no privacy between the sites but having a water view made up for it and you can park your boat on the dock in front of your spot," notes Melissa A.
What you should know
Mosquito intensity: Savanna Portage State Park Campground has significant bug activity, particularly in summer. "First off everyone says the bugs are terrible. I'm from Florida so we're used to billions and billions of bugs. They weren't that bad," says Branden W., providing some perspective for visitors.
Access road conditions: Hill River State Forest requires careful navigation. "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," advises Skip H.
Weather considerations: Late spring through early fall provides the best camping conditions. "I will make a trip back next year during the fall," notes Amber S. after experiencing the bugs at Savanna Portage, suggesting that timing your visit can greatly impact your experience.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Savanna Portage offers swimming options for families. "Loon lake has a nice little 'park' with a beach so that is great for families," suggests Scott M.
Playground availability: Aitkin County Campground provides a playground along with other amenities. "Well maintained bathroom and showers. Beautiful setting along the Mississippi," notes Tony S. about this dog friendly campground near Palisade.
Site selection for privacy: When booking at Minnesota National RV Park, consider which loop best suits your family. "Sites 62/3/4 would be great for a large family as they have loads of space," recommends Scott M. about site options at Savanna Portage.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: For larger RVs at Minnesota National RV Park, be aware of site configurations. "The 44-50 loop more towards the golf course had fewer trees to block satellite. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon, and there was no CG WiFi," notes MickandKarla W.
Utility hookups: At Minnesota National, utility placement requires planning. "The utilities are in the far back of the site. I needed about 20' of sewer, electric, and water hose to reach my rig," shares MickandKarla W.
Water pressure considerations: Minnesota National RV Park has high water pressure. "The water pressure is very good at 60+ psi, so suggest a reducer," advises MickandKarla W., providing a specific tip for fellow RV campers at this pet-friendly accommodation.
Traveler
