Dispersed camping near Preston, Minnesota centers around various management units within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest. These wilderness areas feature diverse terrain ranging from 650 to 1,300 feet in elevation with steep bluffs and valleys characteristic of the Driftless Area. Spring campers often encounter muddy conditions on forest roads, while summer brings temperatures averaging 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking the elevation changes: At Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit, trails provide substantial vertical challenges. "This is an awesome place to hike, not a very long hike but it's steep with drop offs. Not for those that are scared of heights," notes visitor Michael V. The unit contains primitive campsites accessible only by foot.
Kayak camping: Water-based camping options expand the backcountry experience. Crater Island across the Mississippi in Wisconsin supports only boat-in camping. According to Michael V., "Big parties in the cove. No bathrooms no showers, just sand and water. Very busy on weekends in the summer, as long as there is no dredging operations going on."
Mountain biking: The Root River Trail passes near several primitive camping areas. Some sites remain accessible by multiple modes of transportation, as one visitor observed about the Root River Canoe Campsite: "There is a bike trail that had a fork in the road that leads right to it someone could walk, hike, canoe or kayak to access this campground."
What campers like
Solitude from drive-in options: Campers appreciate the ability to find isolation even with vehicle access. At Zumbro Bottoms State Forest, "This area is off a low maintenance dirt road. It is best to come in from the south as sometimes the gate on the river bridge to the north is closed," according to visitor T S. The forest contains dispersed camping spots near parking areas adjacent to hiking trails.
Flexibility for short stays: The accessibility of certain sites makes them practical for brief camping trips. At Isinours Management Unit, camper Demeri C. found it "ideal spot for a one nighter. I stopped here after a 12 hour drive got set up and even walked the trails for a few miles before bed."
Historical elements: Some camping areas contain remnants of previous uses. The Root River Canoe Campsite was "used and built by Boy Scouts ages ago. It's still exist, however the river changed course and is further away than it once was," according to visitor Michael V., adding context to this primitive area.
What you should know
Campsite identification challenges: Many dispersed areas lack formal site markers or clear boundaries. In the Reno Unit, "camp spots are not well marked I stayed in the old rock Cory when I camped here, years ago," reports Michael V., indicating the need for self-sufficiency in site selection.
Access road conditions: Forest roads accessing dispersed camping areas often require high-clearance vehicles or careful driving. The Zumbro Bottoms State Forest contains "a parking spot near a known dispersed camping site with easy vehicle access next to it," but reaching this area requires navigating dirt roads with potential seasonal restrictions.
Alternative beach camping: When designated islands become unavailable, adaptable campers find other locations. Regarding Crater Island, visitor Michael V. advises, "If it is closed, there are plenty of islands and beaches near by to set up for camping."
Tips for camping with families
Load-carrying solutions: For sites requiring hiking, prepare transportation methods for gear. At Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit, one camper shared their approach: "We used a collapsible wagon to haul all the supplies up the hill."
Safety with elevation: Some sites feature steep drop-offs requiring caution with children. The Reno Unit contains trails "not for those that are scared of heights," requiring close supervision of young campers.
Weekend timing considerations: Water-access sites can become crowded during peak periods. At Crater Island, one visitor noted it gets "Very busy on weekends in the summer," suggesting families seeking quieter experiences consider weekday visits.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near Preston restrict access to smaller vehicles. No management units in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest are rated as big-rig friendly, limiting RV camping to specific areas with appropriate clearance.
Self-contained requirements: With minimal facilities, RV campers must arrive fully prepared. No sanitary dumps exist within the dispersed camping areas, requiring tanks to be emptied elsewhere before or after visits.
