Dispersed camping near Ramsey, Minnesota centers around two primary state forests within an hour's drive. The terrain varies from oak savanna to sandy soil with pine plantations, particularly in Sand Dunes State Forest where elevation changes create rolling topography. Road access conditions vary seasonally, with some forest roads becoming difficult to navigate during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sand Dunes State Forest provides habitat for diverse bird species. "This is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often," notes a visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest. Another camper mentions "quiet with lots of different bird sounds."
Hiking accessible trails: The area offers various walking paths through pine forests. At Sandrock Cliffs in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, "you hike along the Saint Croix river" where "the hiking trail was awesome." Trails range from well-maintained to primitive footpaths.
Paddling opportunities: The St. Croix River provides water recreation options. County Road O Landing offers "a boat ramp to St Croix river" and campers wake up to "amazing bird calls" according to recent visitors.
What campers like
Seclusion without extreme remoteness: Many campers appreciate the balance of isolation while remaining relatively close to the Twin Cities. At Rum River State Forest, one camper found "the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods... I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night."
Natural camping clearings: Most dispersed sites feature established spots with minimal amenities. "Areas are cleared away that are quite separate giving some privacy. They are right on the road so vehicles pass by," reports a visitor to Rum River State Forest Dispersed. Sites typically have minimal development beyond a clearing and sometimes a fire ring.
Good connectivity in select areas: Despite the rustic setting, certain locations maintain serviceable cell coverage. In Rum River State Forest Dispersed Camping, "the cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease."
What you should know
Expect seasonal pest pressure: Insects are prevalent during warmer months. A camper at County Road O Landing noted "the only problem was the mosquitoes" during their June visit. Ticks are also common, with one Rum River visitor reporting "a lot of ticks but had a great time."
Site conditions vary by location: Some areas have better-maintained clearings than others. "Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room," describes one Rum River State Forest visitor.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed camping areas provide only basic facilities. "No potable water, grey dump, nor trash cans, but it's rugged wilderness along a gravel road with plenty of space to park," explains a Rum River State Forest camper.
Unpredictable occupancy: Popular areas can fill unexpectedly, especially on weekends. "I didn't expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly," reports one camper at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Start with locations offering vault toilets: Some dispersed areas do have basic restroom facilities. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, visitors note "an open air vault toilet" which makes family camping more manageable.
Consider short hiking access: Walk-in sites often provide greater separation from road traffic. At Sandrock Cliffs, "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 tents at each site."
Be mindful of road traffic: Some dispersed sites sit close to forest roads. A recent South of Sand Dunes camper cautions: "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking."
Tips from RVers
Sizing limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs. South of Sand Dunes State Forest has "one pull through area" but most spots are suitable for "straight vehicles or very small trailers."
Select larger pull-offs: Some Rum River locations can handle surprisingly large setups. One camper reports "pull off sites big have a 37 ft fifth wheel no problem" at Rum River State Forest Dispersed Camping.
Winter conditions require preparation: Snow-covered forest roads demand appropriate vehicles. A winter camper at Rum River notes "the roads aren't really kept up for the winter. So, you'll want 4 wheel drive and slow and mindful driving."
