Dispersed camping areas around Richfield, Minnesota sit within the oak savanna and wetland ecosystems of central Minnesota. The region features mixed hardwood forests transitioning to prairie landscapes with elevation changes between 850-950 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 0Ā°F, while summer camping faces humidity levels regularly exceeding 70% with daytime highs in the 80s.
What to do
Hammock camping: The forest environment at South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides excellent hammocking opportunities between pine stands. "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," reports Joslyn H.
Bird watching: Sandy areas host diverse bird species, creating natural wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often," notes Jason B., who enjoyed the "quiet with lots of different bird sounds."
Road exploration: County roads throughout the forest area offer extensive driving routes for discovering hidden camping spots. One camper advises, "The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers accessible yet secluded camping. "The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," explains Travis B., highlighting accessibility combined with seclusion.
Proximity to urban areas: Free camping near Richfield, Minnesota appeals to those seeking quick wilderness access. "I love that it's so close to home," writes Joslyn H., appreciating the convenience of nearby dispersed camping options.
Varied terrain: The mix of sandy areas and forested sections creates diversity in camping experiences. "There's lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found," reports Heather W.
What you should know
Vehicle restrictions: While some sites accommodate small trailers, most dispersed camping spots have limitations. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises Skip H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Law enforcement interactions: Campers should understand regulations to avoid conflicts. "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," recounts Jason B.
Road traffic safety: Forest roads experience more traffic than expected. "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road," warns Ryan P.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Families should remain cautious around local wildlife, particularly certain bird species. "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," cautions Heather W. from South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Seasonal timing: Return visits reveal changing conditions throughout the year. "Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but after 12 p.m., not much of anything," notes Skip H., suggesting midday arrivals provide quieter experiences.
Accessibility considerations: Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers some accessibility features. "There is a pad at the bottom of the path up to the open air vault toilet, a fire ring, and a table. The table has an extra long side for those in a wheelchair," describes Travis B.
Tips from RVers
Clearance challenges: RVers face height limitations at many sites. "We did find one we thought we liked, but branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high) and in fact most sites were shaded," reports Gregory from South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Self-contained camping: No-cost camping around Richfield requires complete self-sufficiency. "I 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," shares Adam W.
Road condition awareness: Forest access roads vary in quality. "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot... roads were totally fine for any vehicle," notes Samuel C., though adding "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly."
