Dispersed camping opportunities exist around Rogers, Minnesota, primarily in the Sand Dunes State Forest area where free camping is permitted for up to 14 days in summer and 21 days in cooler seasons. The terrain consists mostly of sandy soil with pine stands, providing natural drainage during wet weather but requiring careful site selection. Campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Lake Maria State Park offers year-round trail access with varying difficulty levels. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," reports one camper at Lake Maria State Park.
Water activities: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides multiple recreation options beyond camping. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes a visitor, while another mentions that the park "has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park, several playgrounds, archery, an event center, frisbee golf, and yes a campground."
Fishing access: Minneapolis Northwest KOA serves as a convenient base for nearby fishing opportunities. "There are a few restaurants around that deliver," notes one camper, making it easy to relax after a day on the water.
What campers like
Private spaces: Sand Dunes State Forest offers secluded camping areas. "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn't expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly," writes one visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest, adding "Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas."
Clean facilities: Cleanliness consistently ranks high in camper satisfaction. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, a camper notes: "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground."
Spacious sites: Baker Campground offers well-sized camping areas. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating," reports a visitor to Three Rivers Park District Baker Campground, while another notes that "sites are large and plentiful so it was not crowded."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter options. Lake Maria State Park offers year-round camping, but prepare for temperature variations.
Bugs and wildlife: Be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks, especially in wooded areas. At Ann Lake, a camper warns: "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you."
Reservations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "We went with a ground of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax. The sites are fairly large, but very open," reports a camper at Baker Park Reserve.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly across the area. A South of Sand Dunes State Forest visitor notes: "Zero Bars, Zero Interruptions... bring a journal and some good company—your phone's chances are slim."
Tips for camping with families
Play areas: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play spaces. "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking. The best kids park at any campground I've been to," reports a visitor to Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Swimming access: Several locations offer water recreation for children. One Baker Park visitor mentions: "The lake is nice. There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards."
Short hikes: Choose trails appropriate for younger campers. "We spent a bit of time outside and then played in the tent the rest of the night. Unfortunately the bugs were bad enough that the next morning we just packed up and headed back to the car," cautions a Lake Maria visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers designated RV areas. "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground," notes a camper.
Road conditions: Access varies by location. For Sand Dunes State Forest, one camper advises: "Drive until a decay path opens, park, then trek 100–300 ft off-road to your camp," while another notes you may need "anything from AWD to 4×4 depending on your rig and route."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are limited. At Baker Park, "sites are well maintained" with "nice hookups" according to visitors, while Bunker Hills offers both primitive sites and sites with electricity, including some 50 amp options.
