Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Sand Dunes State Forest area near Rogers, Minnesota. This region features sandy, glacial outwash soil supporting red and jack pine forests interspersed with oak savannas. The terrain varies from flat sandy stretches to gently rolling hills with elevations around 950-1,100 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect camping conditions, with summer highs averaging 83Ā°F and winter lows reaching below 0Ā°F.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: The area contains multiple unmarked paths through pine stands and sandy areas. One camper noted, "I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock" at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Bird watching: Wildlife viewing can be rewarding for patient observers. A visitor mentioned the area is "quiet with lots of different bird sounds" and even warned about protective birds: "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack."
Water activities: For those seeking aquatic recreation, Foster Island Watercraft Campsite offers boat-in camping options on nearby waterways. This provides alternative primitive camping near Rogers for those with watercraft access.
Seasonal hunting: Fall brings hunting season to the area. As one camper observed, "The hunters were out during my stay, so there were gunshots throughout the day, but that's to be expected this time of year."
What campers like
Proximity to Twin Cities: The location offers convenient primitive camping near the metropolitan area. A camper praised "that it's so close to home" while another mentioned it's "a good spot for a quick overnight stay and it's conveniently close to the cities."
Privacy between sites: County Road O Landing receives positive comments for its spacious layout. According to a recent visitor to the Sand Dunes area, "Nice spot with plenty of space between sites, which gives you some privacy."
Abundant parking spots: Multiple pull-off camping areas provide flexibility. One camper observed, "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas" while another mentioned "plenty of parking" throughout the forest roads.
Natural solitude: Once settled in, many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. A visitor mentioned, "after 12 p.m., not much of anything. I really recommend this for an easy stop if you're looking for a place to put up."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest access roads can vary seasonally. A camper advised, "Primitive roads; bring anything from AWD to 4Ć4 depending on your rig and route."
Vehicle traffic: Be aware of traffic on forest roads. One camper warned, "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking."
Regulatory confusion: Inconsistent enforcement regarding permitted vehicles exists. A camper at Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River reported, "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."
Off-trail hazards: Poison ivy grows throughout the forest. One camper warned, "Poison ivy is nearly unavoidable" when venturing from established sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Look for level areas away from main roads. A family-friendly approach: "Drive until a decay path opens, park, then trek 100ā300 ft off-road to your camp."
Wildlife education: Teach children about local wildlife while maintaining safe distances. One visitor encountered what "seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can significantly impact family camping enjoyment. A visitor to County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp warned, "The only problem was the mosquitoes" and recommended bringing appropriate repellent.
Communication planning: Limited connectivity requires advance preparation. One camper noted "weak cell service but manageable" while another specified, "one bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service)" in nearby areas.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. A camper advised the area is "best for straight vehicles or very small trailers."
Limited pull-through options: Larger vehicles have fewer camping choices. One camper noted, "One pull through area that I found" and another mentioned "limited spots that are big-rig friendly."
Low clearance challenges: Watch for overhead obstacles when selecting sites. One RVer observed, "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."
