Best Dispersed Camping near St. Louis Park, MN
Dispersed camping near St. Louis Park, Minnesota is primarily concentrated in two main areas: South of Sand Dunes State Forest in Minnesota and Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River in Wisconsin. The Sand Dunes State Forest area features multiple primitive sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake, particularly on County Roads 233-237, where campers can find pull-off spots between pine stands and sandy stretches. Sandy Cove offers more limited dispersed camping along the St. Croix River, accessible via hiking trails rather than vehicle access.
Access to South of Sand Dunes State Forest is via unpaved gravel roads that accommodate standard vehicles, though some areas may benefit from higher clearance. Many side roads are closed to motor vehicles due to past issues with illegal dumping. The area permits camping for up to 14 days during summer months and 21 days in cooler seasons. Neither location provides amenities - no drinking water, no toilets, and no trash collection facilities exist at Sand Dunes, while Sandy Cove has only basic vault toilets and picnic tables. Fire rings are present at Sandy Cove, and fires are permitted at both locations when no fire bans are in effect.
These primitive camping areas provide solitude and natural surroundings within relatively close proximity to the Twin Cities. The Sand Dunes sites offer privacy between camping spots, with minimal traffic except for occasional vehicles on the main gravel road. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species, though campers should be prepared for mosquitoes and poison ivy throughout the area. Cell service is unreliable or non-existent in most locations. "Quiet and serene nights once side roads thin out," notes one visitor to Sand Dunes, while another mentions that "most spots are shaded" with some sites located near water. At Sandy Cove, the proximity to the St. Croix River provides scenic views, though seasonal flooding can affect site conditions.
