Primitive camping near Shoreview, Minnesota centers on state forests and riverine areas between 45.4 and 45.7 degrees north latitude. The terrain features a mix of sandy soil with pine stands along the eastern areas and transition zones to riverbank camping in the St. Croix watershed. Most dispersed sites maintain a 300-foot minimum distance from water sources, with seasonal road access varying dramatically between wet and dry periods.
What to do
Bird watching expeditions: South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers excellent bird observation opportunities in natural settings. "Very quiet with lots of different bird sounds," notes Jason B., who found the diverse avian population a highlight of his camping experience.
Hammock camping: The mix of trees at dispersed sites creates ideal hammock setups. At South of Sand Dunes State Forest, Joslyn H. appreciated that she "was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
St. Croix River access: Water-based activities become available when camping near river access points. County Road O Landing features "a boat ramp to St. Croix river" according to aly E., making it convenient for paddlers and anglers to launch directly from their camping area.
Hiking connections: Trail networks intersect with several camping areas in the region. At Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River, Travis B. notes the spot "is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north," providing easy access to additional recreational paths.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The natural spacing between camping spots creates a sense of solitude. Heather W. reports at South of Sand Dunes that "there's lots of little spots off the main gravel road" with minimal traffic disruption.
Proximity to the Twin Cities: The relatively short drive from urban areas makes these sites practical for quick escapes. County Road O Landing earned praise from Jennifer H., who found it "quiet and easy to find," making it ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
Extended stay options: Free dispersed camping areas typically offer longer allowable stays than developed campgrounds. Samuel C. appreciated South of Sand Dunes State Forest's accessibility, noting "for the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot," making it suitable for both overnight and multi-day camping trips.
Morning wildlife viewing: Dawn brings active wildlife throughout the camping areas. Aly E. describes waking up at County Road O Landing "to amazing bird calls" before 6am, highlighting the natural surroundings that reward early risers.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Some dispersed sites have basic facilities while others have none. At County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp, Marie G. noted the area "had restrooms," while Sandy Cove features "an open air vault toilet" according to Travis B.
Vehicle restrictions: Not all areas permit trailers or larger vehicles. Jason B. experienced inconsistent enforcement at South of Sand Dunes State Forest, reporting "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."
Insect protection essential: Biting insects are prevalent throughout the warm season. Marie G. warned that at County Road O Landing, "The only problem was the mosquitoes," particularly during June camping trips.
Road traffic varies by location: Some forest roads experience unexpected traffic even on weekdays. Ryan P. cautioned about South of Sand Dunes State Forest that "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."
Tips for camping with families
Seek pull-through sites: Families with multiple vehicles benefit from specialized parking options. Heather W. identified that South of Sand Dunes State Forest has "one pull through area that I found," making loading and unloading easier for groups.
Check local wildlife activity: Some bird species become territorial during nesting season. South of Sand Dunes State Forest camper Heather W. warns, "Sand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack," requiring families to monitor children around nesting areas.
Consider nearby park facilities: Some dispersed sites connect to developed recreation areas. Travis B. noted that at Sandy Cove, "The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy," providing supplemental amenities for families seeking playground access.
Scout locations before arrival: Locating suitable family camping spots after dark proves challenging. Jennifer H. recommends at County Road O Landing to arrive during daylight: "We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road," allowing them to evaluate multiple sites before selecting one.
Tips from RVers
Site width limitations: RV camping requires careful location scouting in these forests. Skip H. advised about South of Sand Dunes State Forest that it's "best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," limiting options for larger rigs.
Low clearance concerns: Overhanging branches pose risks to taller vehicles. Gregory encountered challenges at South of Sand Dunes, reporting "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," making site selection critical for RVs.
Seasonal road conditions: Road quality varies throughout the year at dispersed camping areas. Adam W. found at South of Sand Dunes State Forest "it was very easy to navigate," but noted "a lot of the side roads are closed to motor vehicles" during his visit, potentially limiting RV access points.
