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Best Dispersed Camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

13 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas exist near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Grace Lake Road Dispersed offers peaceful camping with multiple sites accessible via Tamarack Forest Road. A visitor noted, "Lots of different dispersed spots" though the location on maps may be slightly inaccurate. The area experiences ATV traffic and can be buggy during summer months.

Sandrock Cliffs provides primitive camping along the St. Croix River with fire rings and picnic tables at most sites. Each campsite requires a short hike from the parking area and can accommodate multiple tents. County Road O Landing offers boat access to the river with basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables. While these areas provide backcountry camping opportunities, visitors should be prepared for seasonal mosquito activity. Sites like Dago Lake and Chinty Lake Roadside Camp offer additional off-grid options but with minimal facilities. Most locations permit fires and allow pets, though regulations vary by specific site.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

2 Photos of 9 St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

13 Reviews of 9 St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Very quiet and beautiful

    I absolutely love this campground. You have to walk upstairs to get to it, but there were quite a few campsites as you walk along the hiking trail. Each one has a fire pit and a picnic table, and you could probably fit three or more tense at each site. We were there in June and there was only one other group there. The hiking trail was awesome also, you hike along the Saint Croix river. We had some cell service. There is a pit toilet by the parking lot. No trash, showers or water that we saw. 

  • Julia D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Location is inaccurate

    This spot was super nice and peaceful! Lots of different dispersed spots. Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 20, 2023

    Graces Lake Boat Access

    Not a camp site

    Public water access. No camp sites at this location

  • Travis B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River

    Hard to say

    The spot is along the ice age trail. Well managed gravel trail to the south and single wide footpath to the north.

    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. The crushed gravel path to the south makes travel to the nearby Lions park easy.

    The ease of access probably makes this a hangout spot as we saw a good amount of refuse around the pad. The pictures are probably worst case scenario. We visited in April after historic snowfall and thaw causing the river to flood. I'd imagine when the river is lower with the fire ring and table where they're supposed to be this would be a nice place for the night. Right on the beautiful st.croix river.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Chinty Lake Roadside Camp

    Literally roadside camp

    This is literally just a roadside pull off not really a campsite (and the road was kinda busy), two girls traveling did not feel comfortable spending the night here and went somewhere else

  • Joslyn H.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Trashed, No peace or quiet.

    This campsite is about an hour away from where I live. The listing here on The Dyrt seemed promising, and I hoped that by getting out there early I would find a nice spot. I first went to the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain a permit and learned that I don't need one for Sandrock Cliffs, I was already there so I got one anyway. About 40 minutes later I arrived at Sandrock Cliffs. The campsites all have a fire ring and are decently spaced apart, but most of the sites were full of trash and broken tent poles. There was a large group of kids that arrived by canoe/kayak just after I did. Soon the parking lot was also full of cars of some shady looking people who appeared to be looking for a spot to party. The kids seemed to have deterred these people from staying. I set up my camp and started to read a book. The kids began running through my campsite and upset my dog. After 3 times of them running through my campsite I just packed up and went home. Since this spot is accessible by road I'm assuming that its best not to visit in the summer, it seems to be a place that gets abused by the locals as a party area. I may consider visiting again in the fall when it is hopefully less busy.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    Very quit night

    Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot from the water and fishing is good

Guide to St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota, where nature meets adventure. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Minnesota

  • Sandrock Cliffs provides a unique experience with its spacious sites and fire rings, perfect for those who enjoy a rustic camping atmosphere.
  • Norway Point is a great option for those seeking a quiet retreat, as it offers free access and is less frequented by large crowds.
  • County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp features a boat ramp, making it ideal for campers who want to combine fishing or kayaking with their camping experience.

Enjoy hiking and nature exploration while free camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

  • Grace Lake Road Dispersed is surrounded by beautiful trails, making it a fantastic base for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River offers access to scenic hiking paths along the river, providing stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • Chinty Lake Roadside Camp, while simple, is close to various trails that lead to picturesque landscapes, perfect for a day of exploration.

Dispersed campers should check out the best spots for relaxation and solitude

  • Grace Lake Boat Access is known for its peaceful environment, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Middle St. Croix offers a serene setting for campers who appreciate tranquility, with ample space to set up tents and enjoy the natural surroundings.
  • The well-reviewed sites at Sandy Cove provide a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for stargazing and enjoying the sounds of nature at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

Dispersed camping in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway requires permits, which can be obtained at the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls. At Grace Lake Road Dispersed, campers should be prepared for narrow access gates and should stay within designated areas. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River demonstrates the typical amenities: fire rings and basic facilities like vault toilets. General regulations include pack-in/pack-out trash policies, fire restrictions during dry periods, and limits on length of stay. Some areas may have seasonal closures or special wildlife protection rules. Always check current regulations before your trip, as they may change based on environmental conditions or management decisions.

Where are the dispersed camping sites along the St. Croix River?

Dispersed camping sites are scattered throughout the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway offers several sites along a hiking trail, accessible via stairs, with fire pits and picnic tables at each location. County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp provides spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, with additional camping opportunities near the trailhead. Other dispersed sites include Sandy Cove along the Ice Age Trail, featuring an accessible picnic table and open-air vault toilet. For those paddling the riverway, there are numerous river-access-only sites available with the proper permit obtained from National Park Service visitor centers.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is Grace Lake Road Dispersed with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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