Dispersed camping near Staples, Minnesota centers primarily on the North Country Trail system and Paul Bunyan State Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,300-1,450 feet with sandy loam soil that drains quickly after rain. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August, creating favorable conditions for mosquitoes and ticks in underbrush areas.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: The Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite provides excellent water access between River Mile 35 and 36 on the Pine River Water Trail. "This is a beautiful deeply wooded double campsite along the scenic Pine River. It is accessible only by foot, bike or paddle, for trekkers on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail or the Pine River Water Trail," notes Janet R.
Winter camping: Cross-country skiing access makes several sites viable for cold-weather camping. The groomed trails at Shingobee Recreation Area provide exceptional winter accessibility. According to Amy G., "My husband said it would be a great winter camping site, as it's more sheltered in the trees than some sites are. Plus...in the winter, this trail is groomed for Cross Country Skiing, so it would be super accessible as a camp if you were skiing."
ATV trails: Several dispersed sites connect directly to motorized trail systems. "Very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one. It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs. ATV trail leads right off camping area," reports Pamela N. about Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many sites provide secluded experiences despite relatively short access trails. At Spider Lake Trail - Dispersed Camping, "Located on the North Country Trail. Decent hike to campsite. Surrounded by nature. Campsite has a fire ring and a bench/table. It helped for taking my hiking bag off. Very quiet, no sounds of vehicles or people," according to Brent G.
Multi-use trail access: The Paul Bunyan Trail system connects biking and paddling opportunities. Brittany shares, "My middle son and I did a bike packing trip on the Paul Bunyon Trail, we rode up from Crow Wing and stayed at this little gem for the night. Got there around 3PM, set up camp and then rode into Pine River for his birthday dinner."
Short-hike options: Many sites require minimal hiking from parking areas. Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF offers an accessible experience with limited effort. Amy G. explains, "If you just want a short overnight experience, there is a parking lot next to the lake. Head out on the white-blazed trail to the LEFT of the parking area and this will get you to the camp the quickest."
What you should know
Hunting seasons: Be aware of fall hunting periods when visibility clothing becomes essential. Most sites in Paul Bunyan State Forest see increased hunter presence from September through November.
Site capacity limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate 1-2 small tents comfortably. Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp features "a small tent pad and a nice little metal fire ring with a cooking grate that folded up and over if you didn't want to use it to cook on," according to Amy G.
Road noise: Sites closest to highways experience traffic sounds. Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp 1 has "quite a bit of road 'chatter' from the cars all through the night. It wasn't bad if you are used to city sounds, but if you live deep in the heart of nature, it could be a bit of a bother."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp 1 provides a gentle introduction to backcountry camping. "It was a spur of the moment decision to stay at Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp 1 on the North Country Trail for my first solo hiking experience! I wanted someplace not too far from home (in case I needed my husband to rescue me from the night sounds of an owl), but also easily accessible," reports Amy G.
Progressive difficulty: Start with sites closest to parking areas before attempting longer hikes. Shingobee Recreation Area offers an ideal starting point with Amy G. noting, "This little campsite is lovely because it's not too far from things, but far enough away that you feel like you are in the woods... If you have little ones that you are trying to 'wean' into camping, this would be a great place to take them to get a feel for the woods."
Overflow options: Some sites offer expanded spaces for larger family groups. Amy G. describes Shingobee Recreation Area: "Across the trail (directly across from the camp) is a small little meadow type area that would be a perfect spot for 'overflow' tents, if you have more in your group than the site can take."
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most sites restrict direct RV access but some offer nearby options. Alexandra T. notes about Shingobee Recreation Area: "You can park overnight in the lot by the trailheads in your RV to camp or you can hike in."
Surface conditions: Expect uneven terrain at drive-in locations. At Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed, Pamela N. reports: "It is a bit rocky and not extremely level but open and better for less bugs."
Group camping potential: Some larger sites accommodate multiple vehicles. Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed is "very large easy to access camping area. Could easily get 4-5 campers in this one," according to Pamela N.
