Best Dispersed Camping near Taylors Falls, MN
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Taylors Falls? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Minnesota camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Taylors Falls, MN (8)
1. County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Harris, Minnesota3 Reviews•1 Photo•54 SavesRiver camping - dispersed options on the river Primitive campsites with river views
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River
Taylors Falls, Minnesota1 Review•6 Photos•18 SavesPrimitive shoreline campsites scattered along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers offer the opportunity to move from campsite to campsite for multi-day trips. These campsites are often only accessible from the water and are relatively isolated. Campsites are easier to secure mid-week and during non-holiday weekends. nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/lowerstcroix.htm
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Grantsburg, Wisconsin3 Reviews•4 Photos•43 SavesPrimitive shoreline campsites scattered along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers offer the opportunity to move from campsite to campsite for multi-day trips. These campsites are often only accessible from the water and are relatively isolated. Campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and are easier to secure mid-week and during non-holiday weekends. There are no fees or reservations required. However, a camping permit is required on the St. Croix River below Highway 8.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
4. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Zimmerman, Minnesota10 Reviews•18 Photos•105 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
5. Grace Lake Road Dispersed
Danbury, Wisconsin2 Reviews•1 Photo•60 SavesDispersed camping is allowed in Minnesota state forests. Dispersed camping is different from camping in a designated campground. It is a wilderness experience for campers who enjoy camping far from others and do not need any amenities. Map: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/sft00044.pdf
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. King Plant Shore Dispersed Site
Be the first to review!Bayport, Minnesota•29 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Norway Point — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Be the first to review!Grantsburg, Wisconsin•7 SavesTent only, first come, first serve.
- Tents
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Taylors Falls
20 Reviews of 8 Taylors Falls Campgrounds
- R
Ryan P.
Traveler
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Nice place. Lots of traffic
Plenty of spots. Fairly small spots. 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.
Joslyn H.
GuideSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Absolutely love it
I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock.
- Joslyn H.Guide
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.
samuel C.
RangerSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good forest road, nothing special
For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. I stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle. Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly. Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.
- HHeather W.Traveler
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Very Quiet
There’s lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day. Stand storks are very protective. Stay away from them. They attack. 🤣
Jason B.
ScoutSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quiet with lots of different bird sounds
this is a nice quiet area. Some younger people coming through sporadically playing with their trucks but nothing serious and not often. Be aware if you have an rv though. 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 but I decided to leave anyway. County sheriff's not pleasent around here.
Marie G.Traveler
County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Good Spot, in June, too many mosquitoes
We camped here on our way to the badlands starting from michigan. It was easy to find, and the spot itself was good and had restrooms. The only problem was the mosquitoes.
- SSkip H.Ranger
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Came back for round two
Came back on a warm weekend. A bit more traffic, but 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. It's peaceful and tons of spots to park.
- SSkip H.Ranger
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
South sand dunes DNR
Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers.
- RRachel B.Guide
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Some road noise
Campsites were pretty far apart. Not bad, quiet, aside from the occasional truck speeding through.
Jennifer H.GuideCounty Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Quiet and easy to find
We arrived in the late afternoon and drove all the way down the road, there are a few spots near the boat ramp and bathroom, but we parked near the trailhead and it was perfect! There were a few hunters out but they weren’t anywhere near us, I’d definitely recommend this spot
- Adam W.Traveler
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good easy access. Clean spots to camp
I just did an overnight camp one night in a truck camper and it was very easy to navigate and it was cleaned quiet area to spend the night. The bad part a lot of the side roads are closed to motor vehicles due to some issues they had a couple years ago but are now taken care of like people dumping
- aaly E.Guide
County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Quick night
I pulled into the campsite late at night and was really confused where to go. There are bathrooms and 1 bar of Verizon (no T-mobile service). We ended up staying in the parking lot near the boat ramp and woke up to amazing bird calls and left before 6am. Pretty campsite with boat ramp to St Croix river.
Christopher W.TravelerGraces Lake Boat Access
Not a camp site
Public water access. No camp sites at this location
- GGregoryGuide
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Quiet and off the beaten path
Drove past several sites, most of which were by water. 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. As to be expected, mozzies were present, but after 5mins of the door being opened and several flying in, we decided the area wasn't for us. There were other branches of the road that could be explored as well.
Travis B.Traveler
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.
Lizzy K.Guide
Grace Lake Road Dispersed
Good place to stay the night
A lot of ATV traffic but super friendly people, really buggy but a few nice spots to pull into for the night
Julia D.ScoutGrace 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.
- EEmilyTraveler
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. 
Cody M.TravelerSandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Nice scenery, trails, location
Nice place for camping, on the sandstone cliffs, beautiful area. Good location
Guide to Taylors Falls
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Taylors Falls, Minnesota, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Taylors Falls
- Enjoy fishing and kayaking on the St. Croix River, with easy access from locations like County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp, where you can launch your boat right from the site.
- Explore the scenic trails that wind through the area, particularly around Sandrock Cliffs, which offers beautiful views and a peaceful hiking experience.
- Birdwatching is a must, especially at Grace Lake Road Dispersed, where you can wake up to the sounds of various bird species in a tranquil setting.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Sandrock Cliffs
- This spot features well-spaced sites with fire rings and picnic tables, making it ideal for a cozy evening under the stars at Sandrock Cliffs.
- The hiking trails nearby provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, perfect for both casual walkers and avid hikers.
- Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, especially during less busy times, allowing for a relaxing getaway.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The picturesque landscapes at Sandy Cove on the St. Croix River make it a great spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Minnesota's wilderness.
- With easy access to the river, this location is perfect for those who enjoy swimming or simply lounging by the water on a warm day.
- The area is known for its wildlife, providing ample opportunities for nature observation and photography, especially during early mornings or late afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Taylors Falls, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Taylors Falls, MN is County Road O Landing Dispersed River Camp — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Taylors Falls, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Taylors Falls, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.