Top Free Dispersed Camping near Waconia, MN

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Waconia, MN (1)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Waconia

9 Reviews of 1 Waconia Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    July 18, 2024

    South 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    July 17, 2024

    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. 🤣

  • Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    July 2, 2024

    South 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    January 29, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    July 23, 2023

    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

  • Camper-submitted photo from South of Sand Dunes State Forest
    May 16, 2023

    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.



Guide to Waconia

Camping near Waconia, Minnesota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect getaway for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Willow River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Plenty of sites and hiking to do. Very cool area. The falls are awesome!”
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, “The trails were nice, fishing was great, and we enjoyed ourselves the whole time.”
  • Wildlife Watching: William O'Brien State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One reviewer noted, “We saw an abundance of birds while we were there.”

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve. One happy camper said, “Peaceful, quiet, with spacious sites that are situated in a staggered way, so you never feel like you’re on top of each other.”
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Afton State Park Campground remarked, “Clean restrooms and showers. Electric, water, and dump station.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. A review from Lake Elmo County Park Reserve stated, “The staff and host are very helpful and fun.”

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in summer. A camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground warned, “I went in August though and the mosquitoes were awful.”
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve in advance. A visitor at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground mentioned, “Must reserve months in advance as usually full.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Sakatah Lake State Park Campground noted, “No swimming beach, but that's good because the lake is nasty in late summer.”

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lebanon Hills Regional Park noted, “RV portion has full hookups. No hookup sites for up to 24ft RVs also available.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood for sale. A camper at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “Firewood is available at the office.”
  • Plan for Noise: Be aware that some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Red Fox Campground — Minneopa State Park said, “The spots are plentiful here, but keep in mind, if you come, the only camping spots available are the ones that have power.”

Camping near Waconia, Minnesota, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, the campgrounds in this area have got you covered!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Waconia, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Waconia, MN is South of Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.