South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers rustic camping near Wayzata, Minnesota with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain, making it accessible even after wet weather. The forest floor alternates between pine needle carpet and sandy patches throughout the primitive camping area. The region experiences summer temperatures averaging 75-85Ā°F during peak camping months with cooler nights dropping to the mid-50s.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: The forest hosts diverse bird populations including sandhill cranes and migratory species. "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," notes Heather W. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Hammock camping: The pine stands create ideal hammock setups throughout the forest. "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," shares Joslyn H. about her experience at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Overnight escapes: The proximity to the Twin Cities makes this area perfect for quick getaways. "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," reports Samuel C.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Most pull-off areas provide adequate separation from other campers. "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," says Skip H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
No reservation requirement: The dispersed camping model allows spontaneous trips without planning. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," notes Skip H. in another review.
Disconnected experience: Limited cell service creates a true off-grid camping experience. "Zero Bars, Zero Interruptions" mentions Alison O., adding "Bring a journal and some good companyāyour phone's chances are slim. Recent check-ins confirm unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon."
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: The forest roads are generally passable for standard vehicles but conditions vary. "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," shares Adam W. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Road traffic concerns: Despite the remote setting, some forest roads experience unexpected 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," warns Ryan P.
Wildlife awareness: Encounters with wildlife require appropriate distance and respect. Sandhill cranes in particular can be territorial during nesting season, as noted by multiple campers.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially at dusk and near wetland areas. "Mozzies were present, but after 5mins of the door being opened and several flying in, we decided the area wasn't for us," shares Gregory about his experience at South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Identify poison ivy: Teaching children to identify and avoid poison ivy is essential as it grows throughout the area. Multiple campers report its widespread presence, making this an important safety consideration for families.
Site selection timing: Arriving earlier in the day improves your chances of securing a preferred site. "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," notes Gregory.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most pull-offs accommodate smaller rigs but have limitations. "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," explains Adam W. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Clearance issues: Watch for low-hanging branches that may impact taller rigs. "Branches over hung, and rested on our camper (8ft high)," warns Gregory, highlighting the need for careful site selection for RVs and trailers.
Check local regulations: RV camping rules may be enforced differently by various authorities. "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," cautions Jason B.
