Camping near Zimmerman, Minnesota spans free dispersed sites in state forests to developed campgrounds with RV hookups and tent sites, offering solid options within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities. Sand Dunes State Forest offers free dispersed camping along forest roads south of Ann Lake, while Ann Lake Campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, drinking water, and fire rings. The region includes several options within an hour's drive of the Twin Cities, including Bunker Hills Regional Park with cabins and RV hookups, and Lake Maria State Park Campground with tent sites and glamping accommodations. Zimmerman's camping areas offer something for every outdoor preference, from secluded forest campsites to family-friendly campgrounds with recreational facilities.
Road conditions throughout the Sand Dunes State Forest area can be challenging, particularly for larger vehicles or during wet weather. Gravel and dirt roads provide access to most dispersed camping areas, though some require high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "Drive until a decay path opens, park, then trek 100-300 ft off-road to your camp." Cell service is unreliable throughout much of the region, particularly in forested areas, so downloading maps before arrival is recommended. Most dispersed camping in state forests allows stays up to 14 days in summer and 21 days in cooler seasons, while established campgrounds typically operate from May through October.
Several visitors highlight the solitude and natural setting as key features of camping in this area. Primitive sites in Sand Dunes State Forest provide quiet experiences with minimal facilities, appealing to those seeking an unplugged camping experience. One reviewer mentioned that "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." Wildlife sightings are common, with birds being particularly abundant. Campers should be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks, especially during summer months. Poison ivy is prevalent throughout the region, particularly in Sand Dunes State Forest, requiring caution when moving off established trails. Campgrounds with amenities like showers and electric hookups fill quickly during peak summer weekends, while dispersed sites often remain available even during busy periods.
$50 / night
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice . Found a tucked away site that we could park Infront of for more privacy"
"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 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."
$22 - $80 / night
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
$40 - $75 / night
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
$20 - $32 / night
"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
$21 - $29 / night
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
"The beaches are some of the best in Minnesota. The bike trails are nearby and plentiful."
"There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance."
"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
"Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return."
"There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those."
ScoutGot a nice spot by the water, big parking spot, little below the spot is an opening towards water with a fire pit. 2-3 bars of service but never had an issue. Worked well. Very private. Bugs weren’t bad either
TravelerAbsolutely love this campground. 2nd year for my family. We plan on coming back for many years to come. This place is completely family oriented. Very well maintained. Wonderful staff members. Just overall a wonderful experience each and every time. I highly recommend a visit if you rang to amenity memories that will last a life time.
ScoutI was able to find a campsite not on the road. There was a trail from the parking spot so keep an eye out. Lots of animals saw a turkey and coyote so just be aware. Very pretty and calm. Had to pick up some trash from other campers just a reminder to leave no trace.
TravelerWe stayed here from about 10pm to 6am. There were a ton of people there so it was hard finding somewhere to sleep. Once we did, it was very quiet and we got a good nights rest. There were a couple of cars that passed us in the morning when we left but nothing too crazy. The scenery was very beautiful. This is definitely a great free option if you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the woods to sleep!
TravelerI stayed there with my RV. Most all of the campsites were too small to park it, but I found one at the very end of the park to stay. Although the land itself is beautiful, the locals were reporting me to the DNR officer, who were clearly his friends, and accusing me of things I was not doing. Also, there’s a lot of traffic in and out of there and they fly through there day and night, as well as a lot of gunfire going off a lot of the time. I use T-Mobile service and I was on SOS most of the time. Not very impressed.
GuideSmall pullout area on state forest land. Can walk trail back to tent.
LegendInterstate Park in Wisconsin is just south of HWY 8 on HWY 35. The entrance is located on the west side of HWY 35 in the town of St. Croix Falls. St Croix Falls is a small town with a nice downtown on the river with plenty of restaurants (Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite) and places for necessities. There are coffee shops, hotels and even a Wal-Mart nearby. There is also a casino in the town of Turtle Lake about 30 mins away.
The park is home to the western terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that covers 1200 miles through Wisconsin. The park also offers a Ice Age Interpretive Center which boasts interactive activities and displays of the last Ice Age. The park is also home to several other trails worth discovering.
There are two campgrounds in the park, a North and South campground as well as two group campsites. The South is a bit more rustic. The showers are located at the North campground.
For amenities there are flush toilets and showers. There is a sandy swimming area available as well as boat launch and other water activities.
This park is beautiful especially being on the cliffs of the St. Croix River offering spectacular views through out the park and the area. You can even take the bridge over to Taylor Falls Park Minnesota for more spectacular views as well as other shopping options. If you take this trip, Taylor Falls Park will be on the South and your shopping options will be to your North.
Even being in such a wonderful location with plenty of activities and amenities, I find the camping hard to enjoy at this park for all the noise that generates from the hwy crossing over the river. The sound especially of the semi trucks and their brakes that go all night long. This is the big reason for the average rating for this campground.
GuideNice spot right on the lake. Lots of animal noises! Pretty sunrise/sunset.
GuideGot in late on a Sunday night and there was plenty of space. Most sites are right along the gravel road so not super private. Wouldn’t recommend for large trailers/RVs as sites are small. Found a couple sets of deer bones right next to my site, not sure if it’s from hunters dumping their waste or coyotes but keep an eye out either way.
Camping spots near Zimmerman, Minnesota range from full-service campgrounds to secluded backcountry sites. The area sits at approximately 950 feet elevation with a continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Winter temperatures average 14°F, while summer brings 83°F temperatures with peak camping season running May through September when most facilities operate full services.
Disc golf adventures: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides a top-rated course near the campgrounds. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing," notes one camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Water recreation options: Take advantage of tubing and canoeing at Country Camping. "Great tubing and canoeing. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," reports a visitor at Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River.
Winter camping alternatives: While most campgrounds operate seasonally, Lake Maria State Park offers year-round options. "I would like to come back to this park in late fall and try out a camper cabin. There are three of them all on lakes," mentions a reviewer at Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout the region, particularly at dawn and dusk. "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," shares a camper from Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground.
Trail systems: The extensive trail networks provide hiking opportunities for all skill levels. "You'll access pull-off dispersed sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake (Co Rd 233–237). The sites are spaced for solitude, nestled between pine stands and open sandy stretches—perfect for hammock hangs or pooch romps," notes a visitor to South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Solitude and space: Many campers appreciate the sense of privacy at certain sites. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," remarks a Baker Park camper about Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Insects and irritants: Be prepared for seasonal bugs throughout the region. "Bring a journal and some good company—your phone's chances are slim. Recent check-ins confirm unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon. It's peaceful... until you need GPS," warns a South of Sand Dunes State Forest camper.
Road conditions: Access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," reports a visitor to Ann Lake.
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in this region. "Went on a busy summer weekend. Beautiful rustic campsites but even sites that you can't drive directly up to were still too close to all of the RVers with loud generators," shares a Minneapolis Northwest KOA visitor.
Water features for kids: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas. "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Pool was small but nice. Splash pad was even nice for adults," mentions a Country Camping Tent & RV Park visitor.
Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children. "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites," notes another Country Camping review.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programs and wildlife viewing. "There is a nice playground with a small climbing wall, benches to sit looking over the river. Picnic tables and a shelter are great for eating at. There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance," shares a visitor to Riverside City Park.
Site selection strategies: Research specific site numbers when making reservations. "Campsites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Sites are large so they are clear," notes an Ann Lake camper.
Hookup availability: Electrical service can be limited during peak demand. "This place has awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," reports a visitor to Bertram Chain of Lakes.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require careful positioning. "Sites close to water or deep in the woods, sites for hammocks and group sites can be reserved. Just about everything you need," shares a camper at Ann Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Zimmerman, Minnesota?
Zimmerman offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides a rustic backcountry experience about an hour from the Twin Cities with dispersed camping opportunities. For more amenities, South Isle Family Campground is located near Mille Lacs Lake with great fishing access. Other nearby options include Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River, Riverside City Park near Princeton, and Ann Lake in Sand Dunes State Forest. For overnight parking while traveling through the area, Cabela's in Rogers offers a convenient stop.
What amenities do Zimmerman campgrounds typically offer?
Campgrounds around Zimmerman vary in amenities based on their type. Lake Elmo County Park Reserve offers impressive facilities including a filtered swimming pond with sandy beach, shaded areas, and a playground, making it ideal for families. Father Hennepin State Park Campground provides updated facilities, boat access, and lakeside sites with some offering nice shade and privacy. Most developed campgrounds in the area typically include basic amenities like drinking water, toilet facilities, and picnic tables. Some private campgrounds offer additional amenities like swimming pools, shower facilities, and recreational activities. Dispersed camping areas have minimal or no amenities.
What camping is available near Zimmerman, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Zimmerman, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Zimmerman, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Zimmerman, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Zimmerman, MN is Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Zimmerman, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Zimmerman, MN.
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