Top Free Dispersed Camping in Minnesota
Looking for the best Minnesota dispersed camping? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites in Minnesota (39)
1.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Zimmerman, Minnesota9 Reviews18 Photos96 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
2.
Rum River State Forest Dispersed
Milaca, Minnesota4 Reviews8 Photos97 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3.
Carrol Truck Trail
Knife River, Minnesota4 Reviews4 Photos72 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4.
Paul Bunyan Trail Canoe Campsite
Pequot Lakes, Minnesota3 Reviews17 Photos30 SavesCanoe in site that is also used by hikers/bikers on the Paul Bunyan Trail.
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is 115 miles long, not including a couple of short on-road connections through the cities of Baxter and Bemidji. Extending all the the way from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park, north of Bemidji, it is the longest of Minnesota's state trails and the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
5.
Shingobee Recreation Area
Walker, Minnesota2 Reviews6 Photos48 SavesNestled along the rolling hills of the Shingobee River Valley, the Shingobee Recreation Area provides a variety of summer and winter activities. The area offers 6 miles of trails for hiking, hunting, birdwatching, primitive camping, and cross-country skiing in the heart of Minnesota's Northwoods. A sliding hill and a weekend warming chalet are also available for winter fun.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
7.
Hill River State Forest
Hill City, Minnesota2 Reviews4 Photos13 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8.
Grace Lake Road Dispersed
Danbury, Wisconsin2 Reviews1 Photo59 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
9.
Waboose Lake - Paul Bunyan SF
Akeley, Minnesota2 Reviews10 Photos43 SavesFrom the trailhead at the Waboose Public Boat access (located off of Inner Forest Rd north of CR-2 north of Nevis, MN) head in either direction on the white-blazed trail. The loop features some rolling hills with gentle climbs and many views out onto the scenic lake.
The Waboose Lake Loop includes a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT for short), which continues northwest toward CR-91 and east toward State Hwy 64. The NCT portion of the loop is both blue-blazed and white blazed. A spur trail from the loop leads to the primitive campsite on the end of the peninsula with water access, tent pads, fire ring, and a privy.
On the southeast side of the lake, you'll find an old-growth pine stand. To see it in its full glory, venture out and back a short ways heading southeast on the two-track road. This road leads out to Akeley Cutoff Forest Rd.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Minnesota
49 Reviews of 39 Minnesota Campgrounds
Castle Danger
Well hidden dispersed spot
This area is definitely off the beaten path. Super skinny road with lots of rocks/hills and puddles coming in. I would recommend a car with 4WD for it and would not suggest pulling a camper unless you have experience bringing it over rough terrain. The sites themselves appeared to not be visited often. I went in early August and a lot of the places were over grown with plants! It was nice to be right by the north shore but in a spot that felt very much secluded. There was also no bugs here which was amazing! Great spot to hang out by a campfire without getting swarmed. You’ll be able to find plenty of wood from the nearby trees for a fire as well.
South 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.
Rum River State Forest Dispersed
Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd
There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.
Moose River ATV - Dispersed Camping
Dirt Parking Lot
Absolutely nothing interesting about this place. It’s just a standard issue dirt lot with a slight incline. Open parking, no sites.
Hill River State Forest
Okay
There were a good amount of spots, and I seemed to be the only person. Was a good and secluded. I did hear some weird noises throughout the night, but all was well. It is your average dispersed site. I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow.
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.
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. 🤣
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.
Halverson Trail Camp on McCarty Lake
Had an amazing time here!
Very nice area with a water access, fire pit and outhouse. About a 10-15 min drive from main road and there are more campsites to find further in
Carrol Truck Trail
Arrived after dark
Easy to access, trails are all obvious, and near a water supply. We decided to go off the cuff, and the only thing we weren’t ready for was the damn mosquitos! Will be bringing repellent next time. BEAUTIFUL SPOT.
Paul Bunyan State Forest Dispersed
Large drive in camping spot
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.
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.
Rum River State Forest
Great place to camp!
Most of these spots are cutoffs on the sides of the dirt road. They are deep and have plenty of room, though. Almost all of them I could see have firepits. The spot I stayed in was the most secluded I could find. It was through a ditch and up a small hill and set back in the woods. There is a firepit up there as well. I spent 3 days here with only one car passing through on the first night. After that, nothing! You wouldn't have a problem finding a place if your pulling a trailer.
Castle Danger
Great dispersed camping!
This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter. There are low sites, and if you have 4x4, you can drive up to another plateau of sites. There's plenty of wood, but depending on location, you'll have to walk for it.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
South sand dunes DNR
Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers.
Hill River State Forest
Quiet dispersed sites
You'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp. I stayed over at the very dead end, which, on Google, is labeled "deer camp." It's quiet and deep in. Good luck. No amenities.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Some road noise
Campsites were pretty far apart. Not bad, quiet, aside from the occasional truck speeding through.
Carrol Truck Trail
Hidden Gem!
Beautiful! Absolutely dispersed, we went all the way down the gravel road 5 miles in by SUV to the landing. Couple spots where you could clearly tell people were here before. (garbage, but we picked up as we came across) no one else out there but us! Couple fire pits already built. No bugs! Lots of wildlife for sure. But a pack of yoties or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going. We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything. Our dog wouldn’t sleep so had to take off. Otherwise definitely going back again!
Big Rice Lake
Peaceful location
Campground is small with 3 free campsites, all of which can fit a small Rv or travel trailer. There is a boat landing with a vault toilet that was clean. Verizon cell reception of 2 bars. I was able to stream YouTube video.
Koochiching State Forest Johnson Landing Campsite
Lots of biting flies
Campsites we’re ok. One had 2 picnic tables other 2 had none. Water in the stream was an ugly rust color. Just the sight turned us off of trying to fish
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
Carrol Truck Trail
As advertised
No marked sites or mowing/trimming done that we could find. There's a shooting range that is not marked as such and we didn't realize that's what it was until we had already camped. Easy to find if out of the way quite a bit. Very quiet.
Graces Lake Boat Access
Not a camp site
Public water access. No camp sites at this location
Carrol Truck Trail
Hidden Gem for Hike in/Drive in
Upon reaching the end of the trail, there is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water. Surrounded by woods, so there is no shortage of wood for a campfire. Service is a measly 2 bars through ATT. Overall, a lovely hidden gem if you pack accordingly. Recovery gear would be beneficial.
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.
Last Creek Kayak Site
Private with Views
If you’re a serious boater who loves a good challenge with the goal of spending buggy days in the thickets of the woods along Lake Superior, this private boat-in site has been tailored for you. Perhaps early spring or late fall would be an ideal time to visit this location, either way, the landscape is stunning, no one else around. Bring your bug nets, spray, bear rope, you’ve joined nature.
State Land Lax Lake Area - Dispersed Camping
Back Country Wonder
If you like wilderness, rustic, resourcing wood for fires and pure relaxation in the woods, here’s the place for you to add to your trip. No where you’d find on the main searches, it’s a place to respect.
Guide to Minnesota
Camping in Minnesota offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
What to do
- Explore the Trails: Many campgrounds, like Crow Wing State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Nice trails along the Mississippi River, easy to walk, good signage on trails.”
- Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground, offer boating and fishing. A visitor said, “Great campground right on Leech Lake... Plenty of options for getting firewood nearby.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot wildlife. One reviewer at Father Hennepin State Park Campground shared, “Hiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail!”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Carlos State Park Campground noted, “Very clean restroom/shower house.”
- Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Savanna Portage State Park Campground are loved for their beautiful surroundings. One camper said, “Savanna portage is gorgeous with serene lakes and some nice hiking!”
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds such as Crow Wing Lake Campground offer playgrounds and pools. A family shared, “This campground is fun for the whole family!”
What you should know
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park warned, “The trails are... almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes.”
- Reservation Systems: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Crow Wing State Park Campground mentioned, “Need to reserve online.”
- Limited Services Off-Season: Some campgrounds may have limited services during the off-season. A camper at Sinclair Lewis City Campground noted, “The office was closed for the season with the water & electric turned off.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A parent at Crow Wing Lake Campground said, “There is a public beach, skate park, splash pad, and bike trail all located within walking distance of the campground.”
- Pack Bug Spray: Protect your family from mosquitoes. One camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground advised, “Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail.”
- Plan Activities: Keep kids engaged with planned activities. A family at Lake Carlos State Park Campground enjoyed, “Easy access to the beach. Hiking trail.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground mentioned, “My site was spacious for my 28-foot TT.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Crow Wing Lake Campground noted, “RV site had 30amp with FHU’s.”
- Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Sinclair Lewis City Campground said, “In town campground so it can be a little noisy at times.”
Camping in Minnesota is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!