Looking for the best Minnesota dispersed camping? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from technology. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Minnesota's most popular destinations.
Canoe 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.
Nestled 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.
Dispersed 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
From 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.
Canoe 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.
Nestled 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.
Dispersed 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
