The best camping near Sand Dunes State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sand Dunes State Forest adventure.

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Discover Sand Dunes State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

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Community favorites near Sand Dunes State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sand Dunes State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Sand Dunes State Forest

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The Jubilee Homestead

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Stanchfield, MN

Our family at The Jubilee Homestead is looking forward to another great camping season in 2024! This small hobby farm is where I (Esther) grew up and now my husband Joel, our four children, and my parents, are developing it into a self-supporting farmstead and event venue as we raise chickens and Nigerian dwarf goats, and grow a pick-your-own elderberry field. Our oldest son loves to plant and manage a small market garden with our campers in mind, so depending on when in the season you come, you may find some garden treasures to take home! We offer a single site for off-season and winter camping for longer visits at a discounted rate. Please reach out for more information if you're interested. What you can expect when you camp at The Jubilee Homestead: Free firewood Free 20amp electricity hookup at all sites (not enough to run A/C, plenty for everything else) Free water Free farm fresh, free-range eggs to collect yourself in the mornings plus more for sale when available. Free access to broomball court and equipment in barn loft Rustic trail around back of property about 1/4 mile long Playground Dishwashing sink Campers are welcome to enjoy The Milk Room which is our Lounge and Farm Store. You'll find self-serve coffee, hot cocoa, and other options available for purchase, including fresh garden produce when available. There is a microwave, places to sit and visit, and even a game table. Joel and I have co-authored several books (under the pen name J.E. Ribbey) which are also available in the Farm Store. We have an American post-apocalyptic thriller series and a historical fiction series for middle grade readers about the American Revolutionary War. We have a nice, fully private outdoor shower with hot water available for $2.50/shower. Guests can pay on-site via our posted QR codes or cash box. We have Nigerian dwarf goats, chickens, and geese. We also have several apple trees, cherries, and elderberries. We're also available for other events like birthday parties, intimate weddings, and group gatherings at our gazebo and/or 20ft x 40ft party tent. As a homeschooling, home business building family, there is usually a project or two always in the works to join in on if you feel so inclined or just sit back and enjoy the peace of clean air and loving goats! Several lakes in the area provide numerous options for fishing, boating, and hiking. And nothing beats those evening country road walks while agate hunting! Other area attractions include Mini golf in Cambridge, public aquatic center with water slides in Mora, and several state parks an hour or less away.

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Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to Whippletree! This is our sixth-generation family farm, and while it's more of a hobby farm now, it has been in continuous agricultural production since 1869! Besides tillable farm land, we are stewards of native prairie, small wooded areas, a remnant of an oak savanna and wetlands, with trails throughout. We consider this our sanctuary and enjoying sharing it with others looking for a place of retreat to connect with the natural world. Stop by for a visit!

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The Camps at the Vineyards

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Ogilvie, MN

This is a 10-acre part of a larger 110-acre property. This section is reserved for tents, camping vans, and small trailers 20' or less. The river is great for small children to wade and swim in during the summer. During spring, the water is up higher for kayaks and canoes. Your hosts live at 1010 205th Ave. It is just a vineyard for now. the winery we hope will be built in 2025.

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Reflections- Unique Modern A Frame

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Brook Park, MN

This modern A Frame cabin was completely remodeled. Located on 4 acres of woods on a quiet gravel road, you'll love the peace and serenity. Whether you want to wander the paths, listen to the birds, or start a fire on a starry night, this is the place. Fully furnished with kitchen, full bathroom, laundry and a loft to look out at the stars from the skylights. Pull out couch on main level to comfortably sleep 4. You'll enjoy the front and back decks to hang out- drink your morning coffee, look for the owls or throw dinner on the grill. Firepit for long nights and unlimited firewood.

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Meadow Cabin

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Pine City, MN

The first time I drove up and saw the river, I knew it was a magical spot. Fishing, kayaking, swimming. Relax by the firepit, play games in the cabin. Put your feet up by the fireplace on cool evenings. Located close to Chengwatana State Forest. Kayak down to the St. Croix river.

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Pioneer Farm on Fish Lake

4 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Harris, MN

Canpers! We have had a great fall season! Thank you so much! we are now moving into the colder season. we encourage tent camping for the brave! You can go snow shoe walking! This lakefront farm is a very special spiritual location. Listen to the night life in the woods and loons on the lake. Fall time- the acorns are falling:) The farm animals are gone now, but there remains a huge barn and outbuildings. Enjoy observing old time architecture! Monet tight? We are open to a refund of $20 a day for an hour for farm chores. Chores like mending fences, cutting vegetation, collecting the harvest from the earth, etc. Pay in full thru hipcamp, then we can arrange a task per interest and capabilities!! We're almost seventy now -getting harder to keep things up, ya know! need lots of oak limbs peeled off the bark:)

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Clover Bee Farm

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Shafer, MN

We are a small family farm. From April-October we make a living on the farm and enjoy rural life. We’re very busy during these months and if you stay with us you may be able to enjoy fresh produce for purchase- we also have neighbors that sell eggs, there is a Meat shop in downtown Lindstrom and 2 miles away is Rod's Country Corner (ice cream, pizza, sandwiches, essentials). So, you could have the opportunity for some delicious camp food while staying here. It is very beautiful with much to see and do. Things to note: 1. There are black bear in the area, please keep food stowed away in your car at night and your campsite clean. 2. Storms pop-up and tents etc. are subject to wind, please be mindful of the weather and any incidents that occur are not liable to the property owners. When you arrive pull up in the driveway we will direct you to your location... and please park your vehicle close to your site. When you are tent camping this can come in handy during any inclimate weather, which can pop up randomly during the summer months. We have a rustic composting toilet for guest use. Please read the instructions on the inside before using. This is a working farm, it can be unkempt or messy- it is also mosquito forward and wood tick forward-please bring bug spray. Many of our past campers have enjoyed the scenery despite being next to a slightly trafficked road. Also, fireworks are very popular with the neighbors in the area around July 4th. Please respect our quiet time, when the sun goes down-so do we. No Smoking Marijuana or Tobacco on the farm, and no pets. Preferably no glass bottles either. ++Attractions in the area++ Ice Age Trail Wild River State Park (canoe and kayak rental available) Interstate State Park (Boat Tours, kayak and canoe rental, hiking) The water park at Wild Mountain Boat Rental: https://www.captainshawnsrental.com/ Wineries: Chateu St Croix, Wild River Winery, Dancing Dragonfly, Rustic Roots Breweries: Uncommon Loon, Trap Rock Shopping: Antiques in every town! My favorite is The Lindstrom Antique Store. Rock Shop in Taylors Falls, St Croix Falls downtown is cute too. Osceola has lots of fun treasures. Food: Juneberry Cafe, Anderson's Ice Cream Shop, Watershed Cafe in Osceola, Marketplace Grocery store, Brinks Grocery store, 3 Arrows Coffee --even though we're a rural area, there is no shortage of things to do here!--

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The Oaks at Oakwood Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Oak Grove, MN

Enjoy 10 acres shared between 2 sites! The two campsites are large and can accommodate approximately 6 tents comfortably at each. If more is needed let us know we have room and can accommodate. There is a shared bathroom/changing room and trash/recycling between the sites. There is a water point in the barn if you need to fill up on drinking water just make sure you have a container for it. Site includes a picnic table and firepit and many acres with downed trees to salvage. Bundles of firewood can be purchased if needed. This area includes a back pasture and woods with trails throughout for walking/mountain biking. There are many horse trails in the area, if you want to bring your horses that is fine as long as you bring containment for them and clear it with us first. We are approximately 1 mile from a rum river access. There are multiple river trip options from our property. We are also 3 mins from lake george and the Rum River Regional Park for swimming, biking, fishing, boating, and more paddling. There is a Bills gas n grocery as well as a G-will liquors less than a minute from the property. The Ponds golf course is about 4 mins away as well. If you are looking to hit downtown Anoka that is a straight shot and approx 12 mins away. This site is on an active hobby farm that has dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, turkeys, and multiple gardens. We have a farm stand by the road where we sell items such as fresh roasted coffee, eggs, BBQ sauce, pickles, maple syrup, hot sauce, and more! We are very pet friendly and like to meet new furry faces, so feel free to bring them along!

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Stone Creek Farm

6 sites · Lodging36 acres · Taylors Falls, MN

Situated on 36 acres, this working farm is 2 miles West of Taylors Falls. Dan and Danielle bought this property with the intention of growing stone fruits (plums, peaches, apricots and cherries) using sustainable and organic practices because health and wellness matter to them! They are still in the process of improving their property. Many of the building on the property were in poor condition, including the old barn foundation which is now one of Dan and Danielle favorite places to keep cool in the summer. After they had excavated all the debris (which took years) they were able to transform it with gardens and fire pit for all to enjoy. They love sharing what they have been blessed with! They hope you enjoy their place as much as they do! Feel free to ask them to show you around or even get your hands dirty with them as they plant or harvest.

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Dancing the Land Farm Camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents56 acres · Clearwater, MN

Dancing the Land Farm is a small, organic farm in Central Minnesota. Owned and operated by Liz and Curtis, and their little daughter Lulu, the farm raises veggies, flowers, medicinal herbs, goats for milk and fiber, sheep, and pigs, as well as lots of chickens, ducks, quail, guineas, and a pair of peacocks. We also have two friendly farm dogs who both believe you all come here just to give them belly rubs. The land is dotted with rolling glacial moraine hills surrounded by marshes. Sandhill Cranes, herons, swans, geese, ducks and all other kind of water loving critters are common sights here. Even otters and beaver have been seen! Eagles are everywhere these days, harriers, and hawks of all kinds. A birders dream! Spring/early summer is baby goat and lamb season, so come prepared for antics and adorableness! From midsummer to frost the gardens and flower fields really start to explode with color and fragrance, and bushels of farm fresh produce. Be sure to book a tour! In the fall the aspens around the farm start shimmering golden, while the oaks deepen to rich, flame-hearted earth tones. Opening early summer of 2022, the Dancing the Land Farm Store will be stocked with all manner of delicious produce, pastured pork (bacon over the campfire!), goat, lamb, eggs, flowers, and dry goods, along with yarn and fiber arts for campers to shop at their leisure. A luxurious glamp PLUS delicious, organically grown food? Yes, please!

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The little cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Princeton, MN

Great Fall location, Wildlife and less bugs. By far the best time of the year to enjoy camping. You will have the only camp site on the property. You can stay in the small camping cabin in comfort with your own bedding, or sleeping bag for the twin bed in the loft, or the futon on the main level. The cabin only has room for two adults unless you bring a camp pad to sleep on the floor, or squeeze in a child, but you have the comforts of Heat with a small electric heater, or A/C, a Weber grill, small fridge, microwave, and Electricity. Quiet former country farm site, with great wildlife viewing options with walking trails. Only 23 miles to DT St. Cloud and 8 Miles to the Walmart in Princeton for food or supplies. Just a half mile off Hwy 95 and 5 miles from the large Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, with trails and lots of wildlife. Expect to hear Pheasants cackle in the AM, and see Sandhill Cranes or Geese fly over the camp site, or sitting in area fields. Enjoy time around a campfire with folding chairs and a picknick table with plenty of free dry wood in a storage rack.

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Rasset Family Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Maple Lake, MN

We are a working farm. We raise cattle and grow crops.

The best camping near Sand Dunes State Forest guide

Overview

About

When the dust bowl came to Minnesota, the area now known as Sand Dunes State Forest was blanketed in a snow-like powder that hung in the air and blanketed porches. Folks wanted to settle that ish down, so they petitioned the government to plant more hardwood and conifer trees in the area, which is how Sand Dunes was born. It’s got a north woods vibe, without all the driving (and mosquitoes) you’ll find up north. Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, it’s just a few miles from some fun small-town America times in Elk River (put-put and arcade games, anyone?)

The forest is also right next to Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, a plot of land where 58 species of mammals roam and hikers can pick berries and mushrooms along the trails for personal consumption. The refuge is for day-use only, so the over-nighters at Sand Dunes are often in town just to see the wildlife. Make friends, forage snacks, or just make the most of all that dust on one of the forest’s sandy beaches!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Sand Dunes State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for exploring, but be prepared for busier trails. Winter can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, though some activities may be limited. Avoid holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.

Know before you go

Check the forest's website for any road or campsite improvements that may affect your visit.
Always adhere to safety guidelines, especially when near heavy machinery or on trails.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; plan accordingly.
Stay informed about the eastern and western loops of the Walter Stark Horse Campground for the latest updates.
Contact the park at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 for any questions.