Hammock Camping in Sand Dunes State Forest

[GingeGirl]

Hi everyone!

I have a group of 5 (including myself) planning to hammock camp this Wednesday through Saturday. We were planning to hike into a State Forest and just do dispersed camping. None of us has ever camped in a state forest. We are specifically looking at Sand Dunes State Forest. It’s my understanding that you can do disperse camping for free in any state forest. I assume we just practice leave no trace? Can anyone tell me if this is correct, or lend any other information? It would be very much appreciated!! Thank you!

Rae

[1-Hung-Low]

That's pretty much the norm but your best bet is to contact the Ranger Station in charge of that area 651-296-6157

Map: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/st...s/sft00045.pdf

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...Minnesota.html

Have a great trip...

[bluzharp]

Hi everyone!

I have a group of 5 (including myself) planning to hammock camp this Wednesday through Saturday. We were planning to hike into a State Forest and just do dispersed camping. None of us has ever camped in a state forest. We are specifically looking at Sand Dunes State Forest. It’s my understanding that you can do disperse camping for free in any state forest. I assume we just practice leave no trace? Can anyone tell me if this is correct, or lend any other information? It would be very much appreciated!! Thank you!

Rae

You can dispersed camp in most of Sand Dunes but not in the day use area on the north east side of Lake Ann. I camped last month in the South Orrock Trail unit with some other hangers. We had a good overnight but I have to warn you that even the stands of red pine have lots of undergrowth. We hiked around the trail awhile until we found stand that worked good for us

[GingeGirl]

Thanks! Any tips on water sources?


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[GeneH]

Thanks! Any tips on water sources?


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Not much I would trust except the lake. The upside is you probably won’t get far away from your car - 20 minute hike is typical for me. Resuppling from it is your best option, especially with 5 people. Someone can hang around camp while others trek to the osasis.

[bluzharp]

Thanks! Any tips on water sources?


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I carried mine in. St Francis river is in the wildlife refuge that borders the South Orrock unit. The Trailhead Parking lot has a hand pump but you need to filter still, and if you go to the PL for water you might as well stash some in your car. In the north part of the Forrest you may find somewhere but Lake Ann is part of the Day Use. I have camped at Ann Lake in the SF campground. Its pay but there are 3 walk in sites that have from 100' to about 100 yards walk, depending on the site. That means a fire ring and vault toilet and water spigot nearby. The trails in that area are pretty cool for day hikes and the connect into the rest of the trails.
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/st...s/sft00045.pdf

[bluzharp]

Looking at the map of the campground it looks like there are 6 walk in sites now!