What is dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping means camping outside of designated campgrounds or campsites in a Minnesota state forest. There are no restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, trash cans, electrical hookups, or other amenities. It’s just you and the woods! Dispersed camping is a great fit for those willing to hike out into the woods to camp.
Dispersed camping is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While dispersed camping offers a quieter, more remote outdoor experience, it also requires careful planning and preparation.
Because there are no services or amenities provided, campers must be fully self-sufficient and take responsibility for protecting natural resources. Practice “leave no trace” principles. Littering, creating permanent campsites, or damaging vegetation can lead to closures or restrictions. Thank you for helping protect Minnesota’s beloved forests for generations to come.
Where can I camp?
Dispersed camping is allowed in Minnesota state forests and on forest lands managed by the Division of Forestry unless otherwise posted. Check the state forest’s webpage for details. Dispersed camping must be at least one mile away from designated campsites and campgrounds.
Vehicles must be parked in parking areas or safely on the full shoulder of a road. Do not block road or trail traffic with your vehicle. You cannot camp or sleep in your vehicle at parking areas or trailheads.
State forest maps are a great guide when planning your visit and for use offline. Most state forests also have downloadable GeoPDF maps.
Dispersed camping is not allowed in:
Birch Lakes State Forest (the entire forest falls within a mile of the campground)
D.A.R. State Forest (too small to support dispersed camping)
Insula Lake State Forest and Lake Isabella State Forest (located entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - BWCAW)
Sections of Bear Island State Forest, Burntside State Forest, Grand Portage State Forest, Kabetogama State Forest, Lake Jeanette State Forest, and Pat Bayle State Forest that fall within the BWCAW
How do I choose a spot?
Dispersed campers may camp in openings in the woods, such as clearings or meadows. Do not create spots by cutting trees, clearing vegetation, or flattening the ground.
Choose a location with level ground and good drainage. Place camping equipment carefully to avoid damage to plants. Choose a campsite at least 150 feet from any water source to prevent damage to water quality and sensitive riparian habitat.
If an area shows heavy use or resource damage, choose a different location.
What are the rules for dispersed camping?
All dispersed campers are responsible for obeying state forest rules and regulations in Minnesota Rules, part 6100.3000 through 6100.4300.
Key rules include:
State forests are open to dispersed camping unless otherwise posted.
Camps must be occupied by a responsible person during the time the equipment is left on state land.
You must remove all garbage and equipment when you leave. Leaving items behind could result in a fine and cleanup costs.
Bury human waste and animal remains, including fish guts, at least 150 feet from all water bodies and away from areas where they could pose a public health hazard.
Use only approved firewood or dead wood collected from the forest floor for campfires. Do not cut or remove living or standing dead trees.
Do not block trails, roads, or gates with your vehicle.
Building permanent structures of any kind is prohibited.
Do not dig, flatten, or trench the ground around your tent or campsite.
Length of stay
Dispersed camping in one general location is limited to:
14 days between the first Saturday in May and the second Sunday in September.
21 days between the second Sunday in September and the first Saturday in May.
These limits apply to the total number of days spent in the same general area during the season. To continue camping after reaching the limit, you must move at least 15 miles away.
Staying beyond the allowed time limits or repeatedly returning to the same site without moving the required distance can cause resource damage and may result in a fine or enforcement action.
Human waste and sanitation
Dispersed camping areas do not have restrooms, so campers must properly manage human waste. Improper disposal can contaminate water and create sanitation problems. We recommend using commercially available waste bags or a portable toilet kit for a convenient way to pack out human waste whenever possible.
If burying waste:
Choose a location at least 150 feet from water, trails, and campsites.
Dig a hole 6 inches deep.
Cover the hole with soil when finished.
Pack out used toilet paper whenever possible.
Never leave waste, toilet paper, or trash on the ground.
Leave no trace
All campers must "leave no trace" no matter where you camp. Pack out what you pack in, and do not damage trees, water, habitat, or anything else. Do not burn litter or garbage. Always observe posted signs.
Dispersed campfire safety
Exercise caution with any campfire. Always check the fire danger and be aware of any elevated burning restrictions that could require dispersed camping burning bans. If you need a campfire while dispersed camping, select a safe place.
Choose a level clearing and ensure the base of the fire is at least 5 feet from combustible materials such as dry grass, shrubs, or logs, and clear of overhanging branches.
Scoop out a depression in the center of the area and put a ring of rocks around it.
Make sure your campfire is not more than 3 feet across by 3 feet high.
After a campfire, Drown-Stir-Repeat until it is out cold.
If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Before you leave, fill in any depression and disperse rocks.
If you see a wildfire, call 911.
Only use dead wood lying on the ground or approved firewood for campfires. Do not cut or remove living or standing dead trees. Remember, unapproved firewood could spread insects or diseases that can kill trees.
Prevent the spread of invasive species
Your visit could have a big impact. Seeds and mud on gear and clothing can spread harmful invasive plants. Before leaving home, make sure your gear, footwear, and clothing is free of seeds and soil—especially tents, tarps, hammocks, and vehicles.
Dispersed camping during hunting seasons
Minnesota state forests are multi-use lands and are open to hunting and trapping during designated seasons unless otherwise posted. If you are dispersed camping during a hunting or trapping season:
Be aware that hunting activity may be occurring nearby – potentially, anywhere around you during daylight hours.
Wear visible clothing such as blaze orange or pink.
Follow all firearm safety rules.
Frequently asked questions
Which state forests allow dispersed camping?
- Most state forests allow dispersed camping, except Birch Lakes State Forest (the entire forest falls within a mile of the campground), D.A.R. State Forest (too small to support dispersed camping), Insula Lake State Forest and Lake Isabella State Forest (located entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - BWCAW), and sections of Bear Island State Forest, Burntside State Forest, Grand Portage State Forest, Kabetogama State Forest, Lake Jeanette State Forest, and Pat Bayle State Forest that fall within the BWCAW. There may be seasonal or area-specific restrictions based on current conditions, so be sure to check the state forest’s webpage for details before you head out.
How can I find more accessible dispersed camping locations?
- You can find accessible areas by looking for sites along maintained forest roads in areas with wide turnouts. Use state forest maps to get familiar with areas and scope out potential spots.
If you need toilets, level ground, and spots near a road, you may prefer to stay in a state forest campground. Learn more about state forest campgrounds with accessible features.
Can I camp near trails or water?
- You cannot camp at trailheads or parking areas. Do not block trails or roads with your campsite or vehicle. To prevent damage to water quality and sensitive riparian habitat, you must select a campsite at least 150 feet from any water source.
Can I hunt while dispersed camping?
- Yes, you can hunt while dispersed camping with proper hunting permits. Always prioritize safety and wear blaze orange or pink.
Can I camp with my vehicle?
- You cannot camp or sleep at trailheads or parking areas. Motor vehicles, including off-highway motor vehicles such as ATVs and side-by-sides, are only allowed on designated roads and trails. Large vehicles such as RVs and trailers are typically not suitable for dispersed camping or forest roads. Park all vehicles and trailers in parking areas or safely on the full shoulder of a road. Do not block roads, trails, or gates with your vehicle.
Is electricity or water available?
- No, dispersed camping areas do not have amenities. The only way to ensure that water is safe to drink is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil or using water purification tablets or filters.
Can I use dead trees for firewood?
- If you need to gather firewood, only use downed wood. Do not cut any standing trees or shrubs.