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Sand Dunes/Ann Lake
Overview
Located within the unique landscape of the Sand Dunes State Forest, the Ann Lake Campground offers a tranquil escape into nature. This is not a high-traffic resort but rather a primitive retreat where the focus remains on the surrounding oak savanna and pine plantations. It is a place where the rustle of leaves and the call of local birds define the atmosphere, providing a true back-to-basics experience for travelers seeking peace away from the city.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated just outside of Zimmerman, MN, making it an accessible getaway from the Twin Cities metro area. The surrounding forest is a rare geological gem featuring active sand dunes and a diverse ecosystem that transitions between prairie and woods. Staying here places you directly within the Sherburne County wilderness, where the sandy soil and towering pines create a landscape that feels distinct from the typical Minnesota lake country.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state forest facility, the amenities are designed for simplicity and self-sufficiency. RVers will find features that prioritize a connection with nature over modern luxury:
- Spacious sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables for outdoor cooking.
- Access to vault toilets and hand pumps for fresh drinking water.
- A sandy swimming beach and a boat launch for quiet, no-wake recreation.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here, with miles of multi-use trails winding through the forest for hiking and horseback riding. The swimming beach at Ann Lake is a popular spot for cooling off during the summer months. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, a massive protected area perfect for wildlife photography and observing migratory birds in their natural habitat.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for RVers who prefer boondocking and dry camping over luxury resort settings. If you enjoy a quiet, wooded atmosphere and do not mind skipping the Wi-Fi and utility connections, you will find it incredibly rewarding. It is particularly well-suited for nature photographers and hikers who want to be steps away from the trailheads and the unique geological features of the Minnesota dunes.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kyle Waytashek (Kyles360Tech)
A great place to get away from it all and enjoy nature. Very interesting ecology as well
Ashley Halterman (Ash)
Beautiful area. Great place to fish, swim, camping, and hiking. We took a less traveled trail up through the woods exiting out to the lake. It was very pretty. Also lots of restrooms around. Allows dogs on leash.
Britney O
Really nice if you want a rural camping experience. I didn't think Minnesota allowed places like this. It was very nice calm quiet and peaceful.
Alexis Rojas Jimenez
Love this forest! Little Beach at Lake Ann, sandy trails, woods/trees as far as the eye can see, that cool lookout tower! This place is awesome! The parking is free if you can get a spot! My only complaint is the “Dunes” in its names is a bit of an over exaggeration. Still one of the coolest spots in the area!
Zang Iceburg
Loved the atmosphere and quietness it gives besides from the occasional “Help! Help me!” when it’s 3 AM ☺️I like how it’s free to camp and it’s very well kept (though there were some ancient incantations and weird wood sticks) 😝 I also didn’t know that the additional shadowy figure that whispers through your tent was free! He made me sleep fr fe 😴🤤🥱🏕️
MinisterJohn
Dispersed camping off of the southern 176 st entrance. Hiked about 1-1.25 miles up and found a perfect hilltop between the two lakes. Perfect canary coverage and plenty of dry wood. It was quiet with very few bugs. This state forest is beautiful and plenty of hiking trails away from the public campgrounds.
shane schminkey
This review is for the (south side of the Sand Dunes). The south side offers dispersed camping, Horseback riding / Hiking trails / Snowmobile trails. This place is absolutely Beautiful! The place is super clean and extremely quiet and has some of the most beautiful sunsets. It’s a great place to view the moon and stars and occasionally catch the northern lights. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and you just want that place to come and relax and connect with nature / God look no further. This is my favorite place to come and unwind after a long day!
Cali Emon
Come here often. It’s great to swim for the day at lake Anne. The reason I don’t give this more is because they’ve removed the garbage cans from the beach and there is no upkeep of the bathrooms. People now use the broken bathroom for trash because again they removed the dumpster for visitors and just expect everyone to clean up (wish it was that easy). Lots of deer and wild life. Lots of foraging opportunities. The campground roads could use help, there are questionable visitors that over stay and make the place a mess. There are couples fighting the few last times we were there screaming at night and teenagers lighting fireworks off in the park. I don’t think people clean the fire rings out as often as they should, people end up bringing their garbage. It’s a fun beach day at lake Anne for kids or to go float and paddle board. Lots of pan fish. Loons are present too. There isn’t really a lot of trails, you could walk them all in a day. I wish there was more upkeep to the state forest because there are so many opportunities to explore. They really could use some help picking up the things people dump and making sure there isn’t glass all over. Again it’s a fun spot locally but I wouldn’t seek it out as someone looking for a camping trip expecting it to be like state parks. Lol