Home › Minnesota › Big Lake › Sand Dunes State Forest
Sand Dunes State Forest
4.3 ★★★★☆ 395 Google reviews · Running trail in Big Lake, Minnesota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sand Dunes State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Sprawling pine & oak savanna state forest & prairie with hiking & horse riding trails & campgrounds.
What runners say about Sand Dunes State Forest
“Lakeside group campsite pictured, and the single car sites (not pictured) are remote, big, and well kept.”
“This state forest is beautiful and plenty of hiking trails away from the public campgrounds.”
“You can hear motorboats on the lake, some car traffic occasionally, but is for the most part a quiet recluse for a getaway that's an hour out of the city.”
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.
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.
Beautiful place for nice walks. Great trails with plenty of them. I bring my dog every time. She just loves sniffing everything, running through the woods like a freaking nutcase, and playing fetch down at the lake. The trail close to the beach is the most scenic. There is an old fire watchtower in that area.
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!
Trail conditions & character
“This state forest is beautiful and plenty of hiking trails away from the public campgrounds.”
“You can hear motorboats on the lake, some car traffic occasionally, but is for the most part a quiet recluse for a getaway that's an hour out of the city.”
“Bathrooms were within a walking distance but not cleaned.”
Plan your run at Sand Dunes State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.state.mn.us
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Big Lake
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Big Lake Township's Townhall and Lions Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Park with a playground and a dog run, as well as trails and shelters.
Trail's Grill & Sports Bar
4.2 ★★★★☆ 743 reviews
Upbeat, spacious bar & grill offering American pub fare, as well as TV sports & outdoor seating.
Woodland Trails Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 311 reviews
Hilly area, the park features paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking and skiing.
