camp ripley

[crestliner16]

I'm a first timer to the camp ripley hunt. How does the whole camping an entry line thing all work?

[DHost21]

Yes i am in the same boat. A first timer there. Any info on the camping and all that would be wonderful. Also last year i remember seeing that someone was putting a get together together for all the HSO members to put faces to names that would be cool again I think

[elkhuntingfan]

You can get in line the day before the hunt. The vehicles line up in two lines along the road. You camp on the left side of the road. You will see everything from huge campers or motorhomes to tents or fishhouses on wheels. It's a big area to camp. You will often see guys sleeping in their vehicles. They have porta-potties set up along the road as well as garbage cans. Lots of guys barbeque and drink lots of beer. They serve a meal for a few bucks. Bring a football or something to do if you are there all day. Lots of guys bring their targets to make sure everything is still shooting straight. It's a good time.

[Cheetah]

The information packet for the hunt has information on where to camp and the rules associated with it. You can find the info packet on the MN DNR HSOforum under the Deer Hunting section.

[MUSKY18]

Was just downrange. TONS of deer sign going on. Hitting the acorns hard. Saw a nice 8 point standing next to the road and the usual bunch of does. Good luck to you guys!

[BuckmasterG]

You can get in line the day before the hunt. The vehicles line up in two lines along the road. You camp on the left side of the road. You will see everything from huge campers or motorhomes to tents or fishhouses on wheels. It's a big area to camp. You will often see guys sleeping in their vehicles. They have porta-potties set up along the road as well as garbage cans. Lots of guys barbeque and drink lots of beer. Lots of guys bring their targets to make sure everything is still shooting straight. It's a good time.

When EHF says its a big area to camp, he means BIG as in prob 100-200 yds deep off the left side of the road, by about 1-2 miles long.. The most difficult part is when you get there you're going to wanna set up your camp before parking a vehicle (unless you bring multiple vehicles), but by doing this you have no idea where your parking spot in line will be versus where your camp is, which in turn can become a long walk in the morning to the vehicle. This is the main reason people go up early Wednesday to get their camp close to there vehicle, as well as trying to be near the front of the line to ensure they get to hunt their hotspot. Being in the front of the line will probably give you a good half hour jumpstart on people who are towards the back on Day 1

When you get there prior to hunting day, or morning of; you will first stop at the front gate and show proof of Lottery Acceptance, as well as handing in your vehicle registration forms. Then your on your way into the camp area. I will be up there again this year!

[Bear55]

Being in the front of the line will probably give you a good half hour jumpstart on people who are towards the back on Day 1

I live within driving distance of the camp so I figured why camp. The first day I figured I would show up an hour late and be able to drive right in and hunt. Well the first day I showed up and hour late and still had to wait in line for an hour to get in. Hopefully they have speeded up the process since then but if not it is very important to get near the front of the line.

[Finlander]

Don't forget to bring cash with you as there is a camping fee! Don't remember the exact amount!

[elkhuntingfan]

I've never paid a camping fee.

[DonBo]

No camping fee last year...

[hollerman]

There is no camping fee. Don't worry about getting in the front of the line expecialy if you don't know exactly where you are going. Deer there move all day long, first light dose not mean to much. We have shot most deer after 10:00 in the morning. Walking in the dark when you don't know where you are going to set up can put you in a bad spot or next to another hunter. It is best to go in at first light and find a decent trail and set on that. Also, walk around your spot and make sure you are not setting up right on someone.

[crestliner16]

so is it better to have 2 vechiles? or just try an park across from where you camp?

[hollerman]

2 cars is usually best one in line and one at camp, because you might have to walk aways. If you are near the front of the line and you come out late on sat. the line will have already past your camp and you could have a long walk.

[Finlander]

I was there 2 years ago and I had to borrow money from one of the other hunters in my group as I didn't know you had to pay! But I did!

[Cheetah]

Finlander will be collecting camping fees as you enter the base.

My dad and I usually just sleep in the truck. I have also thrown up my small tent off to the side and then just pack it up quick in the dark before the line starts moving.

Guaranteed that there are always a few guys who don't wake up and everyone has to drive around their truck in the line... Don't be that guy...

We usually show up in the evening on Friday and the line is pretty long, by the time we get to our usual hunting area it is just about shooting time.

[rbs]

there was no camping fee last year...that is for sure

[bigbucks]

Maybe Finlander was hunting at Camp Rip-Offly instead of Camp Ripley...

[mrklean]

sounds like someone forgot beer money and was collecting from the guys inline. My buddy and I are gonna bring to cars up and leave the one in line. When do guys start getting there 5am the day before? We probably wont get up there till 6 or 7 night before

[DHost21]

My first year there Im very excited. I most likely wont get up there until around 6 or 7 friday evening. I will be driving a red ford explorer if anyone wants to come up and say hi anytime thatd be awesome

[hollerman]

Usally by noon the day before the hunt the line is almost back to the entrance gate and statring to turn the corner. ALOT of guys are there at 5am.

[crestliner16]

what kind of condition r the roads inside the hunting area usaually in?

[Cheetah]

what kind of condition r the roads inside the hunting area usaually in?

Most main roads are gravel with no problems other than some washboarding. Some areas have smaller single-track roads that get really bad if it rains and would definitely require a 4wd truck.

[Grayfox]

I'll be takeing my youngest up next Friday morning for the youth hunt and hope the weather stays cool enough to keep them moving during the daylight hours. I've never hunted in the open area North of Cassino so I'm hitting the aerials and topo's and think I've found few promising spots. It'll be nice dealing with 125 hunters instead of the 2400+ that's usually there.

Rob

[Monkster]

Grayfox, my son and I will also be there Friday morning. First time for both of us! I can only imagine competing with 2500 people! Sounds like fun regardless and I will be putting in my app next year! You're right on the weather, I am getting conflicting forecasts for Little Falls next week, one says upper 70's Fri, Sat, Sun, the other says upper 50's, low 60's. We'll pray for the latter, besides, forecasting 7 days out seems to be hit and miss to say the least...

[Grayfox]

Monkster,

Maybe we could compare notes on Friday after some scouting. We're planning on making the early orientation so we can hit the woods early.

Rob