We apply for Camp Ripley every year, didn't get to go this last season because we didn't get drawn.
1. Yes you can leave and come back in, but you will be at the end of the line and that is a long ways back in the morning.
2. Application date is in July, usually starts about July 1st. Watch the DNR website for dates for dates to apply and it cost $6 to apply. The first year that you apply you will be put into the general drawing, and all the hunters who applied last year and didn't get in are on the preference list and will be drawn first, then the others will be drawn for the remaining permits. So if you apply and don't get in, be sure to re-apply next season cuz then you will go.
3. Nope, no scouting prior to. I know there are some guys who scout the first and only hunt the 2nd day.
4. I got a nice 11 pointer there 5 years ago and my cousin shot one 2 years ago that went 247# and 14 points, an awsome deer.
Like they said earlier it isn't quite what it was a while back, but it is a good place to get a trophy buck or a nice doe to. Good luck!