Farragut girl scout

For Idaho residents, the name Farragut State Park evokes images of stunning Lake Pend Oreille, rich naval history, and boundless recreational opportunities in the Panhandle. The specific location noted, 32024 N Thimbleberry Acc, Athol, ID 83801, points directly to the Thimbleberry Group Camp area within this massive 4,000-acre state park. This particular group camp holds a significant place in the park’s history, having been the site of the 1965 National Girl Scout Senior Roundup, an event so large it was instrumental in convincing the Idaho Legislature to officially create a state parks system.

Thimbleberry is primarily designed to accommodate large groups, troops, and multiple families camping together. It provides a more structured and dedicated space than individual campsites, making it an excellent base for organized outdoor activities and team-building retreats in North Idaho. Surrounded by the dense forests characteristic of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, the camp offers ample shade and a true sense of Idaho wilderness, all while being managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR).

Choosing the Thimbleberry Group Camp experience means tapping into the legacy of Farragut State Park, which was originally the massive Farragut Naval Training Station during World War II. The sprawling park now offers unparalleled access to trails, historical sites, and the deep, clear waters of Lake Pend Oreille. Local users choose this site not just for the space it provides, but for its convenient connection to the park’s extensive amenities—from disc golf to model aircraft flying—and the sheer beauty of the surrounding Idaho landscape. It is the perfect blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and functional group camping designed for the local community.

A Note for Idaho Group Leaders: Thimbleberry Group Camp requires reservations and is intended for larger parties, often including up to 30 to 50 people depending on the specific units within the Thimbleberry area (such as Larch, Morel, Ocean Spray, and Saw-whet). Contacting the Farragut State Park office directly is essential for securing a space and understanding current capacity limits and rules.

Thimbleberry Group Camp is located within the northern section of Farragut State Park, situated near the community of Athol in Kootenai County, Idaho.

• Park Access: The site is easily accessible from the main entrance of Farragut State Park, which is located off State Highway 54.
• Address: The specific address, 32024 N Thimbleberry Acc, Athol, ID 83801, directs users to the dedicated access road for the group camping areas.
• Major Cities Proximity: The park is approximately 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Coeur d'Alene and about 20 miles south of Sandpoint. This makes it a convenient drive for residents of the Inland Northwest.
• Interior Access: Once inside Farragut State Park, the camp is reached via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. The group camp’s dedicated parking area simplifies logistics for multiple vehicles.
• Key Landmark: The camp is positioned near the Thimbleberry Group Use Area, which historically hosted major national and world scouting events, and is close to other important park features like the Beaver Bay beach and general campgrounds.

As a dedicated group camp managed by the state park system, Thimbleberry provides robust, essential infrastructure for large parties:

• Group Camping Sites: Multiple distinct group campsites (Larch, Morel, Ocean Spray, Saw-whet) are available, often accommodating between 30 and 50 people each, with space for tents and designated RV parking.
• Water and Electricity: Access to running water is available within the group area, and many sections of Farragut State Park offer electric hookups for RVs, though groups should confirm site-specific hookup availability at Thimbleberry.
• Restroom Facilities: Dedicated group restrooms are available on-site. Shower facilities for group campers are located at the Beaver Bay Beach area, a short drive or walk away.
• Outdoor Cooking Areas: Each group area typically includes a fireplace or a large fire pit for group campfires and fire rings for cooking, along with picnic tables and covered shelters in some sections.
• Parking: Ample, designated parking areas are provided for the large number of vehicles associated with group camping.
• Camp Essential Access: Campers have convenient access to the park’s Visitor Center, which often features a gift shop and sells necessities like ice.

The unique highlights of the Thimbleberry Group Camp and its immediate surroundings within Farragut State Park make it a distinguished destination:

• Historical Significance: This site was the primary location for the 1965 National Girl Scout Senior Roundup, hosting 11,000 participants and paving the way for the modern Idaho State Park system—a unique claim to fame for any camping area.
• Lake Pend Oreille Access: Campers are just minutes away from the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, providing unparalleled opportunities for:
  • Boating and Water Sports via the Beaver Bay boat launch.
  • Swimming at the designated Beaver Bay Beach.
  • Fishing for record-sized Kamloops rainbow trout.
• Extensive Recreation: Farragut State Park offers an incredible array of activities within minutes of the camp:
  • Three 18-basket Disc Golf courses and a 9-hole family course.
  • Hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.
  • Museum at the Brig, chronicling the park’s history as a Naval Training Station.
• Shaded Camping: All campsites at Thimbleberry are noted for being shaded by trees, providing cool comfort during warm Idaho summer days.

All reservations and inquiries regarding Thimbleberry Group Camp and other facilities within the park are handled by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) for Farragut State Park:

Address (Farragut State Park Main Office):
550 E. Highway 54,
Athol, ID 83801

Thimbleberry Group Camp Address (Specific Access Point):
32024 N Thimbleberry Acc,
Athol, ID 83801, USA

Park Phone Number (for Group Reservations):
(208) 683-2425

General Camping Reservations (Individual Sites):
1-888-922-6743

Choosing Thimbleberry Group Camp is highly worthwhile for Idaho residents who need a dedicated, functional, and historically significant space for a large gathering or organized group. The primary reason to choose this site is the unparalleled access it provides to the massive recreational offerings of Farragut State Park—all within a comfortable, shaded, and managed environment.

This is the ideal choice for:

• Scout Troops, Youth Groups, and Large Family Reunions: The site's capacity and dedicated facilities (fire pits, restrooms, shelters) are perfectly sized for these groups, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing group cohesion and fun.
• Active Outdoor Enthusiasts: With immediate access to the park’s trail system, disc golf courses, and the model aircraft field, the location serves as an excellent operational hub for various activities.
• Water Lovers: Its proximity to the Beaver Bay boat launch and beach ensures that the magnificent Lake Pend Oreille is always within easy reach for a day of swimming, boating, or fishing.

Thimbleberry offers more than just camping; it provides a piece of Idaho history with every stay, combining the state’s natural splendor with high-utility facilities designed for shared outdoor adventure.

Farragut girl scout

32024 N Thimbleberry Acc, Athol, ID 83801, USA