Group Camp

Welcome to Group Camp, a dedicated and spacious campsite within the renowned Frontenac State Park, offering an exceptional setting for large gatherings and events in Frontenac, Minnesota. For Minnesota locals looking for a scenic and accommodating location to host family reunions, youth group outings, or any large assembly of friends, this group site provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and necessary amenities. Situated in a park celebrated for its commanding bluffs and diverse ecosystems, Group Camp ensures a memorable outdoor experience for everyone.

Frontenac State Park, where Group Camp is located, holds a commanding position high atop the bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin, a natural widening of the majestic Mississippi River. This spectacular vantage point provides breathtaking "ohhs" and "ahhs" views that are truly unparalleled. We understand that organizing a large group camping trip requires specific considerations, and Group Camp is designed to meet those needs with ample space and essential facilities. While individual campsites dot the park, the Group Camp offers a dedicated area, ensuring your party has the space and privacy to connect and celebrate.

Our commitment is to provide a clean, well-maintained, and inspiring environment where your group can create lasting memories amidst one of Minnesota's most beautiful natural landscapes. From unparalleled birdwatching opportunities along the Mississippi Flyway to diverse hiking trails through bluffs, prairies, and forests, Frontenac State Park offers a wealth of activities. Group Camp is your convenient gateway to all these experiences, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with your companions. Come discover why Frontenac State Park, and specifically its Group Camp, is a cherished gem for Minnesota locals seeking an extraordinary outdoor group adventure.

Group Camp is located within Frontenac State Park, specifically at 29223 County 28 Boulevard, Frontenac, MN 55026, USA. This prime southeastern Minnesota location offers excellent accessibility for residents across the state. The park is conveniently situated approximately 10 miles southeast of Red Wing on Highway 61 or about 5 miles northwest of Lake City, followed by a short 1-mile drive north on County Road 2.

For Minnesota locals, this means a relatively straightforward drive from major population centers. Frontenac State Park is only about an hour south of the Twin Cities metro area, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or even day trips for groups. The well-maintained state highways and county roads leading to the park ensure easy access for vehicles of all sizes, including buses and multiple cars often associated with group gatherings.

The park's setting on the bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin provides not only stunning views but also direct access to water-based activities on this expansive portion of the Mississippi River. Despite its natural, secluded feel, the campground maintains good accessibility for visitors. The design of Frontenac State Park emphasizes connectivity to nature, with trails and scenic overlooks easily reachable from the camping areas. This blend of natural immersion and convenient access makes Group Camp a practical and desirable choice for any Minnesota group looking to experience the state's picturesque river valley.

As a designated group campsite within a Minnesota State Park, Group Camp at Frontenac offers specific services and amenities tailored for larger gatherings:

• Dedicated Group Site: Frontenac State Park features one dedicated Group Site, designed to accommodate a substantial number of people, typically up to 35 individuals. This ensures privacy and ample space for your gathering.
• Spacious Area: The group site provides a large, open area suitable for multiple tents, group activities, and gathering spaces. It often includes an open space for games and wooded areas for a more traditional camping feel.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Essential for group dining and evening campfires, the group site will be equipped with multiple picnic tables and designated fire rings or pits.
• Proximity to Comfort Station: Group Camp is typically located with convenient access to a comfort station, which includes modern amenities like flush toilets and hot showers. This is a significant convenience for larger groups.
• Vault Toilets: In addition to the main comfort station, vault toilets may be located closer to the group site for quick access.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Frontenac State Park for RVs, though the Group Camp is primarily designed for tent camping or smaller RVs (up to 53 ft, but specific to individual sites, group sites may not accommodate RVs directly).
• Potable Water Access: Water spigots are available within the park, providing access to drinking water.
• Accessibility Features: Frontenac State Park is known for having accessible trails (1 mile) and a newly accessible shower house in the campground, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all visitors.
• Pets Welcome: Pets are allowed within the park and campground areas, provided they are on a leash and follow park regulations.
• Reservation System: Group campsites are typically reserved in advance through the Minnesota DNR State Parks reservation system, ensuring availability for your planned event. Fees for group campsites range from $50-$300/night, depending on the park and specific amenities.

Group Camp at Frontenac State Park boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it an ideal choice for group gatherings in Minnesota:

• Panoramic Bluff Views: Frontenac State Park is renowned for its "commanding position high atop the bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin," a natural widening of the Mississippi River. Many areas within the park, including proximity to the group camp, offer "gorgeous views" that provide a stunning backdrop for any outdoor gathering.
• Exceptional Birdwatching Opportunities: Located on the Mississippi Flyway, the park is a prime location for birdwatching, with over 260 species of birds observed. This offers a unique and engaging activity for nature-loving groups.
• Extensive Hiking Trail Network: The park features approximately 13 miles of hiking trails, ranging from those that meander through restored prairies to those that descend to the shores of the Mississippi River. This provides ample opportunity for group hikes and exploration.
• Accessible Facilities: The park features a newly accessible shower house in the campground, ensuring that facilities are available for a wider range of visitors.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Beyond the bluffs, the park showcases a rich diversity of natural communities, including prairie, floodplain forests, and hardwood forests, offering varied landscapes to explore.
• Water Activities on Lake Pepin: Groups can enjoy activities on Lake Pepin, such as kayaking and canoeing, with rentals often available within the park or nearby. Fishing is also a popular activity on the lake.
• Educational Programs: Frontenac State Park occasionally hosts naturalist-guided walks and educational programs (e.g., "Falcons Live!"), which can add an enriching element to a group's stay.
• Spacious and Secluded Setting: The dedicated nature of the group campsite ensures that your large party has sufficient space for activities and a degree of privacy, fostering a comfortable environment for interaction.
• Year-Round Appeal: While camping is seasonal, the park itself is open year-round, offering different recreational opportunities depending on the season, from summer hiking and water sports to winter cross-country skiing.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Group Camp at Frontenac State Park, please use the contact details for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Parks, as they manage this site. Group campsites are typically reserved in advance, and it's highly recommended to do so due to their popularity, especially during peak seasons.

Address: Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Boulevard, Frontenac, MN 55026, USA

Park Office Phone: (651) 299-3000 (Minnesota DNR Information Center)

Reservations Phone: 1-866-857-2757 (Minnesota State Parks Reservation System)

You can find detailed information, check availability, and make reservations for Group Camp and other sites through the official Minnesota DNR State Parks website (

dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00160

Group Camp at Frontenac State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals looking to organize a memorable group outing for several compelling reasons. Its prime location atop the bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin provides truly stunning views, offering a picturesque backdrop that will elevate any gathering. For Minnesotans who cherish their state's natural beauty, this offers an immediate connection to iconic landscapes.

The dedicated group campsite ensures ample space and a degree of privacy for larger parties, a crucial factor when planning reunions, youth camps, or educational excursions. The availability of modern amenities like clean flush toilets and hot showers within the park's comfort stations adds a layer of convenience that is highly valued, making the outdoor experience more comfortable for everyone, from seasoned campers to those new to the outdoors. Furthermore, the park's extensive network of hiking trails, exceptional birdwatching opportunities, and access to Lake Pepin for water activities align perfectly with Minnesota's vibrant outdoor culture, providing diverse options for group engagement and exploration.

Managed by the Minnesota DNR, campers can expect well-maintained facilities and a commitment to preserving the natural environment. The combination of breathtaking scenery, ample space for groups, essential amenities, and a wealth of recreational activities makes Group Camp at Frontenac State Park an ideal and highly recommended choice for any Minnesota local seeking an unparalleled and convenient setting for their next outdoor group adventure in their home state.

Group Camp

GJQV+P8, Frontenac, MN 55026, USA