Little Island Group Camp

camping albert lea mn, albert lea / austin koa journey

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! If you’re organizing a memorable outdoor experience for a larger group, whether it's a scout troop, a family reunion, or a gathering of friends, look no further than Little Island Group Camp. Nestled within the beautiful Myre-Big Island State Park in Albert Lea, this unique camping area offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, providing an ideal setting for groups seeking to immerse themselves in Minnesota's natural beauty.

Little Island Group Camp is a designated group camping area designed to accommodate up to 50 people, making it an excellent choice for organizations and large gatherings. Unlike individual campsites, this area provides an expansive and more private space for your group to enjoy together. It's renowned for its rustic feel, offering a true connection to the wilderness while still providing necessary facilities. This camp is situated on Little Island, connected by a causeway to Big Island, further enhancing its secluded and special atmosphere. Reviews from past visitors frequently highlight its perfection for group outings, emphasizing the ample space and the natural surroundings. It's a place where shared memories are made, from campfire stories under the stars to group hikes through the surrounding park. For Minnesotans planning a substantial outdoor event, Little Island Group Camp presents an excellent, dedicated option.

Little Island Group Camp is located at JPJ5+72, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA, which places it firmly within the scenic Myre-Big Island State Park. The park itself is conveniently situated approximately three miles southeast of Albert Lea, a city easily accessible via both Interstate 90 and Interstate 35. This makes the campground a feasible destination for groups traveling from various parts of Minnesota and beyond. Access to Little Island Group Camp is part of the overall Myre-Big Island State Park experience. Visitors typically enter the main park, and then navigate towards the Big Island area, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. From Big Island, another causeway leads to Little Island. While it offers a rustic feel, it's not a remote backcountry site in terms of pure isolation, but rather a more secluded and dedicated area for groups within a well-established state park. The carry-in distance to this site is approximately 350 feet from the parking area, meaning groups will need to transport their gear a short distance. This minor walk contributes to the camp's rustic and private ambiance, ensuring a more intimate experience away from the main campgrounds. Its location within the state park provides groups with immediate access to all the park's diverse natural features and recreational opportunities.

While Little Island Group Camp offers a rustic experience, it provides essential services tailored for group camping, ensuring comfort and convenience for larger parties. These basic amenities are designed to support a self-sufficient and enjoyable group outing.

• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are available, providing ample seating and dining space for your entire group.
• Fire Rings: Dedicated fire rings are present at the site, perfect for group campfires, cooking, and gathering.
• Vault Toilet: A clean vault toilet is available on-site, providing a basic but necessary restroom facility. It is often described as being well-maintained and clean, a testament to state park standards.
• Spacious Tenting Areas: The camp offers plenty of open space, ideal for pitching multiple tents and accommodating a large number of campers comfortably.
• Carry-in Access: The nature of the carry-in access, while requiring a short walk, helps to ensure a more private and secluded experience for the group, away from immediate vehicle traffic.

The unique features and highlights of Little Island Group Camp, combined with the broader attractions of Myre-Big Island State Park, create an exceptional setting for group outdoor activities and bonding experiences.

• Rustic Group Camp Setting: This camp provides a truly rustic group camping experience, ideal for those who prefer a more traditional and immersive outdoor adventure without direct vehicle access to each individual tent site.
• Capacity for Large Groups: With a capacity of up to 50 people, it's perfectly suited for large family gatherings, youth camps, scouting events, or educational group trips.
• Secluded Location: Situated on Little Island, accessible via a causeway, the camp offers a secluded and private environment for your group, away from the general public campgrounds.
• Extensive Trail Access: Campers have direct access to the park's 16-mile network of hiking trails, winding through diverse ecosystems including maple/basswood forests, oak savannas, grasslands, and wetlands. These are perfect for group hikes and exploration.
• Albert Lea Lake Views: Enjoy unique views of Albert Lea Lake from the causeway and nearby areas on Little Island, offering scenic backdrops for your group activities.
• Wildlife and Bird Watching Opportunities: Myre-Big Island State Park is a significant stop for migratory waterfowl, providing excellent opportunities for group bird watching. Deer and other wildlife are also frequently spotted.
• Winter Activity Potential: The park's trails also lend themselves to winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering year-round potential for group adventures.
• Unique Island Setting: The camp's location on Little Island provides a distinct and memorable setting that adds to the adventure and sense of escape.

For more information, current availability, or to make a reservation for Little Island Group Camp, as it is part of Myre-Big Island State Park, you should contact the park office directly:

Address: 19499 780th Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA

Phone: (507) 668-7060

Mobile Phone: +1 507-668-7060 (This is the general park phone number, as Little Island Group Camp is part of the state park system.)

For Minnesotans, Little Island Group Camp at Myre-Big Island State Park is an unparalleled option for group outdoor adventures right in our backyard. Its dedicated design for larger parties means you won't have to worry about finding enough space or disturbing other campers. The rustic nature of the camp, combined with the convenience of basic facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet, strikes a perfect balance for those seeking an authentic camping experience without being completely off-grid. The seclusion offered by its island location provides a unique sense of privacy, allowing your group to fully bond and enjoy the natural surroundings. Furthermore, being part of a Minnesota State Park grants access to a wealth of activities, from extensive hiking and bird-watching to winter sports. It’s an ideal setting for educational trips, youth groups learning about the outdoors, or simply large family gatherings looking for a private and picturesque place to create lasting memories. Choosing Little Island Group Camp means choosing an experience that is deeply connected to Minnesota's natural heritage, providing an accessible yet wild escape for any local group eager to explore the wonders of our state.

Little Island Group Camp

JPJ5+72, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA