Norseland Scout Camp

For Minnesota residents seeking a unique and versatile venue for group gatherings, family reunions, or a robust outdoor experience, Norseland Scout Camp in St. Peter offers a hidden gem that extends its welcoming embrace beyond just Scouting troops. Having undergone a significant revitalization, this camp is gaining recognition as an excellent location with "good facilities" and a "great team onsite," making it an increasingly popular choice for a variety of users, including local families. Its ability to host memorable events, as evidenced by positive reviews from those who have held family reunions there, underscores its value as a community asset.

Norseland Scout Camp is championed by the Twin Valley Council, who are "doing their best to keep it going," and their efforts are clearly paying off. The camp's improved facilities and dedicated staff are drawing interest from across Minnesota, including Scouts from the Northern Star Council, signifying its growing reputation as a premier outdoor destination. For non-Scouting groups and families, this means access to a well-maintained property designed for outdoor education and recreation, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional campgrounds or event venues.

What makes Norseland particularly appealing is its adaptability. Whether you're planning a large family reunion requiring lodge accommodations and ample space for activities, or a smaller group looking for primitive camping with access to basic amenities, the camp provides diverse options. The feedback highlighting it as "worth every penny of the rental price on the building for the weekend" speaks volumes about the value and quality of the experience offered, even for non-Scout affiliated groups. It’s a testament to the camp’s successful transformation into a valuable resource for the wider Minnesota community.

Beyond its physical amenities, the ethos of a Scout camp often translates into a clean, respectful, and organized environment. This focus on outdoor ethics and personal development, while primarily aimed at Scouts, indirectly benefits all users, ensuring a positive and enriching experience. For Minnesota locals, Norseland Scout Camp represents an opportunity to leverage well-managed facilities and natural beauty for their own gatherings, fostering connection and creating lasting memories in a truly unique setting.

Norseland Scout Camp is strategically located at 41556 370th St, St Peter, MN 56082, USA. This address places it in south-central Minnesota, approximately nine miles north of St. Peter on Highway 22. For Minnesota residents, this is an incredibly advantageous location. It is "close enough to the Twin Cities" to be a convenient drive for a weekend retreat or group event, yet far enough to provide the serene, natural escape characteristic of a true outdoor camp.

St. Peter itself is a historic and vibrant community situated along the Minnesota River, known for Gustavus Adolphus College and its charming downtown. The camp's rural setting near St. Peter ensures a peaceful environment, largely free from urban noise and light pollution. Access to Norseland Scout Camp is straightforward, typically via well-maintained roads, making it easily navigable for vehicles of all sizes, including those transporting equipment for family reunions or group events.

The geographic position of Norseland Scout Camp also provides access to the region's natural attractions. The camp boasts a scenic lake (likely part of the surrounding water bodies in the area) perfect for canoeing, along with picturesque hiking trails that wind through the property. Additionally, its proximity to other regional points of interest, such as Seven Mile Creek Park (a 628-acre park with ten miles of trails), the Arboretum at Gustavus College, and the Ney Nature Center, further enhances the recreational opportunities available to visitors. This blend of convenient accessibility and rich natural surroundings makes Norseland Scout Camp an ideal choice for Minnesota locals seeking a diverse outdoor experience without having to travel to the state's more remote northern regions.

Norseland Scout Camp offers a variety of facilities and services, designed to cater to both Scouting groups and private rentals for family reunions and other events, providing a comprehensive outdoor experience.

• Main Lodge Rental: The Main Lodge is a substantial facility that can sleep up to 34 guests. It features a full kitchen with an industrial stove and griddle, microwave, hot and cold running water, and a refrigerator. It also includes four hot showers, four half bathrooms, a fireplace, and is heated for year-round comfort. While bunks have been removed, it offers a common area for activities and dining.
• Quonset Lodge Rental: The Quonset Lodge offers a smaller, cozy option, sleeping up to 14 guests. It also includes a full kitchen with an industrial stove, microwave, hot and cold running water, and a refrigerator. This lodge features two showers, two half bathrooms, a fireplace, and heating.
• Campsites: The camp offers 19 individual campsites, each designed to hold approximately 8-10 two-person tents. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with latrines and water sources conveniently located nearby. Firewood is provided.
• Basic Hookups for Campsites: Some campsites offer 20-amp electrical hook-ups and water hook-ups. Campers need to provide their own hoses for water.
• Canoe Rentals: Canoes are available for rent at the camp, allowing easy access to the scenic lake for paddling.
• Fishing Dock: The lake shore features a fishing dock for angling enthusiasts.
• Program Areas: The camp includes a vast meadow/program area suitable for group activities and games, as well as an outdoor chapel.
• Recreational Equipment: While not explicitly detailed, reviews mention "new activities," and general scout camp offerings often include access to equipment for yard games, orienteering, and other outdoor pursuits.
• Year-Round Availability: The facilities are open year-round, allowing for events and camping in all seasons.
• Professional On-Site Team: A "great team onsite" and "professionally run" management ensure a well-maintained environment and support for guests.
• Trash Disposal: As a professionally run camp, proper waste disposal facilities are expected.

• Versatile Rental Options: A key highlight is the availability of both rustic campsites and lodges (Main Lodge and Quonset Lodge) with full kitchens and bathrooms, accommodating various group sizes and comfort preferences, from primitive camping to more sheltered retreats for family reunions.
• Proximity to Twin Cities: Being "close enough to the Twin Cities" makes it an accessible and convenient destination for many Minnesota locals seeking an outdoor escape without extensive travel.
• Revitalized Facilities: The camp has undergone "revitalization," indicating continuous improvement and well-maintained grounds and buildings.
• Strong Community Support: The Twin Valley Council's dedication and the increasing use by other Scout councils underscore its growing reputation and quality.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Reviewers praise the "great team onsite" and professional management, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for all visitors.
• Scenic Lake and Hiking Trails: The camp boasts a "scenic lake perfect for canoeing" and "picturesque hiking trails," offering ample opportunities for water-based activities and nature exploration.
• Outdoor Chapel: An outdoor chapel provides a serene setting for quiet reflection or group ceremonies.
• Dedicated Program Areas: A "vast meadow/program area" and features like a "central fire ring," "picnic tables," "GaGa Ball," and a "playground" provide diverse options for group activities and family fun.
• Winter Amenities: With heated lodges and a sledding hill, Norseland is suitable for year-round use, allowing for winter camping and activities.
• Ample Campsite Space: With 19 sites, each holding 8-10 two-person tents, "space is never an issue," providing plenty of room for groups.
• On-Site Firewood: Firewood is provided at campsites, simplifying the campfire experience.

Address: Norseland Scout Camp, 41556 370th St, St Peter, MN 56082, USA

Given that Norseland Scout Camp is operated by the Twin Valley Council of Scouting America, the primary contact for reservations and inquiries for both Scout units and non-Scouting groups (such as for family reunions) would be through the Twin Valley Council's official channels.

Phone: (507) 387-3123 (Twin Valley Council general number, likely the best starting point for inquiries about Norseland)

Website: It is recommended that Minnesota locals visit the Twin Valley Council's website (scoutingtwinvalley.org) and navigate to the Norseland Scout Camp section. This will provide the most up-to-date information on rental policies, availability, pricing for lodges and campsites, specific amenities for non-Scout groups, and any required reservation procedures or contact forms. Direct online reservation systems are often available for these types of facilities.

For specific questions regarding facilities for family reunions, activities, or the general suitability of the camp for non-Scout groups, a direct call to the Twin Valley Council office would be highly beneficial, as they can provide tailored information and guide you through the booking process.

For Minnesota residents, Norseland Scout Camp in St. Peter offers a highly suitable and increasingly popular option for a wide array of outdoor and group-oriented needs. Its strategic location, "close enough to the Twin Cities" for convenient travel yet sufficiently removed for a genuine natural escape, makes it an accessible gem for both weekend trips and extended stays. This balance of proximity and tranquility is a key advantage for local families and organizations.

What truly distinguishes Norseland is its dual appeal: while serving as a vital training and activity ground for Scouts, it has also opened its well-maintained facilities to the broader community. The availability of comfortable lodges with full kitchens and clean bathrooms, alongside traditional campsites, means it can accommodate diverse group sizes and preferences – from large family reunions seeking communal indoor spaces to smaller groups desiring a more rustic tent camping experience. The positive feedback, particularly concerning its value for family reunions, underscores its capacity to facilitate memorable gatherings outside of its primary Scouting mission.

Furthermore, the ongoing "revitalization" efforts by the Twin Valley Council ensure that the camp remains clean, functional, and equipped with "good facilities" and "great new activities." This commitment to improvement and professional management translates into a reliable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The natural features, including a scenic lake for canoeing and picturesque hiking trails, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, aligning perfectly with Minnesota's love for its natural landscapes.

In essence, Norseland Scout Camp offers Minnesota locals a versatile, well-managed, and accessible outdoor retreat. Whether you're planning a multi-generational family reunion that requires communal lodging, a youth group outing, or simply a group camping trip in a structured yet natural environment, Norseland provides the infrastructure, natural beauty, and dedicated support to make your experience worthwhile. It’s a valuable community resource that promises to be a "great spot" for creating cherished memories.

Norseland Scout Camp

Norseland Scout Camp, 41556 370th St, St Peter, MN 56082, USA