Oak Hill Group Camp

For Minnesota locals planning a large gathering, a scout troop outing, or a memorable family reunion amidst the tranquility of nature, Oak Hill Group Camp, nestled within the beautiful Lake Maria State Park, presents an ideal solution. Located in Silver Creek Township, this dedicated group campsite offers a spacious and rustic setting, perfectly designed to accommodate larger parties seeking an immersive outdoor experience. If you’re looking to escape the city bustle and create shared memories in a peaceful, natural environment, Oak Hill Group Camp provides the space and serenity you need.

As residents of Minnesota, we cherish our state parks and the incredible opportunities they provide for outdoor recreation and connecting with our natural heritage. Lake Maria State Park, with its remnants of the "Big Woods" forest and diverse wildlife, is a true gem. Oak Hill Group Camp embodies the park's commitment to providing accessible yet rustic experiences, allowing larger groups to enjoy the solitude and beauty that individual campsites might not offer. This article will guide you through the specific aspects of Oak Hill Group Camp, from its prime location and accessibility to the amenities it provides, its unique features, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for local groups seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.

Prepare to discover how Oak Hill Group Camp in Lake Maria State Park can serve as the perfect backdrop for your next large gathering, offering a blend of natural beauty, ample space, and a true Minnesota wilderness feel.

Introduction / Overview

Oak Hill Group Camp is a designated group camping area located within Lake Maria State Park, a cherished natural preserve in Silver Creek Township, Minnesota. Unlike typical individual campsites, Oak Hill is specifically designed to accommodate larger groups, offering ample open space within a wooded setting. It provides a rustic camping experience, focusing on connecting visitors with the natural environment rather than extensive modern amenities.

Lake Maria State Park itself is a significant natural area, preserving one of the last remnants of Minnesota's "Big Woods" forest, characterized by mature oak, maple, and basswood trees. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds and various land mammals. The Oak Hill Group Camp capitalizes on this natural beauty, providing a secluded yet spacious area where groups of up to 50 people can gather, set up multiple tents, and enjoy communal activities like campfires and outdoor meals. It's an unstaffed site, meaning groups are expected to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more authentic and less commercialized camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

Oak Hill Group Camp is situated within Lake Maria State Park, which is located in Silver Creek Township, MN 55362, USA. This places the campground approximately an hour's drive from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, making it a highly accessible option for many Minnesota locals seeking a relatively quick escape to nature without extensive travel.

Lake Maria State Park itself offers various types of campsites, and the Oak Hill Group Camp is a specific area within the park. While some sites in Lake Maria State Park are hike-in, the description of Oak Hill Group Camp as a "wide open spot in the middle of the forest" with picnic tables and fire rings suggests it is likely accessible by vehicle, or at least a short, manageable walk from a parking area suitable for group gear. Standard road access to Lake Maria State Park is well-established via state and county roads, making it straightforward for vehicles, including those with trailers, to reach the park entrance. Once inside the park, clear signage would direct groups to the designated Oak Hill Group Camp area.

Its proximity to the Twin Cities means that groups don't have to venture deep into northern Minnesota for a wilderness experience, providing a convenient option for weekend trips or shorter excursions. This balance of natural seclusion and convenient access is a major advantage for local groups planning their outdoor adventures.

Services Offered

• Large Capacity Group Site: Oak Hill Group Camp is designed to accommodate large groups, with a capacity for up to 50 people. This makes it ideal for family reunions, scout troops, school outings, or other organizational gatherings.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are provided within the group camp area, offering ample space for communal meals and activities.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available for campfires, cooking, and warmth, essential for any group camping experience.
• Open Space for Tents: The camp features a "wide open spot" within the forest, providing plenty of room for multiple tents to be pitched comfortably.
• Rustic Facilities: As a group camp in a state park, basic facilities such as vault toilets are typically available nearby. While specific mention of flush toilets or showers for this group camp is not always detailed, they might be available at a central park location or visitor center within Lake Maria State Park, as is common for many Minnesota State Parks.
• No Electricity/Water at Site: Consistent with its rustic nature, it is highly probable that the Oak Hill Group Camp does not offer individual electric or water hookups directly at the campsites. Groups should plan to be self-sufficient in terms of power and water, or rely on central park facilities.

Features / Highlights

• Spacious Secluded Area: The primary highlight is the sheer space and seclusion offered. Being a "wide open spot in the middle of the forest," it provides ample room for large groups to spread out, engage in activities, and enjoy privacy away from other campers.
• Immersive Forest Environment: The camp is nestled within Lake Maria State Park's "Big Woods" forest, offering an immersive experience among mature oak, maple, and basswood trees. This provides natural shade, beautiful scenery, and a genuine wilderness feel.
• Access to Lake Maria State Park Amenities: While the group camp itself is rustic, its location within Lake Maria State Park means groups have access to the park's broader features. These include over 16 miles of hiking and backpacking trails, three lakes (Little Mary, Maria, and Buchanan), and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Lake Maria State Park is known for its diverse wildlife, with over 200 species of birds and various land mammals. Campers at Oak Hill Group Camp have excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Designated Group Gathering Space: The camp provides a dedicated area for groups to socialize, cook, and relax together, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences without disturbing individual campers.
• Proximity to Twin Cities: Being roughly an hour from Minneapolis, it's an accessible yet truly wild escape for urban and suburban groups looking for a substantial outdoor experience without a long drive.
• Quiet Environment: Despite being a group camp, the overall setting within Lake Maria State Park is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, allowing groups to enjoy their time without excessive external noise.

Contact Information

Address: Silver Creek Township, MN 55362, USA (within Lake Maria State Park)

Phone: 320-963-3375 (This is the general contact number for Lake Maria State Park, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).)

For reservations or specific inquiries about Oak Hill Group Camp, Minnesota locals should contact Lake Maria State Park directly using the provided phone number, or visit the official Minnesota DNR website for State Parks. The DNR website is the primary source for booking group sites, checking availability, and obtaining detailed information about park rules, amenities, and current conditions.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Oak Hill Group Camp in Lake Maria State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals, particularly those planning gatherings for large groups. Its location in Silver Creek Township, just about an hour from the Twin Cities, makes it incredibly convenient, allowing groups to quickly transition from urban environments to the serene heart of nature without the need for extensive travel. This accessibility is a significant advantage for families, clubs, or organizations looking for a quality outdoor experience that's close to home.

The camp's design specifically for groups of up to 50 people is a major draw. It offers ample space, picnic tables, and fire rings, providing the essential infrastructure for comfortable communal living in a rustic setting. This eliminates the challenge of finding multiple individual campsites together and ensures a cohesive experience for larger parties. For Minnesota locals who value the unique natural heritage of their state, the setting within Lake Maria State Park's "Big Woods" provides a truly immersive experience, offering opportunities for hiking on extensive trails, wildlife observation, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the lakes.

While the camp itself is rustic, this contributes to an authentic wilderness feel, encouraging groups to be self-reliant and truly connect with their surroundings. The quiet atmosphere of Lake Maria State Park further enhances the appeal, allowing for a truly restful and memorable group getaway away from the noise and distractions of everyday life. Oak Hill Group Camp is more than just a place to stay; it's a dedicated space for Minnesotans to gather, explore, and forge lasting memories in one of their state's most beautiful natural treasures.

Oak Hill Group Camp

Silver Creek Township, MN 55362, USA