Rush Creek Group Camp

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! Are you in charge of planning an unforgettable outdoor gathering for a larger group, perhaps a family reunion, a scout troop outing, or a peaceful retreat with friends? If so, you'll be delighted to learn about Rush Creek Group Camp in Maple Grove, MN. This unique spot offers the perfect solution for group camping, providing a secluded, rustic experience that feels miles away from the city, yet is incredibly convenient to access.

For us living in the Twin Cities metro area, finding a dedicated group camping spot that balances accessibility with a true "in the woods" feel can be a challenge. Rush Creek Group Camp stands out as a genuine hidden gem, highly praised by those who have discovered its charm. It’s a place where you can spread out, enjoy the tranquility of nature, and create shared memories without the usual hustle and bustle of individual campsites, making it an ideal choice for your next collective adventure in Minnesota.

Rush Creek Group Camp is located at 4GXR+M6, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA. While the provided address is a general Plus Code, it signifies its location within the Maple Grove area. Importantly, this group camp is generally understood to be part of or closely associated with Elm Creek Park Reserve, one of the largest and most diverse parks in the Three Rivers Park District system. This affiliation is crucial for accessibility and understanding the surrounding amenities.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rush Creek Group Camp's location is its seemingly contradictory nature: it's "right in the middle of town, but still secluded in the woods." For Minnesotans, this means an incredibly easy drive from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other nearby communities, minimizing travel time and maximizing your stay. Despite being within a developed area, the camp's specific placement ensures a genuine sense of privacy and immersion in a natural environment. The park system typically maintains good access roads, making it straightforward for multiple vehicles to reach the group camp site.

As a rustic group camp, Rush Creek Group Camp focuses on providing the foundational elements for a comfortable group outdoor experience. While it emphasizes a more traditional camping feel, it offers essential amenities to support your gathering:

• Group Capacity: Group camps are designed to accommodate a larger number of people than individual campsites. While a specific number isn't provided for Rush Creek, similar group camps in Three Rivers Park District often cater to capacities ranging from 25 to 50 people, making them ideal for larger gatherings.
• Plenty of Space to Spread Out: Reviewers highlight that the camp offers "plenty of space to spread out," which is crucial for larger groups. This allows for multiple tents, communal areas, and activities without feeling cramped.
• Rustic Charm: It is explicitly described as a "nice rustic group camp," implying a less developed setting compared to some full-service RV parks. This is a highlight for those seeking a more authentic, back-to-nature experience.
• Pit Toilets: The camp is equipped with "pit toilets." While some may prefer flush toilets, pit toilets are standard for many rustic group camps and are designed for functionality in a natural setting. Campers should be prepared with their own supplies if desired.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: It is typical for group campsites to include multiple picnic tables and a large fire ring (or multiple fire rings), providing essential facilities for cooking, eating, and enjoying campfires together.
• Designated Camping Area: Being a group camp means having a dedicated, reservable area specifically for your party, offering privacy and control over your space.

Rush Creek Group Camp offers several compelling features that make it an excellent choice for group camping in Minnesota:

• Secluded in the Woods, Yet Convenient: This is the standout highlight. The camp provides a genuine feeling of being "secluded in the woods" while being "right in the middle of town." This unique combination means you get the peace and quiet of nature without a long drive, a perfect balance for Minnesotans.
• Ample Space: The generous size of the group site allows for "plenty of space to spread out," making it comfortable for larger parties to set up multiple tents, organize games, or simply relax without feeling crowded.
• Rustic Charm for True Campers: For those who appreciate a more traditional and less commercial camping experience, the "rustic" nature of the camp is a definite plus. It allows for a more immersive and authentic connection with the outdoors.
• Excellent for Gatherings: The dedicated group spot makes it an "excellent weekend" destination for friends, families, or youth groups. It facilitates shared experiences and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.
• Proximity to Elm Creek Park Reserve Amenities: Although Rush Creek Group Camp itself is rustic, its likely association with Elm Creek Park Reserve (a major Three Rivers Park District property) means groups may have access to other park amenities within the reserve. Elm Creek boasts a vast trail system for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, a swimming pond, a nature center, and possibly other recreational facilities, providing "plenty to do" beyond the campsite.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being nestled in a wooded, natural area, the camp offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience for all ages.

As Rush Creek Group Camp is a specific site, likely managed by Three Rivers Park District (given its location in Maple Grove and the nature of group camps), direct contact is usually through the park district's general information or reservation lines. While a specific phone number for Rush Creek Group Camp isn't provided, you can typically reach the Three Rivers Park District for information and reservations:

• Address: 4GXR+M6, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA (For general Three Rivers Park District information, their main office is typically in Plymouth, but for park-specific inquiries, look for Elm Creek Park Reserve contact info.)
• Three Rivers Park District General Information: (763) 559-9000 (This is a general contact number for the park district which manages many regional parks, including Elm Creek Park Reserve).

For reservations, it's highly recommended to use the Three Rivers Park District's online reservation system or call their main line, as group camps are popular and often booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Confirming details like specific amenities, capacity limits, and reservation policies directly with the park district is always the best approach.

For us Minnesotans, Rush Creek Group Camp offers a truly ideal solution for gathering larger groups in a natural setting without the need for extensive travel. Its unique location in Maple Grove – being "right in the middle of town, but still secluded in the woods" – means that a genuine outdoor escape is remarkably accessible from anywhere in the Twin Cities metro area. This convenience is invaluable for organizing events where participants might be coming from various locations.

The core appeal lies in its designation as a "rustic group camp" with "plenty of space to spread out." This provides the perfect backdrop for memorable family reunions, scout camping trips, or any large gathering that values communal outdoor experiences over modern luxuries. While it features pit toilets, the emphasis is on the natural environment and the ample room for activities, which resonates with Minnesotans who appreciate authentic camping.

Furthermore, its likely connection to the extensive Elm Creek Park Reserve system means that while the camp itself is rustic, groups can potentially access a wealth of additional recreational opportunities within the broader park, such as miles of trails for hiking and biking, and other park amenities. This combination of seclusion, ample space, natural beauty, and extreme accessibility makes Rush Creek Group Camp a hidden gem and a prime choice for us locals looking to host unforgettable group adventures right here in our beloved Minnesota.

Rush Creek Group Camp

4GXR+M6, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA