Cottonwood Group Campground

For Minnesotans planning a large family gathering, a youth group outing, or any event requiring ample space and dedicated facilities, Cottonwood Group Campground in New Ulm presents a truly unique and practical solution. Situated within the beautiful and historically rich Flandrau State Park, this campground offers a distinct advantage for groups, combining the serenity of nature with the convenience of purpose-built amenities. It's a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and the spaciousness allows everyone to feel comfortable, even with a crowd.

Cottonwood Group Campground isn't your typical individual campsite setup; it's designed specifically with larger parties in mind. This focus ensures that big groups have the resources and space they need to enjoy their time together, whether it’s for a family reunion, a club retreat, or a special event. The campground's location within Flandrau State Park adds an extra layer of appeal, providing access to stunning natural landscapes and a fascinating historical context. While some might whisper about its "haunted" history, most agree on its quiet ambiance and excellent group facilities, making it a highly suitable and memorable choice for group camping in Minnesota.

Cottonwood Group Campground is precisely located at 14316 215th St, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA. This address places it squarely within the scenic confines of Flandrau State Park, just outside the charming city of New Ulm, Minnesota. This location is particularly advantageous for Minnesotans, as New Ulm is a well-known regional hub with a distinct German heritage and various local attractions, making it a convenient and interesting base for a group camping trip.

Accessibility to Cottonwood Group Campground is straightforward. The state park is well-marked and can be reached via major state highways that lead into the New Ulm area. Once inside Flandrau State Park, clear signage will direct groups to the dedicated Cottonwood Group Campground area. Its proximity to New Ulm means that groups can easily access local services, grocery stores, and even a few dining options for supplies or a break from camp cooking. This balance of natural seclusion within a state park and easy access to a nearby town makes Cottonwood Group Campground an incredibly practical and appealing option for Minnesotans organizing large gatherings, ensuring both a feeling of escape and essential conveniences are close at hand.

Cottonwood Group Campground is specifically tailored to accommodate larger groups, offering a range of amenities designed to facilitate gatherings:

• Dedicated Group Facilities: The campground boasts excellent facilities for big groups, including a "kitchen and hall." This typically implies a communal building with cooking capabilities, ample counter space, and a large area for dining, meetings, or indoor activities, which is invaluable for group coordination and comfort.

• Spacious Cabins: Reviews mention "lots of space in the cabins," indicating that the campground offers cabins for overnight stays. These cabins are likely rustic but designed to comfortably sleep multiple individuals, providing a more structured lodging option than tents for some group members.

• Vault Toilets: While not explicitly stated for Cottonwood Group Campground, state park group camps often feature dedicated vault toilets or access to a central restroom facility for group use.

• Camping Space: Beyond cabins, there is undoubtedly ample outdoor space for tents, allowing groups to spread out and enjoy the natural environment.

• Quiet Environment: Despite being a group camp, reviewers describe it as a "quiet place," suggesting that while it accommodates larger parties, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere, likely due to its secluded setting within the park.

• Fire Rings and Picnic Areas: It is standard for group campsites to include communal fire rings for bonfires and multiple picnic tables or designated dining areas to accommodate a large number of people for meals and gatherings.

• Ideal for Large Groups: The primary highlight is its suitability for big groups, offering facilities like a kitchen and hall that are specifically designed for communal use, making it perfect for family reunions, club events, or organizational retreats.

• Spacious Cabins: The availability of cabins with "lots of space" provides a comfortable and convenient lodging option, especially beneficial for those who prefer not to tent camp or for varying comfort levels within a group.

• Historic Site Location (Flandrau State Park): Being within Flandrau State Park itself is a major draw. The park is a "beautiful historic site," offering educational and exploratory opportunities alongside camping. This includes exploring the remnants of the historic Fort Ridgely (though Fort Ridgely is a separate state park, Flandrau also has its own history and features, potentially related to its own historical significance or the river valley it's in).

• Quiet Ambiance: Despite catering to groups, the campground is noted for being a "quiet place," suggesting a serene environment conducive to relaxation and bonding.

• Nature Immersion: The campground is set within a natural environment, implied by the "beautiful historic site" and general state park setting. This offers opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, perhaps with access to hiking trails within Flandrau State Park.

• Unique Experience: One review playfully mentions it being "Haunted at night" by "POW ghosts," adding a unique, albeit spooky, anecdotal highlight that some groups might find intriguing or entertaining. (Note: This is a humorous, informal observation by a camper, not a factual claim from the park.)

As Cottonwood Group Campground is part of Flandrau State Park, which is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specific ongoing "promotions" in the commercial sense are generally not offered. Instead, pricing is standardized for state park group campsites. However, there are ways Minnesotans can consider their booking for value:

• Standardized State Park Rates: Group campsites typically have a flat fee per night or a per-person fee with a minimum, which can be very cost-effective when divided among a large group. Always check the current rates on the Minnesota DNR website for Flandrau State Park.

• Off-Season Bookings: While less likely for group camps, sometimes state parks might have slightly reduced rates or more availability during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) compared to peak summer weekends. This is also when the "lack of cooling" might be less of a con, as noted in a review.

• Annual State Parks Pass: For groups where many members frequently visit Minnesota State Parks, purchasing an annual Minnesota State Parks and Trails vehicle permit can save money on daily entrance fees for vehicles entering the park during their stay.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking, pricing, and any special events or programs that might be running at Flandrau State Park during your desired dates, it is always best to consult the official Minnesota DNR website or contact the park office directly.

For reservations, inquiries, or to obtain more detailed information about Cottonwood Group Campground within Flandrau State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 14316 215th St, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA

General Flandrau State Park Office Phone: While a direct line for Cottonwood Group Campground isn't publicly distinct, general inquiries and reservations for group camps within Minnesota State Parks are typically handled by the park office. A good starting point would be to search for the main phone number for Flandrau State Park or the Minnesota DNR's general reservations line. For Flandrau State Park, the typical phone number for the office would be found on the Minnesota DNR website.

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for large group sites during peak season (late spring through early fall), as these specialized facilities tend to book up quickly.

For Minnesotans planning large-scale gatherings, Cottonwood Group Campground in New Ulm emerges as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended option. Its primary advantage is its design specifically for groups, offering purpose-built facilities like a "kitchen and hall" and "spacious cabins" that are invaluable for accommodating many people comfortably. This makes it a stress-free choice for family reunions, club outings, or any event where ample communal space and integrated lodging are essential.

The campground's location within the beautiful and historically significant Flandrau State Park further enhances its appeal, providing a natural and educational backdrop for group activities. While some might jokingly mention its "haunted" reputation, the overriding consensus points to a "quiet place" where groups can truly bond and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. For locals, this means convenient access to a unique group camping experience without having to travel too far from home. It offers a balance of nature immersion and practical amenities for large parties, ensuring that Minnesotans can create lasting memories in a setting that is both accommodating and rich in character. Though a reviewer noted potential ventilation issues, particularly in warmer months, indicating a preference for fall visits, this actually highlights its suitability for comfortable group gatherings during the crisp, beautiful autumn season in Minnesota.