Group Camp

For Minnesotans looking to organize a memorable outdoor gathering, whether it's a family reunion, a youth group outing, or a corporate retreat, finding the right venue can be a challenge. That's where "Group Camp" at Sibley State Park in New London, MN, stands out. This isn't your typical individual campsite; instead, it's a dedicated facility within one of Minnesota's most beloved state parks, specifically designed to accommodate larger groups. Offering a unique blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, Group Camp provides an ideal setting for collective outdoor experiences, allowing groups to create lasting memories amidst the stunning natural beauty of West-Central Minnesota.

Group Camp is nestled within the expansive Sibley State Park, located in New London, MN 56273, USA. While the specific address provided, 8XH4+5V, is a Plus Code (a geographic code for locations), the park's main address is 800 Sibley Park Road NE, New London, MN 56273. Sibley State Park is situated in a picturesque region characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and several serene lakes, including Lake Andrew. Its location offers a perfect balance of seclusion for your group event while still being conveniently accessible for locals across Minnesota. It's approximately 51 minutes from St. Cloud, about 1 hour and 44 minutes from Minneapolis, and around 2 hours from Mankato, making it a viable drive for many residents across the state. The journey to the park sets the tone for a nature-filled escape, leading you through scenic Minnesota landscapes before arriving at your group's dedicated retreat.

Group Camp at Sibley State Park offers diverse services to cater to different group sizes and preferences, from more primitive tent camping for smaller groups to a fully equipped group center for larger gatherings.

• Primitive Group Tent Campsites (3 Sites):

  • Site 1: Accommodates up to 30 people.
  • Site 2: Accommodates up to 50 people.
  • Site 3: Accommodates up to 20 people.
  • Each site is shaded and includes fire rings, picnic tables, running water, and vault toilets. These sites are designated for tents only.

• Modern Group Center (Accommodates up to 105 people overnight; 236 for day use):

  • Sleeping Quarters: Seven bunkhouses, each sleeping 14 people (two rooms with three bunkbeds and a middle room with one bunkbed, including one bunkbed with a full bed under a twin). These bunkhouses have electricity but no heat or air conditioning.
  • Staff Quarters: A split-level house sleeping 14 in twin beds, with four bedrooms, a living room, a half bath, and two full bathrooms with individual showers.
  • Dining Hall: A mess/dining hall featuring a commercial kitchen, walk-in cooler, dishwasher, and dining area with rustic tables and benches. The kitchen is equipped with cookware, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils to serve 105 people, along with a commercial stove (two ovens, six burners, griddle), microwave, and stainless steel work/serving tables. Two window air conditioners are available in the dining hall.
  • Craft Hall: A one-room building with tables, chairs, and many windows, suitable for various activities like dancing, arts and crafts, or presentations.
  • Modern Bathroom Building: Separate bathroom and shower rooms for men and women.
  • Outdoor Amphitheater: Perfect for presentations, performances, or campfire programs.
  • Other Amenities: Includes a fire ring, picnic tables, grill, and volleyball court.

• Vehicle Permits: All parked vehicles are required to have a Minnesota state park vehicle permit.

• Firewood: Firewood can be purchased from the park office. It's important to note that burning non-local firewood is against Minnesota state law and can spread invasive species.

• Naturalist Programs: Groups of ten or more may request free naturalist programming, depending on staff availability, to learn more about the park's natural and cultural resources.

Group Camp at Sibley State Park offers several unique features and highlights that make it a premier choice for group outings in Minnesota:

• Dedicated Group Facilities: Unlike standard campgrounds, Group Camp is specifically designed for large groups, providing the infrastructure for comfortable communal living and activities, including dedicated sleeping barracks, a commercial kitchen, and a dining hall.

• Access to Sibley State Park Amenities: Guests at Group Camp have full access to all the features of Sibley State Park. This includes miles of hiking trails (over 18 miles), including the popular hike to Mount Tom, one of the highest points in the region, offering panoramic views of forests, farmlands, prairies, and lakes. The park also boasts a swimming beach, fishing pier, and boat rentals on Lake Andrew (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards).

• Diverse Ecosystems: Sibley State Park is known for its rich mosaic of colorful prairies, hills, lush hardwood forests, bountiful wetlands, and clear lakes. This diversity provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching (over 206 species recorded), wildlife viewing, and nature photography.

• Educational Opportunities: The availability of naturalist programs, particularly for groups of ten or more, adds an educational dimension to the outdoor experience, allowing participants to learn about the local flora, fauna, and park history.

• Seasonal Availability: The modern group center is available seasonally, between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, while the primitive group camp sites are open from approximately April 30 to November 1, allowing for varied group scheduling.

• Convenient Location for Regional Access: Its central location in West-Central Minnesota, while offering a sense of escape, remains within reasonable driving distance for major metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities and St. Cloud.

• Peaceful Environment: The park's setting provides a tranquil backdrop for group activities, fostering an environment conducive to team-building, relaxation, and reconnection with nature.

As a facility within a Minnesota State Park, "Group Camp" at Sibley State Park operates under the pricing and reservation structure of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails. Specific promotions in the commercial sense are not typically offered. However, the value lies in its structured pricing for groups:

• Overnight Fee for Group Center: Priced at $410 + tax per night for up to 82 campers, with an additional $5 + tax per person per night for over 82 campers. This minimum charge provides a clear cost structure for large groups.

• Day Use Fee for Group Center: $250 + tax, including utilities, for day use. Pre- or post-camp time for program leaders to prepare or break down the space is billed at the daily rate, applicable if less than 10% of the group is on site.

• Primitive Group Campsite Rates: Ranging from $50 - $75 per night, depending on the site and capacity.

It is always recommended to check the official Minnesota DNR website for Sibley State Park or contact the park directly for the most current pricing, availability, and reservation policies, as these can be subject to change seasonally or annually.

To inquire about reservations or for more detailed information about Group Camp at Sibley State Park, use the following contact information:

• Address: 800 Sibley Park Road NE, New London, MN 56273, USA

• Phone: (320) 347-7810 (Direct line for Sibley State Park)

• Email: sibley.statepark@state.mn.us

Please note that the group center cannot be reserved through the general Minnesota state park reservation system; you must call the park directly to make a reservation up to one year in advance. For emergencies during your stay, a phone number for the group center mess hall is available (320-354-2092) or the main park office during hours.

For Minnesota locals, Group Camp at Sibley State Park is an exceptional choice for group outdoor experiences. Its distinct advantage lies in its specialized facilities, offering a structured yet natural environment for large gatherings that individual campsites simply cannot provide. Whether you're organizing a family reunion, a youth church camp, a scouting trip, or an educational outdoor program, the varied accommodations from primitive tent sites to the comprehensive Group Center with its commercial kitchen and bunkhouses cater to diverse needs and budgets. The park's central location in West-Central Minnesota makes it accessible for many residents across the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing recreational opportunities. The wealth of activities within Sibley State Park itself – from hiking Mount Tom and birdwatching to swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Andrew – ensures that every member of the group, regardless of age or interest, will find something to enjoy. This dedicated group facility within a cherished state park provides a perfect setting for building camaraderie, making memories, and truly experiencing Minnesota's beautiful outdoors together.