Group Camp, Bigfork, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota families, organizations, or large friend groups planning a truly memorable North Woods getaway, the Group Camp at Scenic State Park offers a unique and highly sought-after destination. Located in one of Minnesota's most beloved State Parks, this facility provides a perfect balance of rustic wilderness charm and essential amenities to accommodate a large gathering. The camp is not simply a collection of individual sites; it is a dedicated, isolated area designed for a single large party, ensuring privacy and an unparalleled sense of seclusion.

Scenic State Park, established in 1921 to protect its towering virgin pine forests, is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. The Group Camp allows users to fully experience this wilderness atmosphere while having the space and dedicated facilities needed for an event. Users consistently praise the site for its massive size and the feeling of having a whole section of the park to themselves. Positioned right on the water, the Group Camp provides exceptional lake access and stunning views, making it an ideal central hub for a group adventure in the Bigfork area.

Location and Accessibility

The Group Camp is located within the boundaries of Scenic State Park, a cherished gem in north-central Minnesota. The park's general address is 56709 Scenic Hwy, Bigfork, MN 56628, USA. This places the camp approximately seven miles east of the town of Bigfork, off County Road 7 (Scenic Highway 7).

While the park itself is easily accessible via paved and maintained county roads, the Group Camp site is notably isolated from the main park campgrounds (Chase Point and Lodge Campground). This isolation is a key feature, providing a level of privacy necessary for large groups. Access to the Group Camp is generally via a dedicated road or spur trail. Although secluded, the site is large enough to accommodate vehicles, and the park’s main amenities, such as the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Lodge, swimming beach, and boat launches, are a short drive or hike away, ensuring you can enjoy both solitude and full park access.

Services Offered

The Group Camp at Scenic State Park is a rustic facility designed to support a sizable gathering with key foundational services.

Dedicated Campsite: The facility is a single, large site reserved for one group, offering maximum space and exclusivity. The terrain is very large, featuring multiple clearings suitable for setting up numerous tents or RVs.
Power Access: The site is equipped with some electrical hookup spots, a significant advantage for a rustic group camp that allows for charging devices, running medical equipment, or basic lighting.
Sanitation: Vault toilets are provided within the group camp area, conveniently located to serve the large site.
Water Access: Potable drinking water is available within the park system, and campers should confirm the closest available source for the isolated Group Camp at the time of reservation.
Site Furnishings: The camp is equipped with essentials for group gathering, including picnic tables and fire rings/pits, making it easy to prepare group meals and enjoy a campfire.
Fishing Pier: A dedicated fishing pier on Lake of the Isles is located directly at the Group Camp, providing excellent, convenient access for anglers in the group.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of the Scenic State Park Group Camp lies in its unique combination of size, location, and key amenities that cater specifically to larger parties.

Total Seclusion: The Group Camp is intentionally located away from the main Chase Point and Lodge campgrounds. This ensures that your group can enjoy loud activities, gatherings, and a late-night campfire without disturbing other park visitors, and vice-versa.
Waterfront Location on Lake of the Isles: The site is situated right on the shores of Lake of the Isles, a smaller, quieter lake in the park, offering fantastic views and immediate water access. The fishing pier is a major asset for group recreation.
Canoe and Boat Rentals: Visitors can take advantage of the park's rental programs, which typically include canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, offering an easy way for the group to explore the park's pristine, undeveloped lakeshores.
Proximity to Virgin Pine Forests: The Group Camp is an excellent base for hiking the park's famed trails, including the Chase Point Trail—an esker that features stunning views and towering stands of virgin white and red pines—the very trees the park was established to protect.
DNR Oversight: The camp is managed by the Minnesota DNR, which ensures the maintenance and safety of the facilities, and provides ranger support to manage the site (as noted by a customer review) to ensure only authorized group members are present.

Contact Information

Reservations for the Group Camp at Scenic State Park are highly recommended and are managed through the Minnesota DNR’s State Park Reservation system. Direct contact for specific information about the facility can be made with the park office.

Address: 56709 Scenic Hwy, Bigfork, MN 56628, USA (The official park address is 56956 Scenic Highway 7, Bigfork, MN 56628)

Phone: Park Office: (218) 743-3362 (For local park inquiries and information on the site)

Reservations: Booking for the Group Camp is generally handled via the statewide Minnesota DNR reservation system, which is crucial due to the single, high-demand nature of the site.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Group Camp at Scenic State Park is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals looking for a seamless, private, and stunning venue for a large outdoor gathering. State Park Group Camps are a unique and highly valued component of the Minnesota State Park system, offering an affordable and accessible way for extended families, school groups, or clubs to gather in a shared outdoor setting. Unlike reserving several smaller, adjacent campsites, the Group Camp provides one expansive, dedicated area where your party can operate as a single unit without the constraints of typical campground rules regarding noise or space.

For Minnesota residents who treasure the state's natural beauty, the Group Camp offers a premium wilderness experience—complete with direct lake access and the majestic backdrop of virgin pine—but with the peace of mind that comes from having a dedicated site and the support of the State Park system. It represents one of the best ways for local groups to connect with the authentic North Woods experience in a beautiful, protected, and fully private setting.