Maplewood Group Camp

- G383+PX, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

For Minnesotans planning a family reunion, a scout retreat, or a large friends’ getaway, finding a campground that offers both ample space and genuine seclusion is a rare find. The Maplewood Group Camp, nestled within the picturesque Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids, offers the ideal solution. It is specifically designed to host large gatherings while providing a feeling of being deep in the wilderness, away from the more bustling main campgrounds.

Located in the heart of Otter Tail County, a region famous for its rolling Leaf Mountains, hardwood forests, and abundance of clean, clear lakes, Maplewood State Park is a jewel of west-central Minnesota. The Group Camp leverages this pristine natural setting, providing a dedicated space where large groups can truly relax, connect, and immerse themselves in the state’s natural beauty. It's a space where the atmosphere is inherently relaxing—as one visitor noted, simply a place for "Relaxing" and “Trout fishing.”

Unlike standard campsites, the Maplewood Group Camp is built for scale, offering a sizable central open area ideal for games and activities, surrounded by a natural tree line that provides both shade and privacy. This setup ensures your group can enjoy its time together without feeling cramped or disruptive to others, making it a highly desirable destination for locals who value a dedicated, private outdoor experience. By choosing a State Park location, campers also gain access to an incredible network of trails, lakes, and conservation areas, guaranteeing an adventure-filled stay.

The Maplewood Group Camp is situated deep within the expansive and beautiful Maplewood State Park. The park itself is located in Otter Tail County, renowned as the “Lakes Country” of Minnesota.

The official park mailing address is:

39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA

The Group Camp itself is found at the coordinates associated with the park, which local users can pinpoint with the provided code: G383+PX, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA. It's important for groups to note that the camp is intentionally situated in a highly secluded area. Reviews confirm it is “nestled between two lakes not far from the boat access,” suggesting a location near Beers Lake and/or Bass Lake, both of which are major features of the park.

Accessibility requires driving a short distance from the main park entrance, which is about 7 miles east of the town of Pelican Rapids off State Highway 108. The secluded nature means that while the main park entrance is easily accessible, the Group Camp itself offers a truly private, drive-in site feel. This sense of being ‘away from it all’ is a major selling point for large groups seeking an uninterrupted retreat. Proximity to Pelican Rapids means that emergency supplies or last-minute provisions are never far, offering the perfect blend of ruggedness and convenience for Minnesota travelers.

As a designated State Park Group Camp, the focus of amenities is on providing the necessary infrastructure to support a large party while maintaining the rustic, natural feel of the location. These services are specifically designed for communal, self-sufficient group use:

• Ample Campsite Capacity: The site is built for large groups, reportedly able to accommodate up to 30 people, ensuring sufficient space for tents, gear, and gathering.
• Dedicated Pit Toilet: A vital service for the secluded location, the camp includes a designated pit toilet on-site for convenience. (Note: The main campground with flush toilets and hot showers is a drive or long walk away, underscoring the secluded nature of the group area).
• Water Access: While the site is primitive, the park generally provides drinking water sources at the main campground and access to water for cooking and cleaning in the vicinity (groups should confirm if potable water is directly available at the group site or requires transport from the main facility).
• Fire Ring and Picnic Tables: Essential for any memorable camping experience, the site is equipped with communal fire rings for cooking and campfires, along with picnic tables suitable for a large gathering.
• Direct Trail Access: A key service is the hiking trails running right off the campground, providing immediate outdoor recreation opportunities without requiring a drive.

The Maplewood Group Camp’s appeal to the local Minnesota population is centered on its distinctive features that deliver an unparalleled natural and communal experience:

• Unmatched Seclusion and Size: The Group Camp is praised for being “very secluded” and a “good size,” offering a large, private area with open space surrounded by trees—an ideal setting for large family functions, retreats, or youth groups.
• The Fall Color Spectacle: Maplewood State Park is world-renowned in Minnesota for its brilliant autumn colors. The abundance of sugar maple, oak, and basswood trees means that late September and early October visits are treated to one of the most stunning natural displays in the state.
• Exceptional Trout Fishing: The nearby waters, particularly Bass Lake, are managed for rainbow trout, providing excellent "Trout fishing" opportunities for anglers right near the campsite. Beers Lake is also managed for Muskellunge.
• Extensive Trail System: With over 25 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of horse trails winding through the park's rolling hills, the Group Camp serves as a direct gateway to exploration and outdoor adventure for all skill levels.
• Abundant Water Recreation: With eight major lakes and many ponds, groups have access to fishing piers (like the one on Beers Lake), boat ramps, and a swimming beach on South Lida Lake, all within the State Park boundaries.

The Maplewood Group Camp is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of Maplewood State Park. For reservations, current fees, and specific details about the Group Camp (such as max capacity and seasonal restrictions), groups must contact the main park office.

Address: 39721 Park Entrance Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA (Main Park Office)

Phone: (218) 863-8383

Park reservations, including those for the Group Camp, are typically made through the Minnesota DNR’s online reservation system or by phone.

For Minnesota residents, the Maplewood Group Camp is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it's an investment in a memorable, large-scale, private outdoor experience. The camp is perfectly suited for locals because it answers a specific need: a dedicated, sizable space that allows a large group to feel completely secluded while remaining within an amenity-rich State Park system. The intentional design, featuring a large, secluded core area and direct access to some of the finest natural features in Otter Tail County, including excellent hiking and trout fishing, makes it a premier destination.

Minnesotans appreciate the value of the State Park system, which guarantees well-maintained trails, protected natural resources, and a focus on conservation. By reserving the Maplewood Group Camp, local families, clubs, and organizations secure a private sanctuary surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Leaf Mountains, especially during the legendary fall color season. It’s the ideal base to launch a day of adventure on the trails or lakes, followed by a quiet, communal evening around a fire under the stars. For a truly undisturbed and naturally enriching group retreat in Minnesota’s Lakes Country, this highly-rated, secluded camp remains the top choice.

Maplewood Group Camp

G383+PX, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA