Outdoor Group Campground

Are you a Wisconsin local planning a large family reunion, a scout troop outing, or a gathering of friends who love the outdoors? Look no further than the Outdoor Group Campground, nestled within the sprawling beauty of the Black River State Forest near Merrillan, Wisconsin. This unique campground offers an exceptional amount of space and a welcoming environment, specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, making it an ideal choice for group adventures in the heart of Wisconsin.

The Outdoor Group Campground provides a distinctive experience within the Wisconsin State Forest system. Unlike typical individual campsites, this area offers an expansive setting, perfect for those who desire room to roam, set up multiple tents, and truly enjoy a communal outdoor experience. While it retains a rustic charm, it provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. It's a place where memories are made, laughter echoes through the trees, and the beauty of Wisconsin’s diverse landscape provides an unforgettable backdrop for your next group outing.

The Outdoor Group Campground is located in Merrillan, WI 54754, USA, within the northern part of the Black River State Forest. Its specific address isn't a street number, but rather its presence on Campground Road, near the East Fork family campground and southeast of Hatfield. This positioning makes it a secluded yet highly accessible destination for groups traveling from various parts of Wisconsin.

The Black River State Forest is known for its extensive network of roads and trails, making navigation to the group campground relatively straightforward, even for those with large vehicles or trailers. The nearby communities of Merrillan and Hatfield offer convenient access to basic supplies, fuel, and other necessities, ensuring that your group can easily restock if needed. The beauty of its location lies in its ability to offer a genuine wilderness feel while still being within reasonable driving distance for many Wisconsin residents. This strategic placement ensures that your group can easily arrive and immediately begin to enjoy the vast natural resources of the Black River State Forest.

The Outdoor Group Campground is designed to facilitate a comfortable and functional experience for large groups, providing core amenities that support communal outdoor living. While it maintains a rustic feel, it offers key conveniences.

• Expansive Group Site: This campground is noted for being "huge," offering significant space that one reviewer joked could host a "county fair." It is designed to accommodate up to approximately 30 campers and 12 vehicles officially, providing ample room for tents, gathering areas, and parking for multiple camping units.

• Clean Outhouse Facilities: The campground features a "clean outhouse," which is a crucial amenity for group camping, ensuring basic sanitary needs are met in a well-maintained manner.

• Well-Laid-Out Firepits: Multiple firepits are typically available and are described as "well laid out," facilitating communal campfires for warmth, cooking, and social gatherings.

• Potable Water Access: While water systems in state parks can be weather-dependent and might be shut off in colder months (approximately Oct. 1 through May 15), the site generally provides access to drinking water. As one review noted, in some instances, campers may need to drive to nearby areas like Hatfield for water if the on-site supply is seasonal.

• Former Horse Camp Design: The site's past as a horse camp means it was originally designed with "pads for horse trailers and space to move around on horseback." While it might not be a dedicated horse camp currently, this legacy means the layout is inherently spacious and accommodating for various large setups.

• Easy In and Out Access: The campground is designed for easy entry and exit, accommodating larger vehicles and making it less cumbersome for groups with multiple cars and trailers.

• Showers (Nearby): While the group site itself does not have showers, clean showers are available at the nearby Jackson County Campground (a couple of miles west in Hatfield) for a small fee (25 cents per minute). This provides a convenient option for those seeking a more refreshing clean-up.

The Outdoor Group Campground's key features stem from its vast size and its integration into the rich natural landscape of the Black River State Forest, offering a blend of spaciousness and wilderness appeal.

• Exceptional Space: The most prominent feature is the sheer size of the group site, providing abundant room for large gatherings without feeling cramped. This allows for various activities, multiple tent setups, and comfortable social distancing if desired.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Visitors frequently report seeing local wildlife. One reviewer mentioned "deer grazing every night, once during the day after a nap," highlighting the immersive nature experience.

• Access to Black River State Forest: Being part of the Black River State Forest grants direct access to a vast network of outdoor recreational opportunities. This includes over 100 miles of ATV trails, a popular attraction in the region, as well as hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails.

• Versatility for Group Activities: The large open play area and spacious layout make it suitable for various group activities, from team-building exercises to informal sports and games.

• Rustic Charm: The campground offers a genuinely rustic camping experience, appealing to those who prefer a more natural setting over highly developed facilities.

• Proximity to Lake Arbutus: Located close to Hatfield, the campground provides easy access to Lake Arbutus, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming.

• Peaceful Setting (Generally): While group sites can be lively, the overall natural surroundings and spaciousness often contribute to a sense of peace, allowing groups to enjoy their privacy and the quiet of the forest.

As a Wisconsin State Forest group campground, the Outdoor Group Campground operates under a fixed fee structure set by the Wisconsin DNR. Specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered. However, groups can benefit from the inherent value of booking a large, dedicated site that accommodates many people for a single fee, often proving more cost-effective than booking multiple individual campsites.

A key consideration for locals is the Wisconsin State Parks and Forest Vehicle Admission Sticker. While entry to the county park for showers may involve a small fee (though sometimes waived with a state park sticker, as noted by a reviewer), having an annual sticker is highly recommended for frequent visitors to any Wisconsin State Park or Forest, providing unlimited access and savings over daily fees. Reservations for group sites are highly encouraged, especially for popular weekends, and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Wisconsin DNR reservation system. Check the official Wisconsin DNR website for current rates and booking availability.

To inquire about availability, make reservations, or learn more about the Outdoor Group Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: Merrillan, WI 54754, USA (located within the Black River State Forest, near Campground Road)

Phone: (608) 266-8204 (This is the general contact for the Wisconsin DNR, which manages state forest campgrounds. For direct inquiries about the Black River State Forest specifically, you might also try the local property office number, which is often around 715-284-4103).

Mobile Phone: +1 608-266-8204

For the most accurate and detailed information, including the online reservation portal for Wisconsin State Parks and Forests, it is highly recommended to visit the official Wisconsin DNR website and navigate to the Black River State Forest's camping section. This resource provides comprehensive details on the group camp, including specific amenities, reservation policies, and any seasonal alerts (like water shut-offs).

For Wisconsin residents, the Outdoor Group Campground in the Black River State Forest is an exceptional resource for planning large-scale outdoor gatherings. Its immense size and capacity make it uniquely suited for family reunions, youth group trips, or any large assembly seeking a shared outdoor experience without feeling confined. The "lots of space" ensures privacy and flexibility for diverse group activities, from setting up multiple tents to simply enjoying room to breathe.

The practical amenities, such as a clean outhouse and ample firepits, combined with the convenience of nearby shower access in Hatfield, streamline the logistics of group camping. Furthermore, the inherent opportunities for wildlife viewing, like deer grazing, and direct access to the vast trail system of the Black River State Forest (ideal for ATV enthusiasts, hikers, and bikers) mean there's never a dull moment. While it’s important to be aware of seasonal water availability, this campground offers a fantastic, cost-effective, and memorable way for Wisconsin communities to gather and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of their home state. It's a place where shared experiences are amplified by the expansive natural surroundings, creating lasting memories for groups large and small.