Parker Scout Reservation, Nisswa, MN

For Minnesotans seeking an adventurous and unique outdoor experience, particularly for youth groups, Parker Scout Reservation in Nisswa offers a truly special destination. Established in 1941 by Clyde Parker, this expansive 256-acre wooded camp is more than just a place to set up a tent; it's a dynamic environment designed for learning, exploration, and creating unforgettable memories. While deeply rooted in Scouting traditions, Parker Scout Reservation extends its remarkable facilities and picturesque setting to a variety of youth groups, making it an excellent option for school trips, church groups, and other organized youth programs looking for an enriching outdoor adventure in the heart of Minnesota.

What truly sets Parker Scout Reservation apart is its blend of rustic natural beauty with surprisingly unique features, most notably the impressive "Miller Medieval Castle." This and other dedicated facilities provide a comfortable and engaging base for a wide range of activities, from traditional camping and water sports on North Long Lake to specialized programs like shooting sports and nature exploration. Visitors consistently praise the "amazing camp," its "well maintained" grounds, and the "very helpful staff," highlighting a commitment to quality and service that ensures a positive experience for all.

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Parker Scout Reservation. We’ll delve into its picturesque location on North Long Lake, its accessibility for groups, the comprehensive services and diverse features it offers, and why this special place is perfectly suited for Minnesota's youth groups looking to foster teamwork, learn new skills, and connect with nature in an inspiring setting. If you’re organizing an outing for a youth organization and want an experience that goes beyond the ordinary campground, read on to discover the magic of Parker Scout Reservation.

Parker Scout Reservation is precisely located at 21930 Paradise Dr N, Nisswa, MN 56468, USA. This address places it just north of Brainerd, directly on the shores of North Long Lake in Crow Wing County. The Brainerd Lakes Area is one of Minnesota's most popular vacation destinations, renowned for its extensive network of lakes, vast forests, and a plethora of recreational opportunities.

The accessibility of Parker Scout Reservation is a significant advantage for groups traveling from across Minnesota. Nisswa is conveniently located along major state highways, making the drive from various parts of the state, including the Twin Cities metropolitan area (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours' drive), straightforward and manageable. While the camp is nestled on "Paradise Drive N," suggesting a secluded and peaceful setting, its proximity to main roads ensures that buses and larger vehicles typically used for group transport can reach the facility with ease.

Being on North Long Lake provides direct access to water-based activities, which are often a highlight of any camp experience. The surrounding area offers a true "Up North" feel with its wooded acreage, providing ample opportunities for hiking, nature exploration, and enjoying the serene beauty of the Minnesota wilderness. Despite its serene natural environment, the camp is still within a reasonable distance of Brainerd and Nisswa, allowing for access to essential supplies or emergency services if needed. This blend of remote natural beauty and practical accessibility makes Parker Scout Reservation an excellent choice for youth groups from all corners of Minnesota.

Services Offered at Parker Scout Reservation:

Year-Round Availability: The reservation is available for use by Scout groups and non-Scout youth groups throughout the year.
Various Accommodations: Offers a range of indoor and outdoor accommodations, including several campsites, cabins, and a dining lodge with bunk rooms.
Dining Services: Features a full-service kitchen and a large dining room in the Miller Medieval Castle, and likely other dining facilities. Reviews highlight "top notch" food.
Shower Houses: A summer shower house capable of handling large groups is available.
Trading Post: An on-site trading post for snacks, souvenirs, and supplies.
Program Support: Provides support for various outdoor activities endorsed by Scouting America, with staff assistance in program areas.
Youth Protection Training: Emphasizes the importance of adult leaders having current Youth Protection Training (for Scout groups).
First Aid and Safety Protocols: Adherence to safety and emergency procedures for all campers.
Customizable Programs: Costs and program support are negotiable depending on the group's requirements, suggesting flexibility in tailoring experiences.
Registration Support: Online registration system with detailed instructions for booking.

Features and Highlights of Parker Scout Reservation:

The Miller Medieval Castle: A truly unique and impressive feature, built with Cub Scout camps in mind. It includes a large meeting hall, separate restrooms and showers for boys/girls and men/women, two large bunk rooms (sleeping 32 each), and separate adult sleeping quarters. It's heated and air-conditioned for year-round use.
North Long Lake Access: Direct access to North Long Lake with a sandy beach, providing opportunities for swimming and waterfront activities.
Gun and Archery Ranges: Dedicated facilities for shooting sports, offering supervised instruction and activities.
Nature Trails: Extensive nature trails for hiking and exploration, complete with a nature trail guide.
Variety of Campsites and Cabins: Numerous wooded campsites and cabins offer diverse lodging options.
Family Camp Area: A designated family camp area for specific programs.
Dining Lodge: A central dining facility for group meals.
Quiet and Scenic Setting: Described as a "beautiful scenic special place" and "quiet," offering a serene environment for outdoor activities.
Experienced Staff: Reviewers praise the "very helpful staff" and "excellent camp and staff," indicating a high level of service and expertise.
Year-Round Activities: Offers programs and opportunities for outdoor activities in all seasons, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
Proximity to Paul Bunyan Bike Trail: Close access to this popular recreational trail.

Promotions or Special Offers:

Parker Scout Reservation, being primarily a facility for Scout groups and other youth organizations, typically structures its pricing based on group size, duration of stay, and the level of program support requested. It is not generally a commercial campground offering public promotions in the traditional sense. However, the "special offers" often come in the form of:

Reasonable and Negotiable Costs: The camp emphasizes that costs are "reasonable and negotiable depending on the facilities and program support your group requires." This flexibility allows groups to tailor their experience to their budget.
Inclusion of Activities: Fees for programs often include access to a wide range of activities such as archery, BB guns, waterfront activities, and nature exploration, providing comprehensive value.
Fundraising Opportunities: For Scout groups, the Central Minnesota Council offers various fundraising opportunities, like popcorn sales, to help Scouts earn their way to camp.

For the most accurate and current information on pricing for non-Scout youth groups, specific program offerings, and any potential group-specific discounts, it is essential to contact the Central Minnesota Council, BSA, directly. They can discuss customized packages and provide detailed quotes based on your group's needs and the desired dates of your visit.

Contact Information:

For reservations, program inquiries, or to learn more about bringing your Scout group or non-Scout youth organization to Parker Scout Reservation, please use the following contact details for the Central Minnesota Council, Boy Scouts of America, which manages the reservation:

Address: 21930 Paradise Dr N, Nisswa, MN 56468, USA (for the reservation itself)

For General Inquiries and Reservations (Central Minnesota Council, BSA):

Phone: (320) 251-3930

Toll-Free Phone: (866) 515-3930

Mailing Address: 1191 Scout Drive, Sartell, MN 56377 (Council Office)

Website: www.bsacmc.org (Check the Parker Scout Camp section for the most current information)

Parker Scout Reservation is uniquely suitable for Minnesotans, particularly those involved with or organizing youth groups, due to its exceptional blend of natural beauty, diverse activities, and dedicated facilities. Its focus on providing an enriching outdoor experience, aligned with the values of Scouting, means it offers a safe, structured, and engaging environment for young people to grow, learn, and have fun. The ability for non-Scout youth groups to utilize this amazing resource is a significant advantage for schools, church groups, and other organizations seeking a memorable and impactful retreat.

The "Miller Medieval Castle" provides a truly distinct and exciting focal point, ensuring that a trip to Parker is far from a typical camping experience. Combined with waterfront activities on North Long Lake, shooting ranges, and extensive nature trails, the camp offers a breadth of activities that cater to various interests and promote physical activity and outdoor education. The consistent praise for "amazing camp," "well maintained" grounds, and "very helpful staff" underlines the high quality of the experience, ensuring that organizers and participants alike will feel well-supported and safe. For Minnesotans looking for an educational, adventurous, and professionally managed outdoor program for their youth, Parker Scout Reservation stands as an unparalleled destination, fostering a deeper connection to nature and building character in a truly special setting.