Pine Hills Group Camp/Group Cottages

For organizations, families, and educational groups across Indiana seeking a unique and communal lodging experience, the options often extend beyond traditional hotels or individual campsites. When planning large gatherings, retreats, or youth camps, a dedicated group facility that combines the essence of the outdoors with comfortable accommodations becomes an ideal choice. In the heart of Indiana, Pine Hills Group Camp and Group Cottages, located in Clay Township, IN, offers just such a solution, providing a distinctive setting within the natural beauty of one of Indiana's treasured state parks.

Pine Hills Group Camp and Group Cottages are designed specifically to cater to the needs of larger groups, whether it's a multi-family reunion, a school field trip, a church retreat, or a corporate team-building event. These facilities are part of the broader Indiana State Parks system, ensuring a commitment to preserving natural environments while providing accessible recreational opportunities. The focus here is on creating a shared experience, where groups can connect, learn, and relax together in a setting that encourages outdoor activity and community bonding.

Unlike traditional individual campsites, Pine Hills provides a structured yet flexible environment with amenities tailored for group functionality. This includes not only sleeping accommodations but also communal spaces for dining, activities, and fellowship. While the facilities embrace a rustic charm, they are equipped to handle the demands of larger parties. For locals in Indiana, knowing about such a dedicated group facility can be invaluable when planning your next large-scale outdoor event, offering a blend of natural immersion and practical comfort.

Location and Accessibility

Pine Hills Group Camp and Group Cottages are situated in Clay Township, IN 47611, USA, specifically within the scenic confines of Lincoln State Park. Lincoln State Park itself is located in Spencer County, southwestern Indiana, a region renowned for its rolling hills, mature forests, and historical significance. The park is easily accessible, typically requiring an entrance fee per vehicle ($7 for in-state plates, $9 for out-of-state, though annual permits are available), which covers access to all park amenities during your stay.

Being part of a state park, the facilities benefit from the park's well-maintained infrastructure and direct access to a wealth of outdoor activities. While the exact driving distance from major Indiana cities varies, its location in Spencer County places it within a reasonable driving range for groups from Indianapolis, Evansville, Bloomington, and other population centers across the state. Major roadways typically lead to the vicinity of the park, and clear signage guides visitors to the specific group camp and cottage areas.

The natural setting in Clay Township means groups will enjoy fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, all while being within a manageable distance from essential services in nearby towns. This balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to resources makes Pine Hills an attractive location for group events in Indiana.

Services Offered

• Group Camp Cabins: The main Pine Hills Group Camp features fifteen (15) group camp cabins with a total capacity of 155 people. These cabins are not heated or air-conditioned, embracing a traditional camp feel, and typically do not allow pets inside.
• Group Cottages: Individual group cottages are available for rent, with capacities ranging from four, six, 12, or 16 people per cottage. Like the group camp cabins, these cottages are generally not heated or air-conditioned, and pets are not permitted in the buildings or general area.
• Equipped Dining Hall: A significant amenity is the dining hall, which can be rented separately or is included with the group camp rental. It is fully equipped with all pots, pans, cooking and serving utensils, a walk-in refrigerator, and a walk-in freezer, designed to cater for up to 155 people. A commercial kitchen with a six-burner gas stove, double oven, griddle, steam table/salad bar, and dishwasher is also available. The dining hall is non-smoking.
• Centralized Bathhouse: A modern and accessible centralized bathhouse is available for group camp and cottage users, providing showers, toilets, and lavatories. Some cottages also have access to nearby accessible vault toilets.
• Outdoor Amenities: Each cottage and group camp area typically includes its own picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, encouraging outdoor cooking and gatherings. Note that the collection of firewood on state park properties is prohibited.
• Telephone Service: Some facilities within the state park system, including potentially the Pine Hills area, may have access to telephone service, though specific details for individual units might vary.
• Recreational Access: Being within Lincoln State Park, guests have access to the park's trails, lakes, and other natural features for activities like hiking, swimming (seasonal), boating, and fishing.

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated Group Facilities: The primary highlight is its design specifically for groups, offering a coherent setup with multiple cabins/cottages and a large, fully equipped dining hall, simplifying logistics for large gatherings.
• Affordable Group Rates: The pricing structure is set up for group rentals, making it a cost-effective solution for organizations and large families compared to individual bookings.
• Natural Setting within Lincoln State Park: Guests benefit from direct access to the natural beauty, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities offered by Lincoln State Park, providing a genuine outdoor experience.
• Fully Equipped Commercial Kitchen: The dining hall's commercial-grade kitchen is a major advantage, allowing groups to prepare meals on a large scale efficiently.
• Variety of Cottage Sizes: The availability of cottages sleeping 4, 6, 12, or 16 offers flexibility for groups with varying needs for rooming arrangements.
• Accessibility Features: Some cottages and the centralized bathhouse are noted as being accessible, accommodating individuals with disabilities.
• Historical Significance of the Area: Lincoln State Park itself is historically significant, being where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years, offering educational opportunities alongside outdoor recreation.
• One notable aspect is that the cabins and cottages are not heated or air-conditioned. Guests should plan accordingly, bringing their own bedding and linens.
• Pets are generally not permitted inside the buildings or the immediate group camp/cottage areas.
• Minimum age to rent a cottage or the dining hall is 21 years, and the renter must be an occupant for the entire stay.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a facility within the Indiana State Parks system, Pine Hills Group Camp and Group Cottages operate under a fixed rate structure rather than offering frequent promotions in the traditional sense. The rates are designed to be competitive for group accommodations. For instance, the Pine Hills Group Camp is priced at a flat rate per night plus tax, which includes the use of the 15 group camp cabins and the dining hall. Individual cottages and the dining hall can also be rented separately at their respective nightly rates.

The primary "special offer" is the inherent value of renting a dedicated group facility at a state park rate, which often provides significant savings compared to booking multiple hotel rooms or individual campsites for a large group. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, availability, and any specific booking requirements, it is essential to contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation line or visit their official website. Reservations are crucial, as group camps and cottages are often booked well in advance, especially for peak seasons.

Contact Information

For detailed information, availability, and to make reservations for Pine Hills Group Camp or Group Cottages, the primary contact method is through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) central reservation system:

Reservation Phone Number (for Camping, Cabins, Shelters, Group Camps): 1-866-622-6746

Address: Clay Township, IN 47611, USA (located within Lincoln State Park)

It is strongly recommended to use the provided phone number for reservations, as these facilities are popular and require advance booking. Be prepared to discuss your group size, desired dates, and any specific needs, as the booking process for group camps differs from individual site reservations.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local Indiana residents and organizations, Pine Hills Group Camp and Group Cottages in Clay Township offer an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for a wide array of group activities and gatherings. Its primary appeal lies in its specialized design to accommodate large groups, providing a seamless and integrated experience that is often difficult to achieve with dispersed individual bookings. Whether it's a multi-generational family reunion looking for a central gathering point, a school group planning an educational outdoor adventure, or a non-profit organization seeking an affordable retreat location, Pine Hills simplifies the logistics of group lodging and catering.

Being nestled within the historic and naturally beautiful Lincoln State Park means that groups have immediate access to a rich outdoor environment. This allows for diverse activities such as hiking, exploring the park's historical connections to Abraham Lincoln, and enjoying various recreational options, all within a safe and managed state park setting. This blend of natural immersion with structured facilities makes it ideal for fostering camaraderie and learning among participants.

Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of renting a group camp or cottages, especially with the inclusion of a fully equipped dining hall, provides significant financial advantages for organizers. This affordability, combined with the comprehensive amenities designed for large parties, makes Pine Hills an attractive option for local Indiana groups seeking a memorable and functional outdoor experience without breaking the bank. For any Indiana-based group looking for a unique and dedicated space to connect, learn, or celebrate, Pine Hills Group Camp and Group Cottages stands out as a prime destination.