Riverside Group Camp

For Minnesotans, the urge to connect with nature often extends to sharing those experiences with a larger community – whether it’s a family reunion under the pines, an adventurous scouting expedition, or an organized outdoor education program. While our state boasts countless individual campsites, finding a dedicated space that can comfortably accommodate a larger gathering, while still providing an authentic immersion in nature, can be a unique challenge. Enter Riverside Group Camp, nestled near the picturesque St. Croix River in Scandia, within the highly cherished William O'Brien State Park. This article is designed specifically for our local Minnesota users, offering a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Riverside Group Camp, highlighting its distinct offerings and why it stands out as a valuable resource for groups seeking a collective outdoor experience.

Riverside Group Camp is not designed for individual public camping. Instead, it operates as a specialized facility for organized groups, offering a more private and tailored environment for larger parties. Its location within a prominent Minnesota State Park means that while it caters to group needs, it also benefits from the extensive natural amenities and recreational opportunities that William O'Brien State Park is renowned for. We will delve into its prime riverside location, the practicalities of booking, available services, and unique features, aiming to illustrate why this group camp is perfectly suited for Minnesota groups looking to forge lasting memories in the heart of our state's beautiful outdoors.

Riverside Group Camp is situated within William O'Brien State Park, with its address often associated with Scandia, MN 55073, USA. William O'Brien State Park is a true gem in the Minnesota State Park system, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty along the St. Croix River, a designated National Scenic Riverway. Scandia is a charming community located in Washington County, just northeast of the bustling Twin Cities metropolitan area. This strategic location offers a remarkable balance: the serene tranquility of a dedicated natural setting combined with impressive accessibility to major urban centers.

For Minnesota-based groups, the accessibility of Riverside Group Camp is a significant advantage. It is conveniently reachable via State Highway 95 (St. Croix Trail N), which provides direct connections to major routes such as Highway 36 and Interstate 35. This ensures a straightforward journey from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other surrounding communities, with typical drive times from downtown St. Paul ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. This minimized travel time is particularly beneficial for managing the logistics of larger groups, making it an ideal choice for weekend retreats, educational programs, or multi-day events.

A standout feature of the camp's location is its close proximity to the St. Croix River and the park's extensive trail system. Reviewers note the site is "right off the river and trails," offering immediate immersion into the park's vibrant natural environment. This direct access allows groups to effortlessly embark on hiking adventures along the recently resurfaced Riverside Trail, enjoy a variety of river-based activities, or simply relax amidst the peaceful riverside scenery. Furthermore, the main campground and day-use area of William O'Brien State Park are "right nearby," providing additional park facilities, visitor services, and interpretive programs. While deeply embedded in nature, basic town amenities like small shops and gas stations in Scandia or nearby Marine on St. Croix are just a short drive away, balancing convenience with a true wilderness feel.

As a dedicated group campground within William O'Brien State Park, Riverside Group Camp provides essential services tailored to facilitate a comfortable and functional outdoor experience for larger parties. These services are typically included with the group site rental:

• Exclusive Group Site Rental: Groups reserve the entire Riverside Group Camp area, ensuring privacy and ample space for their activities. This typically includes multiple individual campsites within the designated group area.
• Picnic Shelters/Pavilion: A central covered area, often equipped with picnic tables, provides a communal space for meals, meetings, and shelter from varying weather conditions.
• Vault Toilets: Dedicated restroom facilities (pit or vault toilets) are conveniently located within or very close to the group camp area.
• Potable Water Access: A water spigot is generally available for drinking water and other basic needs, ensuring a safe water supply.
• Communal Fire Pit: A large, central fire pit is usually provided, perfect for group campfires, cooking, and fostering camaraderie.
• Access to Main Park Facilities: While the group camp itself offers rustic amenities, groups have access to the wider park's facilities. This includes access to recently renovated modern shower buildings (expected completion by June 1, 2025) and additional flush toilets in the main campground area (though a short walk or drive might be required).
• Waste Disposal & Recycling: Designated areas for garbage and recycling are available within the state park system, supporting responsible outdoor practices.
• Vehicle Parking: Ample parking is typically provided within or adjacent to the group camp for vehicles associated with the booking.

It is important for groups to understand that this is a rustic camping experience, emphasizing natural immersion over extensive modern conveniences, yet it provides all the necessary elements for a successful outdoor group gathering.

Riverside Group Camp, by virtue of its location within the expansive William O'Brien State Park, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an exceptional choice for groups:

• Direct Riverside Location: Positioned right along the St. Croix River, offering stunning scenic views and immediate access for activities such as fishing, non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking), and enjoying the peaceful sounds of the river.
• Extensive Trail System Access: Groups have direct access to William O'Brien State Park's vast network of hiking trails, including the recently resurfaced Riverside Trail. The park offers over 12 miles of trails winding through diverse landscapes of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, ideal for group hikes, nature walks, and wildlife observation.
• Pristine Natural Setting: The campground is nestled "in the pines," providing a beautiful, shaded, and authentic natural environment that enhances the outdoor group experience. The park is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, foxes, raccoons, beavers, and a wide variety of birds.
• Privacy for Groups: As a designated group camp area, it offers a sense of seclusion and privacy for the reserved party, allowing for focused group activities and undisturbed enjoyment.
• Proximity to Main Park Amenities: Easy access to the visitor center, park office, and the main day-use areas of William O'Brien State Park, which may include educational displays, gift shops, and additional recreational equipment rentals (e.g., fishing poles, birding kits).
• Accessibility Improvements: Recent park-wide upgrades (as of May 2025) include improved accessibility for the day-use area, Riverway Campground, and park office, benefiting all visitors and potentially improving access to certain areas from the group camp. This includes ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible routes.
• Dedicated Group Space: The site is designed to accommodate larger gatherings that would be challenging on standard individual campsites, making it ideal for multi-family camping trips, school groups, and organized outdoor events.
• Varied Ecosystems: The park features oak savannas, wetlands, glacial moraine, and flood plain forests, offering a diverse natural classroom for environmental education.

As a state park group campground managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Riverside Group Camp does not typically feature "promotions" in the commercial sense of discounts or limited-time offers. Pricing is established by the DNR and generally involves a fixed fee for the exclusive use of the group site, potentially combined with a per-person overnight charge or a minimum fee, whichever is greater. The inherent value of this campground lies in its affordability for large groups seeking a dedicated, private space within a high-quality, amenity-rich state park environment.

Booking group sites in Minnesota State Parks is often highly competitive, especially for prime dates during the peak summer season and on holidays. Therefore, securing reservations well in advance is strongly recommended. While traditional "discounts" are not offered, the consistent, transparent pricing and the superior quality of the park's natural resources and increasingly accessible facilities provide exceptional value. For the most precise and up-to-date information on booking conditions, availability, and specific fees for Riverside Group Camp, it is crucial to directly contact William O'Brien State Park or utilize the Minnesota DNR's official website for state park reservations.

To reserve the Riverside Group Camp or to inquire about its availability, specific group camping regulations, or any other questions, please use the contact information for William O'Brien State Park, as the group camp is an integral part of the park's offerings:

Address: 16821 O'Brien Trail North, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047 (This is the main park address, as the group campground is located within the park boundaries in Scandia).

Phone: (651) 539-4980 (This is the general phone number for William O'Brien State Park).

Email: williamobrien.statepark@state.mn.us (General park email for inquiries).

For group camping reservations specifically, it is often best to visit the Minnesota DNR's official website (dnr.state.mn.us) and search for William O'Brien State Park's group camping options, as certain group centers may require direct contact with the park rather than the central reservation system.

Riverside Group Camp within William O'Brien State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals, particularly those organizing gatherings for larger groups. Its unique design as a dedicated group camp ensures a private and cohesive experience, which is invaluable for events like large family reunions, youth organization outings, school outdoor education programs, or corporate team-building retreats. The camp's location within one of Minnesota's most treasured state parks, offering direct access to the beautiful St. Croix River and an extensive network of diverse hiking trails, provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and natural immersion.

The recent and ongoing accessibility improvements throughout William O'Brien State Park, including renovated shower facilities and ADA-compliant routes, further enhance the experience for all visitors, making the park more inclusive. The picturesque setting in the pines, combined with the convenience of being within a reasonable driving distance from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, makes it an ideal balance of wilderness and accessibility. For Minnesota groups seeking a memorable, authentic, and functional outdoor experience that leverages the state's natural beauty and recreational resources, Riverside Group Camp stands as a prime choice, ready to host your next collective adventure in the heart of our beautiful state.