Riverside Group Campground

For Minnesotans, the call of the wild often comes with the desire to share it with a larger group – be it a family reunion, a scout troop adventure, or an organized nature retreat. While individual campsites abound, finding a dedicated space that can comfortably accommodate a larger gathering, while still offering the immersive natural experience we cherish, can be a specific challenge. Nestled near the scenic St. Croix River in Scandia, within the beloved William O'Brien State Park, Riverside Group Campground emerges as an excellent solution for these very needs. This article is crafted for our local Minnesota users, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Riverside Group Campground, highlighting its distinct offerings and why it's a valuable resource for locals seeking a collective outdoor experience.

Riverside Group Campground is not a traditional public campground where individual sites are rented. Instead, it is specifically designed for group use, providing a more private and cohesive experience for larger parties. Its location within a prominent state park means that while it caters to groups, it also benefits from the extensive natural amenities and recreational opportunities that William O'Brien State Park provides. We'll explore everything from its prime riverside location to the practicalities of booking and features, aiming to highlight why this campground is perfectly suited for Minnesota groups looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Riverside Group Campground is located on O Brien Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073, USA. This address places it squarely within William O'Brien State Park, a jewel in the Minnesota State Park system, renowned for its picturesque setting along the St. Croix River. Scandia itself is a charming community in Washington County, just northeast of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, offering a convenient balance of serene natural beauty and accessibility to urban centers.

The campground's location within William O'Brien State Park ensures excellent accessibility for groups traveling from various parts of Minnesota. It's easily reachable via Highway 95 (St. Croix Trail N), which connects to major routes like Highway 36 and I-35, providing straightforward access from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other surrounding communities. The drive from downtown St. Paul is typically around 45 minutes to an hour, making it a feasible destination for weekend retreats or multi-day events without requiring excessively long travel times. This proximity to the metro area is a significant advantage, reducing logistical challenges for large groups.

The specific placement of the group campground is a key highlight. It is described as being "right off the river and trails," offering immediate immersion into the park's natural environment. This direct access means groups can easily embark on hiking adventures, enjoy riverside activities, or simply soak in the tranquility of the St. Croix. Furthermore, the main campground and day-use area of William O'Brien State Park are "right nearby," providing access to additional park facilities and programming. While nestled in nature, basic amenities like gas stations and small town services in Scandia or nearby Marine on St. Croix are within a short driving distance, ensuring convenience without detracting from the natural experience.

Riverside Group Campground, as part of William O'Brien State Park, focuses on providing essential services that support a rustic yet functional group camping experience. Specific services are tailored to group needs rather than individual campers:

• Exclusive Group Site Rental: The reservation of the Riverside Group Use Campsites typically includes exclusive use of a dedicated area, ensuring privacy for your group.
• Multiple Campsites: The group site often comprises several individual campsites (e.g., 7 campsites) to accommodate multiple tents or RVs within the larger group area.
• Pavilion with Picnic Tables: A central covered area with picnic tables (e.g., 6 tables) provides a communal space for meals, activities, and shelter from the elements.
• Pit Toilets: Dedicated vault or pit toilets are provided within or very near the group camp area for convenience.
• Water Spigot: Access to a water spigot ensures potable water for drinking and basic needs.
• Large Firepit: A central firepit is usually available, perfect for communal campfires, cooking, and gathering.
• Access to Park Amenities: While the group camp itself offers basic amenities, renters have access to the wider park's facilities, which typically include renovated shower buildings and additional restrooms within the main campground area (though potentially a short walk or drive away).
• Waste Disposal: Facilities for waste and recycling are available within the state park.

It's important for groups to note that this is a rustic camping experience, implying fewer amenities than a private full-service campground, but it focuses on providing the essentials for a true outdoor adventure.

Riverside Group Campground, by virtue of its location within William O'Brien State Park, boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a premier choice for groups:

• Riverside Location: Positioned "right off the river," offering scenic views and direct access to the St. Croix River for activities like fishing, paddling (canoeing, kayaking), or simply enjoying the tranquil waterside environment.
• Extensive Trail System: Direct access to the park's vast network of hiking trails. William O'Brien State Park offers miles of diverse trails through woodlands, along the river, and across open areas, perfect for group hikes and nature exploration.
• Pristine Natural Setting: The campground is situated in a "lovely group camp in the pines," providing a beautiful, shaded, and natural environment that enhances the outdoor experience.
• Privacy for Groups: Being a designated group camp area, it is set aside from the main campground, offering a sense of privacy and exclusivity for the reserved group.
• Proximity to Main Park Facilities: Easy access to the main campground and day-use area of William O'Brien State Park, which may include visitor centers, additional restrooms, and other recreational amenities.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The diverse ecosystems of the state park are home to a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna.
• Designated Group Area: Allows for larger gatherings that wouldn't typically fit on standard campsites, making it ideal for large families, scout troops, and organized events.
• Renovated Facilities in the Park: Recent updates within William O'Brien State Park have included renovated shower buildings with ADA-compliant fixtures and accessible campsites, improving the overall park experience.

As a state park group campground, Riverside Group Campground does not typically offer "promotions" in the commercial sense. Pricing is set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and generally involves a flat fee for the exclusive use of the group site, potentially with an additional per-person overnight fee or minimum charge. The value of the campground lies in its affordability for large groups seeking dedicated space within a high-quality state park environment.

Booking for group sites in Minnesota State Parks is often highly competitive, especially for popular dates during peak season (summer weekends and holidays). It is crucial to book well in advance. While there are no traditional discounts, the consistent pricing and the quality of the park facilities provide inherent value. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking conditions, availability, and specific fees for the Riverside Group Campground, it is essential to contact William O'Brien State Park directly or visit the Minnesota DNR's official website for state park reservations.

To reserve the Riverside Group Campground or inquire about its availability and specific group camping rules, please use the contact information for William O'Brien State Park:

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)

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 group camping reservations, it is best to directly contact the park or visit the Minnesota DNR's official website (dnr.state.mn.us) and search for William O'Brien State Park's group camping options. They can provide the most accurate details regarding booking procedures, capacity, and current regulations.

Riverside Group Campground at William O'Brien State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals, particularly those organizing events for larger groups. Its unique design as a dedicated group camp ensures a private and cohesive experience, which is invaluable for family reunions, youth organization outings, or educational retreats. The location within one of Minnesota's most beloved state parks, with direct access to the beautiful St. Croix River and an extensive network of hiking trails, offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and natural immersion, all within a reasonable driving distance from the Twin Cities metro area.

While reviews mention occasional challenges with trail use and social distancing during busy times, the fundamental appeal of the site—its picturesque setting in the pines, riverside access, and proximity to the main park facilities—remains strong. The recent improvements in William O'Brien State Park, including updated shower facilities and accessible features, further enhance the overall experience for all visitors. For Minnesota groups seeking a memorable and authentic outdoor experience that combines natural beauty, group functionality, and convenient accessibility, Riverside Group Campground stands as a prime choice, ready to host your next collective adventure in the heart of our beautiful state.