The French Club

For those in Minnesota seeking a unique and private camping experience, The French Club in Canyon offers a distinctive retreat on the picturesque shores of Lake Elora. This is not a typical public campground; it operates as a private club, providing an exclusive and serene environment for its members. Imagine a tranquil setting where you can enjoy the peace of nature, participate in community activities, and create lasting memories with family and friends in a welcoming, faith-based atmosphere. The French Club provides a range of accommodations, from tent sites to plain rooms in a lodge, ensuring that members can tailor their stay to their preferences.

The core of The French Club's appeal lies in its private, membership-based structure, which fosters a close-knit and family-friendly community. Reviews consistently highlight the "exceptional accommodations" and describe it as a "fabulous getaway destination." This exclusivity ensures a quiet and well-maintained environment, allowing members to fully relax and enjoy the amenities without the crowds often found at public campgrounds. With features like a nice beach, a dock for water access, a traditional sauna, and even screened shelters, The French Club is designed to enhance the outdoor experience while providing comfortable conveniences. It’s a place where faith, fellowship, and the beauty of Minnesota’s outdoors converge to create a truly special retreat.

The French Club is located at 6838 Lake Elora Dr, Canyon, MN 55717, USA. This address places it in a rural, naturally beautiful setting in Northeastern Minnesota, specifically within close proximity to Lake Elora. Canyon is a small community situated southwest of Duluth, providing a convenient yet secluded location for a private retreat. The area is characterized by Minnesota’s signature forests and numerous lakes, offering a quintessential Northwoods experience.

Accessibility to The French Club typically involves navigating state and county roads that lead to the Canyon area, followed by more localized roads to Lake Elora Drive. While the specific nature of Lake Elora Drive (paved, gravel, etc.) is not detailed, the rural setting implies a journey away from urban centers, enhancing the sense of a true getaway. Being a private club, directions and access might be more controlled, emphasizing the need for members to call for details. However, its proximity to larger population centers like Duluth means it’s a manageable drive for many Minnesotans seeking a weekend retreat or longer stay. The seclusion offered by its location on Lake Elora contributes significantly to the peaceful and private atmosphere that members value, allowing for an undisturbed enjoyment of the natural surroundings. This strategic location offers a balance between being "away from it all" and remaining within reasonable reach of necessary supplies and services in nearby communities.

• Private Campground Access: The French Club operates as a private campground, accessible only to members who are Catholic in good standing, ensuring an exclusive and secure environment.

• Lodge Rooms for Rent: The property features a lodge with 5 "plain rooms" available for rent, offering a comfortable, non-camping accommodation option for members.

• Tent Sites: For traditional campers, dedicated tent sites are available, allowing members to pitch their own tents and enjoy a more rustic experience.

• Nice Beach: The club boasts a "nice beach," providing members with direct access to Lake Elora for swimming, sunbathing, and lakeside relaxation.

• Dock: A dock is available, likely providing moorage for boats or serving as a convenient spot for fishing and accessing the lake for water activities.

• Sauna: A traditional sauna is provided, offering a relaxing and invigorating experience, a popular amenity in Minnesota's lake country.

• Playground Equipment: For families with children, playground equipment is available, ensuring a fun and safe environment for kids to play.

• Screened Houses: The presence of "screened houses" (or screen shelters) offers a comfortable, bug-free area for gathering, dining, or simply relaxing outdoors.

• Membership Access: To utilize the facilities, new members must be Catholic in good standing and have their membership signed by their priest. An annual membership fee of $125.00 applies.

• Exclusive Private Club Access: The most significant feature of The French Club is its private, membership-based structure. This ensures a unique and exclusive atmosphere, primarily open to members who are Catholic in good standing. This exclusivity fosters a sense of community and security that sets it apart from public campgrounds.

• Lodge Accommodations and Tent Sites: The club offers versatile accommodation options, including "plain rooms" in a lodge for those preferring a solid roof over their head, and traditional tent sites for a classic camping experience. This caters to a range of preferences within the membership.

• Beautiful Lake Elora Frontage: Situated on Lake Elora, the club boasts a "nice beach" and a dock, providing direct access to the water for swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying picturesque lake views. This is a key draw for water enthusiasts.

• Relaxing Sauna: A traditional sauna is available, offering a popular and therapeutic amenity that many Minnesotans appreciate, providing a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after outdoor activities.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With playground equipment for children and likely a general family-oriented atmosphere, The French Club is designed to be a welcoming and enjoyable destination for families.

• Screened Houses for Comfort: The availability of "screened houses" provides a comfortable, bug-free environment for members to gather, dine, or simply relax outdoors, especially during evenings when insects can be a concern.

• "Fabulous Getaway Destination": Customer reviews consistently describe it as an "exceptional accommodation" and a "fabulous getaway destination," indicating a high level of satisfaction with the overall experience offered by the club.

• Community and Fellowship: The requirement for membership within a specific faith community likely fosters a strong sense of fellowship and shared values among members, contributing to a welcoming and respectful environment.

As a private, membership-based organization, The French Club does not typically advertise traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a commercial campground might. The primary "offer" is the opportunity to become a member and gain access to the exclusive facilities and community.

The key financial aspect to note is the annual membership fee, which is stated as $125.00 a year. This fee grants access to the campground, lodge rooms (which would then be rented at a separate rate), and all the amenities like the beach, dock, sauna, playground, and screened houses. Any specific room rental rates or additional fees for activities would need to be inquired about directly. For those considering joining, the value lies in the exclusivity, the serene private setting, and the community aspect, rather than temporary discounts. Interested individuals must meet the membership criteria (Catholic in good standing) and have their new membership signed by their priest. It is always best to "Call for details" regarding current membership procedures, available accommodations, and any associated costs beyond the annual fee.

For detailed information about membership requirements, facility availability, and to make arrangements for your stay at The French Club, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 6838 Lake Elora Dr, Canyon, MN 55717, USA

• Phone: (218) 345-6788

• Mobile Phone: +1 218-345-6788

It is highly recommended to call the club directly, as access is restricted to members and specific details regarding booking lodge rooms or tent sites will be best obtained through direct communication.

For Minnesotans, The French Club in Canyon offers a uniquely suitable and highly appealing retreat, particularly for those who value privacy, community, and a faith-based environment in their recreational pursuits. The primary reason for its suitability for locals is its exclusive, private campground model. This means a quieter, less crowded experience compared to public campgrounds, allowing for true relaxation amidst Minnesota's natural beauty on Lake Elora. For local families and individuals who prefer a secure and familiar setting for their getaways, this exclusivity provides significant peace of mind.

The membership requirement, specifically for Catholics in good standing, fosters a strong sense of community and shared values among visitors. This creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where "fabulous" getaways are the norm, and members can engage in fellowship with like-minded individuals. This aspect is particularly valuable for locals seeking to connect with their faith community in a recreational setting. Beyond the social and spiritual benefits, the club offers a range of desirable amenities that cater to a classic Minnesota lake experience: a "nice beach" for swimming and relaxing, a dock for lake access, and a traditional sauna, which is a beloved feature in many Minnesota homes and resorts. The presence of playground equipment and screened houses further enhances its family-friendly appeal, ensuring comfort and entertainment for all ages. For Minnesotans living within a reasonable driving distance of Canyon, The French Club provides a consistent, high-quality destination for repeat visits throughout the warmer months, becoming a cherished second home. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate the blend of natural tranquility, exclusive access, comfortable amenities, and a strong sense of community rooted in shared values, making it a truly "exceptional" and sought-after local getaway.