Is Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Group Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Group Camp?

Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Group Camp?

Fire policies at Group Camp: Purchase firewood at the office when open or via the Yodel app; gathering firewood in the park is prohibited. Use only approved/local firewood. Light fires only within fire rings and charcoal grills, do not leave fires unattended, and fully extinguish fires before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Group Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Group Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Group Camp?

Popular activities at Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Group Camp

3.29

7 reviews

Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings, MN 55033

Featured in:Swimming Camping Minnesota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR)Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR)Official Website

Group Camp

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance reservations ($10 by phone, $8 online). Reservations are required for all campsites; same-day...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

651-201-6780

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings, MN 55033

No map location available

Weather at Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Group Camp

Summer offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 75–85°F and cool nights in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Trails through the oak savannas dry out completely, prairie wildflowers peak, and the swimming beach is open. Group facilities operate fully. Expect the heaviest day-use crowds on summer weekends. Spring and fall bring fewer visitors but variable conditions; winter camping is not mentioned in available data.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Bluffs and valley views make fall scenic; foliage likely enhances vistas.

Planning Tips

About Group Camp

Group Camp sits in Afton State Park, about 20 miles southeast of St. Paul, on bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River valley. The primitive tent sites require a roughly one-mile hike in from the parking area, making this a backpack-style group experience in rolling prairie and oak savanna. Reviewers mention bold raccoons and toilets with poor ventilation.

The park offers backpack campsites and references pitching a tent; reservations are required for all campsites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 75–85°F and cool nights in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Trails through the oak savannas dry out completely, prairie wildflowers peak, and the swimming beach is open. Group facilities operate fully. Expect the heaviest day-use crowds on summer weekends. Spring and fall bring fewer visitors but variable conditions; winter camping is not mentioned in available data.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain carved by deep ravines and grassy ridgetops, with views down into the St. Croix River valley. Oak groves and prairie restoration areas flank the trails leading to camp. The park's swimming beach lies in the valley below. Elevation data is not available, but the topography is noticeably hilly. Wildlife includes deer and very bold raccoons that approach campsites regularly.

Geological RegionRolling prairie and oak landscape with deep ravines, grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River valley

Scenic ViewsSeveral scenic overlooks and ridgetops provide views of the St. Croix River valley; trails lead to multiple river‑valley viewpoints.

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Amenities available

Park has a visitor center with interpretive displays, a swimming beach and a lower picnic area. Firewood is available for purchase at the park office when it is open.

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Trails traverse remnant and restored prairies, descend ravines and rise to ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River. Park highlights include backpack camping, fishing, swimming and cross-country skiing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFirewood restrictions to prevent spreading tree‑killing insects — only approved or local firewood may be used. Follow state park rules regarding fires and campsite behavior.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Google reviews are mostly positive, praising short hike-in backpack sites and available wood; a minority mention issues with bold raccoons and toilets with poor ventilation.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-suited for beginner and experienced backpackers; short (~1 mile) hike-in to campsites; wood pile available (for a fee) and scenic hiking/overlooks.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Store food securely to deter raccoons; bring a saw or tools for slabbed firewood; expect about a mile hike to backpack sites and reserve ahead.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

“This dude would walk in silent as death.” — about a brazen raccoon; “Only about a mile hike in, this is perfect for anybody wanting to try backpacking for the first time.”

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Groups who want a genuine pack-in experience without committing to miles of backcountry, the trailhead is roughly a mile from camp, there are river-valley overlooks along the way, and firewood is available for purchase at the park office.

Skip if

Anyone expecting drive-up convenience or clean restrooms will be disappointed: there are no RV hookups, no potable water on-site, the toilets draw poor ventilation reviews, and bold raccoons actively raid campsites if food isn't locked down.

Campgrounds

Afton State Park

Group Camp

About Turquoise Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Group Camp, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Recreation facilities consist of 8 campgrounds, accommodating 300 campsites and 2 boat-launching ramps. Surface available for recreation includes 780 acres. Primary recreation activities include camping and fishing. Fish species available include mackinaw trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Facilities closed in winter due to ice and snow, but popular area for ice fishing.Turquoise Lake is a feature of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/fryark.html">Fryingpan-Arkansas Project</a>. Recreation is managed by the Forest Service for Reclamation as part of the San Isabel National Forest. <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_turq.pl">Current reservoir levels</a>.

Directions

About 5 miles west of U.S. Highway 24 and Leadville, Colorado.