Group Camp

Star4.55
55 reviews
Group Camp
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Approximately late A...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Minnesota State Parks & Recreation Areas site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Group Camp
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Vehicle permit required for park entry; campsite and group‑camp reservations handled through the Minnesota state parks reservation system. Specific...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
888-646-6367, 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 55 reviews

1269 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews and local guides are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting world‑class mountain biking and exceptionally clear, deep mine lakes for swimming, paddling, snorkeling and diving; visitors praise scenic trails and lake overlooks."

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Campground Map

Group Camp
No map location available
Nearby places
Crosby
Ironton
Nearby supplies
Crosby and Ironton (bike rentals, food, basic supplies)

Best Time to Camp at Group Camp

Time your visit for spring's fresh greens or fall's fiery color show, when temps hover in that perfect range for crushing trails without overheating. Summer cranks up both the thermometer and the energy, filling the trails and lakes with fellow adventurers who've heard the buzz about this place. The group camp opens its gates in late April and welcomes visitors through late October before tucking in for winter.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer supports biking, swimming, boating on clear mine lakes—prime season for activities.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forested hills and scenic trails should make fall attractive for color and riding.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely usable for trails and lakes but may be muddy; not specifically described.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter operations or activities described; likely limited or specialized (e.g., fat biking).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Approximately late April through late October; group camp reported closed in winter.

About Group Camp

Your crew's private gateway to Minnesota's mountain biking mecca awaits at this single-site group camp, nestled beside the Portsmouth complex in a landscape where nature has reclaimed old iron mines into something magical. With crystal-clear pit lakes at your doorstep and world-class trails winding through the ridges, you'll trade shower amenities for genuine adventure—exactly as it should be.
This is a reservable group camp adjacent to the Portsmouth campground within Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Secondary sources note an operating window roughly late April through late October for the group site.
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Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The group camp provides access to Cuyuna Country SRA recreation opportunities: extensive singletrack and paved trails for biking, hiking trails with lake overlooks, swimming and a small beach on Portsmouth Mine Lake, paddling (kayak/canoe/SUP) on multiple mine lakes, and snorkeling/diving in clear, deep lakes. Winter trail activities occur elsewhere in the SRA when the campground is closed.
HikingMulti‑use and singletrack trails near the campground offer hikes with frequent lake and mine‑pit overlooks; the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail is also nearby for walking.
FishingFishing is available in the area mine lakes; reviewers and guides note species such as pike in the lakes.
SwimmingSwimming is done from a small beach and lakeshore points on the deep, clear mine lakes (Portsmouth Mine Lake and others).
Biking
Boating
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal mosquitoes and typical north‑woods insects; steep shorelines and very deep, cold water in mine lakes (hazardous for inexperienced swimmers). Some visitors report intermittent odors from a wastewater treatment plant north of the campground under certain wind conditions. Trails can be rocky and confusing for unfamiliar users.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Group Camp

Reviews

4.6
55 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews and local guides are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting world‑class mountain biking and exceptionally clear, deep mine lakes for swimming, paddling, snorkeling and diving; visitors praise scenic trails and lake overlooks.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

World‑class singletrack mountain biking; crystal‑clear, deep mine lakes ideal for paddling, swimming, snorkeling and diving; extensive trail network with lake overlooks; proximity to nearby towns for...
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Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve the group site well in advance; come self‑sufficient (bring water and supplies) and be prepared for mosquitoes in season; carry the official trail map and choose trails that match skill...
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Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

“water is so clear can see 20feet down.”; “Hands down the best mountain bike trails and MTB riding in Minnesota!”
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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