Elk Lake Group Campground

Star0
4 reviews
Elk Lake Group Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal — typically...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR) — Minnesota State Parks site

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Elk Lake Group Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
866-857-2757
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlakefriendly

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Users describe Elk Lake Group Camp as a rustic, quiet group site with friendly park service and excellent proximity to Itasca’s main attractions (Mississippi headwaters, Wilderness Drive, lake access). It is best suited for groups wanting a shared clearing and basic, off-grid facilities."

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Campground Map

Elk Lake Group Campground

Elk Lake Group Campground

47.1923, -95.2269


Best Time to Camp at Elk Lake Group Campground

Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, though you'll want bug spray for the mosquitoes that consider you as much a part of the ecosystem as they are. Cool evenings around the campfire are ideal for stargazing and storytelling. Fall transforms the forest into a spectacular canvas of crimson, gold, and orange—arguably the most magical time to visit. The camp welcomes groups seasonally from roughly May through mid-November, closing before the deep Minnesota winter settles in.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Peak season for hiking, lakes and park attractions; good summer recreation access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Northwoods fall foliage and quieter trails boost scenic/hiking appeal in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Average

Spring offers wildlife and fewer crowds but can be muddy and variable in conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

Winter use and facilities unclear; likely limited services though winter recreation may exist nearby.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Seasonal — typically open in the warmer months (approximately May through mid‑November)

About Elk Lake Group Campground

Gather your group beneath towering pines at Elk Lake Group Camp, a rustic retreat tucked into the legendary forests of Itasca State Park. This reservable group site offers the perfect back-to-basics camping experience with vault toilets, hand-pump water, picnic tables, and fire rings—no electricity means nothing between you and the pristine northwoods night sky.
A single reservable group camp area (rustic) within Itasca State Park, intended for groups rather than individual numbered sites.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Access to core Itasca State Park recreational opportunities: trails, lakes, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Suitable as a base for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, swimming and birding throughout the park.
HikingNumerous hiking trails throughout Itasca State Park, with easy access to park highlights from the group camp.
FishingFishing opportunities on Lake Itasca and nearby lakes within the park.
SwimmingSwimming available at Lake Itasca beach and other park swimming areas.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTypical northwoods hazards: biting insects (mosquitoes) and ticks in warmer months, and encounters with wildlife common to the park (deer, small mammals, occasional larger species). Cell service can be limited or spotty in heavily forested areas. The group camp is rustic with no electricity and limited on‑site water (hand pump), so groups should plan accordingly.

Weather at Elk Lake Group Campground

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Elk Lake Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users describe Elk Lake Group Camp as a rustic, quiet group site with friendly park service and excellent proximity to Itasca’s main attractions (Mississippi headwaters, Wilderness Drive, lake access). It is best suited for groups wanting a shared clearing and basic, off-grid facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Friendly service; very good access to park attractions; quiet, wooded group setting that works well for reunions and organized groups; close to trails, lakes and scenic drives.
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water and lighting/power banks, plan for off-grid cooking and sanitation, pack insect repellent and layers for cool nights, and reserve early for peak season. Drive or bike to park...
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Based on 4 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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