Group Campground

Star4.56
20 reviews
14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295

Quick Facts

958 ft

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR) site

Official Website
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Group Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Advance reservation fee for state park reservations: $10 (call center) or $8 (web). Camping site fees are charged but specific nightly rates for this...
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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
320-435-4033 (park); 866-857-2757 (state parks reservations). Additional contact numbers listed: 888-646-6367, 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors commonly praise the park's prairie and lake views, birding opportunities, historic features and overall quiet, well-maintained setting. Common complaints focus on seasonal mosquitoes in the lower areas, limited shade in the open upper campground, and some concerns about beach/water conditions."

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Campground Map

14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295

Group Campground

14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295


Best Time to Camp at Group Campground

Time your visit with the great migrations of spring and fall, when the lake truly 'speaks' with the calls of thousands of waterfowl passing through on their ancient flyways. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine cross-country skiing destination, with snow-blanketed prairies stretching to the horizon. We recommend checking current conditions before your trip to make the most of your seasonal adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Positive sentiment, 'bug-free at times', family-friendly highlights point to strong summer appeal.

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

Panoramic prairie vistas and solitude suit fall visits; no explicit fall notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Below Average

Prairie awakening can be pleasant, but no spring-specific mentions available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

No winter info provided; Minnesota winters likely limit typical camping appeal.

Planning Tips

    About Group Campground

    Discover why Indigenous peoples named this place "the lake that speaks" – where thousands of Canada geese and waterfowl create a symphony of calls during their spring and fall migrations. Whether you're paddling the historic waters, exploring trails on foot or horseback, or stepping back in time at Fort Renville and the Lac qui Parle mission sites, this park offers a unique blend of natural wonder and frontier history.
    Two designated group camps are located in the lower part of the park; they remain open though the lower campground (individual sites) has been permanently closed due to flooding.
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    Amenities available

    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Lac Qui Parle State Park offers a mix of lake and prairie activities including camping, fishing, boating/canoeing, hiking, birdwatching and seasonal cross-country skiing and hunting opportunities.
    HikingMultiple trails are available, including a short (less than one mile) trail on the east side of the lake that leads to Minnesota's largest recorded cottonwood tree.
    FishingAngling for walleye, northern pike, perch and crappie is commonly pursued on the lake.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsRepeated flooding has permanently closed the lower campground; the two group camps (located in the lower park area) remain open but currently have no water available. Visitors should view current park alerts and notices before visiting.
    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.

    Weather at Group Campground

    Reviews

    4.6
    20 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitors commonly praise the park's prairie and lake views, birding opportunities, historic features and overall quiet, well-maintained setting. Common complaints focus on seasonal mosquitoes in the lower areas, limited shade in the open upper campground, and some concerns about beach/water conditions.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 20 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Panoramic prairie and lake views; strong birdwatching (migratory Canada geese and other waterfowl); historic sites and WPA-era structures; clean, peaceful park with roomy sites and good trails.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring bug spray for lower camps and evenings; group camps have no water so bring drinking water or get water from the park shop/upper campground dump station; purchase firewood at the ranger station;...
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    Based on 20 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Quiet, historic. Bring bug spray.” — visitor review; “The lake was a little bit out of the bank but still able to sit at a picnic table and enjoy the lake.” — visitor review; “I thought $28/day for...
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    Based on 20 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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