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Birch Bend is a 300+ rustic and private campground owned and maintained by the Pine Bend Association in northern Minnesota. Most of the 300+ acres are forested in a effort to help conserve the forest and wetlands around Round Lake in Morrison County. There are around 30 campsites that are available to members of the Pine Bend Association, as well as scout troops and other youth groups interested in a unique, low tech, outdoor experience.
The campground is available for use by Scouts BSA and other youth groups. Scouts BSA groups must agree to follow and enforce all safety requirements of the Boy Scouts of America as published in the current version of Guide to Safe Scouting and that all swimming and boating activities will be conducted in accordance with safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. They must also agree that their dress, language, and behavior are consistent with the Scout Oath and Law and to ensure that the camp’s grounds and equipment are treated with respect and left in an orderly and clean condition.
There is no fee for camping at Birch Bend. Groups are expected to participate in a service project while at Birch Bend. A list of suggested projects will be available through the camp host. Equipment and supplies will be provided. Please be considerate of the other Pine Bend members, since you’ll be sharing the property with them.
Please view the Campground Rules before attending Birch Bend.
Birch Bend Campground
The heavily wooded property includes about 30 campsites for use by both groups and families. There are large group campsites, smaller group areas, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no electricity. There is an open-air pavilion to provide a place to gather. There are sheds on the property, which provide storage for the maintenance tools and other equipment. PBA members that use the campgrounds are expected to maintain it. Scout Troops and other groups may use the camp equipment for service projects. The property has it’s own fresh water supply – you’ll use a hand pump to bring it to the surface. Latrines (outhouses) are also available for use. You, or your group/troop, will need to bring your own camping equipment (tents, first aid, etc.), food and other provisions, as well as your enthusiasm of the outdoors. We’ll provide the sparkling lake, breathtaking sunsets, peaceful twilights, a place to sing and share ghost stories around the campfire, and an assortment of wildlife to delight you.
There are two areas for campsites: East Gate and West Gate
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East Gate campsites are typically reserved for the College of Wilderness Knowledge
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West Gate campsites (except sites #0 and #1) are on a first come first served basis
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Northwest campus
In case of severe weather, there is a stone root cellar and an admin building at East Gate that can be used as shelter. The basement of the farm at the entrance gate is also available in a pinch.
The Campground
The lake at it's deepest is 30-35 feet with a variety of fish and sandy beaches. There is also a swimming raft near the campsites for easy swimming during the summer.
The Pine Bend Association and Birch Bend do not provide lifeguards at the beach or supervise water or other activities. Birch Bend boats and canoes are reserved for member use except during the teaching of courses. Groups may bring boats, canoes, and lifejackets for use. Youth groups are expected to provide their own supervision at the beach and in camp in accordance with the requirements of their sponsoring organization.
We expect that you will provide your own Water Safety Instructor (WSI) supervision at the beach if you plan water activities.
The Lake
The camp is inspected and licensed by Morrison County. The water from the pumps is tested annually for bacteria and nitrate by the State of Minnesota.