Birch Bend Campground

Birch Bend is a primitive campground, which includes 320 mostly timber-covered acres on a nearly uninhabited lake in northern Minnesota. The lake is 30-35 feet deep, with sandy beaches and a variety of fish. Birch Bend is a private, relatively primitive campground, maintained by its members for their use. The camp is not inspected or accredited by the state, county, Boy Scouts of America or any private accrediting bodies.

The property includes about 30 campsites for use by both groups and families. There are large group campsites with smaller group areas, picnic tables and fire rings. There is no electricity. There are pit toilets and water is supplied from two wells with hand pumps. The water is tested annually for bacteria and nitrate and less frequently for agricultural chemicals. Most of the camp is heavily wooded. There is an open-air pavilion with a fireplace, picnic tables and a roof that will keep the rain off, but it is not a true storm shelter. There are no first aid equipment or facilities available at the camp. There are sheds on the property, which provide storage for the maintenance tools, propane refrigerators and other equipment. Members that use the facility are expected to maintain it. Scout Troops and other groups are not allowed to use the equipment.

The lake is a small recreational lake with little boat traffic. There is a swimming beach with a raft off shore that you may use. There is a public landing on the lake. The Pine Bend Association and Birch Bend do not provide lifeguards at the beach or supervise water or other activities. Birch Bend boats, canoes and lifejackets are reserved for member use only. Members using the facility must agree to follow the guidelines as posted.

The facility is also available for use by Boy Scouts and other youth groups. Boy Scout groups must agree to follow and enforce all safety requirements of the Boy Scouts of America as published in the current version of A 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.

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.

There is no fee for camping at Birch Bend. Groups are expected to participate on a service project while at Birch Bend. A list of suggested projects will be available through the camping committee. Equipment and supplies will be provided.

Register for campground space online at www.pinebend.org or if registering for College of Wilderness Knowledge courses contact Jean Keller by e-mail at jeankkeller@comcast.net.