Whitewater State Park Group Center

Photo of the Whitewater State Park Group Center
 

Reservations

Call the park directly to make a reservation: 507-312-2302. The group center cannot be reserved through the Minnesota state park reservation system.

 

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Description

The group center is situated on the banks of the Whitewater River in the southwest area of the park, surrounded by 200-foot pine-covered dolomite cliffs. It is open year-round, with a maximum overnight capacity of 132 people.

  • Lodge: This building includes a commercial kitchen and dining hall with a fireplace and rustic tables and benches for up to 150 people.

  • Cabins: There are eight cabins, all with heat and electricity. 

    • Cabins 1 through 7 each sleep 18 people. Each cabin has two rooms with four twin-over-twin bunkbeds and one room with one single bed and one double bed. All beds have mattresses.

    • Cabin 8 sleeps six people. This cabin is a counselor's cabin/infirmary with three rooms. Each room has one single bed and one double bed. All beds have mattresses. This cabin also has a sink and toilet during peak season.

  • Bathroom/showers: The restroom building has separate bathroom and shower rooms for men and women.

  • Other features: Fire ring, picnic tables.

Fees

Overnight use

  • $5 per person per night OR the minimum per night charge, whichever is greater. Tax is additional.

  • Minimum per night charge:

    • April 16 – October 14: $410 minimum charge, including utilities. ($450/night in 2027)

    • October 15 – April 15: $180 minimum charge, not including utilities. ($200/night in 2027)

Day use

  • Utilities are included, but tax is additional. 

    • April 16 – October 14: $250.

    • October 15 – April 15: $110. 

Accessibility

The lodge building has an accessible entrance and accessible bathroom. Three of the cabins are accessible. The bathroom and shower building has an accessible entrance. For more information about accessibility, please contact the park.

Features

The large kitchen offers:

  • Plates, cups, bowls and eating utensils

  • Pots, pans, and kitchen utensils

  • Coffee pot and toaster

  • Commercial stove with two ovens

  • Six burners and a griddle

  • Walk-in cooler, freezer and refrigerator

  • Commercial dishwasher (detergent provided)

  • Microwave

  • Stainless steel work/serving tables

  • Storage room

  • Half bath

  • Brooms, dustpans, mops, and buckets

  • Trash bags

Download the complete list of all items provided.

Remember to bring

  • Sleeping bags or other bedding

  • Cookware, outdoor grill

  • Dish and hand soap, towels, dish cloths, sponges, etc.

  • Flashlight

  • Matches

  • Fans

  • Toiletries

  • Toilet paper and paper towels

  • Toilet bowl cleaner and brushes

  • Non-abrasive cleaner

  • Wood floor cleaner  (The mops provided are the large rag type. If your wood floor cleaner recommends a different type of mop, you may bring them. Water damages wood floors.)

Arrival and departure

Check-in: Between 1 and 3 p.m. 
Contact the park well in advance to arrange late check-in if you will be arriving after 3 p.m.

Checkout: 11 a.m.
Each group is responsible for cleaning the camp before checkout.

Checkout inspection
Park staff will inspect that everything is clean at 10 a.m. on checkout day. This process takes approximately one hour. Make sure everything is clean and personal items have been removed from the buildings before 10 a.m. A cleaning checklist is included in your reservation packet information and posted on the kitchen bulletin board.

Checkout extension
With an additional day use charge, you may arrange different check-in and checkout times, if the camp is available.

Other information

  • Heating and utilities

    Utilities are charged during winter use, October 15 to April 15. This cost varies according to the outside temperatures, the number of cabins heated and temperature of the cabins. Gas and electric meters are read before and after your stay. The estimated cost for utilities is $75-$125 per night. The summer rate includes utility charges.

  • Firewood

    Firewood bundles are available for sale at the park office. To arrange a large delivery, call prior to your stay. Don't move firewood! Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Buy your firewood from the park or use approved firewood.

  • Pets

    No pets other than hearing or seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed in state park buildings, lodging, cabins, and camper cabins, on tours or in beach areas.

  • RVs

    Recreational vehicles (RVs) are only allowed with prior written approval from the park manager - contact the park before you arrive. Sleeping tents are not permitted at the group center.

  • Party tents

    If you are planning on having a large party tent, ask us where it can be placed.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY CALL 911

  • During an emergency, call from the phone in the kitchen, and alert the park office during office hours: 507-312-2301.

Phone coverage

  • If someone needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call the group center phone at 507-932-4406 or the park office during office hours, 507-312-2301.

  • The only cell phone service is AT&T. For other carriers there is cellular service south on State Highway 74, toward St. Charles. Bring a prepaid phone card to use at the phone in the group center's kitchen if you need to make a long distance call.

Wi-Fi

  • Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center.

Naturalist programming

  • Groups of ten people or more may request naturalist programming. Programs are free and depend on staff availability. For information and to schedule, call 507-312-2308 or 507-312-2307.