Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp

🌲 Introduction / Overview

Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp, located near the quiet town of Irene, SD, is much more than just a typical campground—it is a comprehensive, peaceful retreat designed for spiritual renewal, family connection, and lively recreation. Part of the larger Broom Tree Farm Retreat Ministries, and owned and operated by the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls since 2004, the camp sits on 300 beautiful acres in the rolling hills of the Missouri Valley.

While the adjacent Retreat & Conference Center focuses on silent, Ignatian retreats for adults, the Youth & Family Camp is specifically designed for families and youth groups. Its mission is to support all people of faith in spiritual development while providing excellent, modern camping facilities where guests can truly "unplug from the world" and be refreshed by the great outdoors. Users consistently describe their time here as both "very Holy & fulfilling spiritually" and genuinely "fun." It’s a clean, modern facility offering a unique blend of faith formation and family-friendly recreation, making it a true jewel of Eastern South Dakota.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility

The camp enjoys a serene and picturesque location, providing a secluded environment that is still accessible to many residents across South Dakota.

• Address: 120 Saint Michael Drive, Irene, SD 57037, USA. Note that this specific address is for the camp area, which is situated just a quarter of a mile from the main Retreat Center.
• Setting: Nestled on 300 acres of beautiful rural land, the camp is located approximately 6 miles west of Irene, SD, on Highway 46. It is situated within the scenic rolling hills of the Missouri Valley region.
• Proximity to Cities: It is located about 55 miles south of Sioux Falls, positioning it within easy driving distance for a weekend getaway for families in the southeastern corner of the state.
• Natural Surroundings: The grounds provide a tranquil setting, and the facilities are within walking distance of the pristine Lake Marindahl, offering easy access to additional recreational opportunities like boating, canoeing, and fishing.

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🏡 Services Offered

Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp provides a wide variety of accommodation and comprehensive facilities, ensuring a comfortable and engaging stay for all types of groups and families.

• Accommodation Options: The camp offers several lodging choices to suit different needs:
  • Family Cabins (14): Comfortable, well-maintained cabins, each sleeping up to seven people. They are equipped with heat, AC, charcoal grills, and picnic tables.
  • Dorm Cabins (3): Larger cabins capable of sleeping up to 20 people, also featuring heat, AC, full kitchens, charcoal grills, and picnic tables.
  • RV/Camping Pads:
    • Full Hookup Pads (2 available): Including sewer, water, and electric.
    • Water & Electric Pads: Pads with water and electric hookups.
    • Tent Only Pads: Designated sites for traditional tent camping.
• Aquatic Center: A major highlight featuring a large, heated, outdoor pool and a zero-entry Kiddie Pool, complete with plenty of tables and lounge chairs for relaxation. The Aquatic Center is open to all guests lodging at Broom Tree.
• Bathhouse and Laundry: A modern bathhouse is conveniently located near the campground and aquatic center, featuring separate men's and women's restrooms with two private showers each. A washer and dryer are also available for guest use.
• The Archbishop Carlson Lodge: Available for exclusive rental, featuring a massive stone, gas fireplace, a log-railed loft, panoramic views, and handicapped accessibility.
• Game Room: Located in the Lodge's lower level, featuring two full-sized Pool tables, two Foos Ball tables, Air Hockey, a Ping Pong table, and game tables for board games.
• Picnic Facilities: A large Picnic Shelter with electricity is available for rent for group gatherings and day use.

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🌟 Features / Highlights

The unique features of Broom Tree center on its beautiful natural environment and its dedication to providing facilities that support both active fun and quiet reflection.

• Spiritual & Faith Focus: As a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, the camp offers a "Holy & fulfilling spiritually" environment. It regularly hosts programs like Discipleship Camp and provides opportunities for faith development, including daily Mass, Adoration, and Confession, making it perfect for families seeking to reconnect with their faith.
• High-Quality Recreational Amenities: The inclusion of an outdoor hot tub and a large heated pool is a highly-praised feature, allowing guests to relax and play in comfort. The Aquatic Center is a major draw for families, especially those with younger children benefiting from the zero-entry kiddie pool.
• The Way of the Cross Walking Path: A scenic and memorable walk features the Stations of the Cross, chiseled in large granite stones, culminating in a climb up a hill to three crosses. This provides a beautiful outdoor space for quiet reflection and prayer.
• Extensive Outdoor Activities: Beyond the aquatic center, the grounds include a sand volleyball court and a Playground conveniently located adjacent to the pool, featuring a large play system, slides, swings, and more, ensuring endless fun for youth.
• Access to Lake Marindahl: The camp’s proximity to Lake Marindahl provides natural access for boating, canoeing, and fishing, complementing the on-site activities.
• Year-Round Availability: The camp is open year-round, allowing families and groups to enjoy the beautiful grounds during all four seasons of South Dakota weather. The heated cabins and the Lodge ensure a comfortable stay even during the winter months.

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☎️ Contact Information

For reservations, booking inquiries, or general questions about the facility, guests are advised to contact the main office.

Address: 120 Saint Michael Drive, Irene, SD 57037, USA

Phone: (605) 263-1040

Mobile Phone: +1 605-263-1040

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✅ What is Worth Choosing Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp

Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp is a worthwhile choice for local South Dakota families and youth groups who are looking for a facility that offers a balanced, high-quality experience that addresses both recreational fun and spiritual growth. It stands out in the region for the following reasons:

1. Superior Facilities and Comfort: Unlike many rustic camps, Broom Tree offers a modern, high-comfort experience. The availability of nice, air-conditioned cabins with full kitchens, RV pads with sewer/water/electric hookups, and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub ensures that all members of the family, regardless of age, can enjoy their time without compromising on convenience or comfort. Guests appreciate the clean, well-maintained nature of the property.

2. The Ideal Family and Group Gathering Spot: With 14 Family Cabins, large Dorm Cabins, the Lodge, and a spacious picnic shelter, the camp is perfectly set up for family reunions, church retreats, and large group gatherings. The combination of private lodging and shared recreational amenities (playground, game room, volleyball) provides the perfect blueprint for making meaningful connections and cherished memories.

3. A Sanctuary for Renewal: Beyond the fun, the camp offers a true spiritual sanctuary. Its setting on 300 peaceful acres, adjacency to Lake Marindahl, and the presence of the scenic Stations of the Cross path create an environment conducive to quiet reflection and spiritual renewal. It’s the perfect place to unplug from daily life and be refreshed, providing a unique dimension of rest that standard recreational campgrounds cannot offer.