Camp Ruby Lake

🛶 Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota organizations, youth groups, and large families seeking a unique, dedicated wilderness retreat, Camp Ruby Lake in Marcell offers a distinct and historic camping experience. Unlike standard public campgrounds designed for individual families or single campsites, Camp Ruby Lake functions as an Organization Camp. This means the site is specifically structured and available for rent to organized groups—historically serving Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, and other large gatherings. This focus on group use provides a level of exclusivity and structure rarely found in other public lands camping areas.

Situated deep within the magnificent Chippewa National Forest, Camp Ruby Lake provides an immersive Northwoods environment. The camp is located directly on the shores of Ruby Lake, a beautiful body of water known for its peaceful setting. Its historical significance is part of its charm, reflecting its long-standing role in providing outdoor recreation opportunities in the region. The amenities at Camp Ruby are more developed than a typical primitive campsite, featuring a collection of dormitory cabins and centralized facilities, making it comfortable even for those less familiar with rugged camping. Its location near the famous Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway ensures that groups have not only a comfortable base but also effortless access to the natural and cultural highlights of Northern Minnesota.

Local Minnesotans know that the Chippewa National Forest is a treasure trove of pine-scented fragrance and pristine lakes, and Camp Ruby Lake provides a special way to access this rich environment. It is a peaceful spot that allows groups to focus on team building, environmental education, and enjoying essential northern activities like swimming, canoeing, and cooking together, far from the noise and distraction of city life.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Camp Ruby Lake is strategically located in the heart of Northern Minnesota’s lake country, positioning it perfectly for wilderness exploration while maintaining reasonable accessibility. The camp is situated near the small community of Marcell, a well-known stop along the scenic corridors of the region.

Address:

44319 Imperial Rd, Marcell, MN 56657, USA

The camp’s location on Imperial Road places it conveniently near the State Highway 38 corridor, which is celebrated as the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway. This designation means the journey to Camp Ruby Lake is as scenic as the destination itself, winding through the rolling hills and pine forests of the Chippewa National Forest.

Accessibility by vehicle is generally straightforward via maintained forest roads. For groups needing last-minute supplies or local information, the nearby town of Marcell and other local resorts (such as Spider Shores Resort, just down the road) provide effortless access to gas, bait/tackle, groceries, and other necessities. This blend of remote wilderness setting and convenient access to essential amenities makes Camp Ruby Lake an ideal spot for large groups traveling in the region. It is far enough into the forest to offer a true escape, but close enough to services to ensure a stress-free stay for organizers.

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🛠️ Services Offered

As a historical U.S. Forest Service Organization Camp, Camp Ruby Lake provides facilities that are designed to host and support large, structured groups. The services go beyond the simple tent site and picnic table of a primitive campground, offering more substantial infrastructure:

• Group-Oriented Lodging: The camp is equipped with a collection of dormitory cabins or three separate units of cabins, designed to accommodate "mixed" groups (not just single-family units).
• Centralized Facilities: The camp features modern facilities typical of an organization camp, including sanitary facilities for large groups, though the exact level of modernization should be verified with the Forest Service.
• Waterfront Access: Direct access to Ruby Lake is provided, affording opportunities for swimming and canoeing.
• Amphitheater: The property has included an outdoor amphitheater, historically used for programs, gatherings, and educational activities.
• Central Kitchen & Dining Area: Organization camps typically include a community kitchen and a dining or mess tent area to facilitate meal preparation and shared dining for large groups.
• Recreation Fields/Space: Ample open space is available for games, team-building exercises, and general recreation, complementing the natural resources.
• Proximity to Educational Resources: The location is close to the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell, which offers environmental education and free naturalist programs throughout the summer.

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✨ Features / Highlights

Camp Ruby Lake's appeal lies in its unique history, structure, and location within a prime Minnesota natural area. These are the elements that make it stand out for local users:

• Historic Organization Camp Status: This is a major highlight. The camp’s infrastructure reflects its purpose as a U.S. Forest Service facility built for large groups, offering a special glimpse into the history of outdoor education and recreation in the Chippewa National Forest.
• Exclusive Group Rental: The modern camp is available for rent to various organized groups, meaning when you book Camp Ruby, your organization has dedicated access to the facilities, providing privacy and a tailored experience.
• Prime Lake Frontage: Located directly on the shores of Ruby Lake, the camp boasts a beautiful setting with a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for non-motorized swimming and canoeing. Ruby Lake itself is a deep (88 feet maximum depth) and scenic body of water.
• Gateway to the Chippewa National Forest: The camp offers an excellent base for exploring the vast national forest, known for its extensive network of hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. It’s a genuine Northwoods environment, rich in wildlife and towering pine trees.
• Access to the Edge of the Wilderness Byway: The proximity to State Highway 38 means groups can easily integrate scenic drives, visits to the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center, and exploration of other historic sites like the nearby Joyce Estate into their itinerary.
• Well-Structured for Programs: With dormitory cabins, a potential amphitheater, and common areas, the camp is perfectly structured for educational, spiritual, or team-building programs, making logistics simple for group leaders.

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📞 Contact Information

Since Camp Ruby Lake is a U.S. Forest Service facility managed within the Chippewa National Forest, booking and general inquiries are handled through the Forest Supervisor's Office or the appropriate district office.

Address (Camp Location):

44319 Imperial Rd

Marcell, MN 56657, USA

Contact for Reservations & Information (Chippewa National Forest Supervisor's Office):

200 Ash Avenue NW

Cass Lake, MN 56633

Phone:

(218) 335-8600

Note: The popularity of this unique facility means it is often booked well in advance, sometimes for the entire summer season by the end of April. Organized groups should contact the Chippewa National Forest office with significant lead time to inquire about availability and the rental process for the Ruby Lake Organization Camp.

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👍 What is Worth Choosing

For organizations, large family reunions, or educational groups in Minnesota, Camp Ruby Lake is an unparalleled choice because it offers a fully dedicated and structured group camping environment within the high-quality setting of the Chippewa National Forest. What is truly worth choosing here is the opportunity for a private, immersive experience where your group has the run of a historic U.S. Forest Service facility.

If you are a group leader looking for a place that offers more than just a cluster of campsites—a place with dormitory-style lodging, centralized facilities, and a ready-made platform for programming (like the amphitheater)—Camp Ruby Lake is the ideal solution. It perfectly balances the tranquility of a lakeside retreat with the functionality needed to manage a large gathering. The camp's location on Ruby Lake with its excellent waterfront access, coupled with the ability to use the surrounding forest for hiking and the Edge of the Wilderness Byway for educational excursions, makes it a uniquely valuable destination in Northern Minnesota. Choose Camp Ruby Lake for a seamless, memorable, and structured group adventure into the state’s beautiful pine country.