Pool House

For Minnesotans seeking a structured, amenity-rich, and engaging outdoor experience, particularly for youth groups and community organizations, Gamehaven Scout Camp at 5015 Simpson Rd SE, Rochester, MN, stands as a distinguished destination. While the name "Pool House" might initially suggest a standalone swimming facility, it's important for local users to understand that the Pool House is a key feature within the expansive and comprehensive Gamehaven Scout Camp. This established camp provides a wide array of camping opportunities, from traditional campsites to rustic options and indoor lodging, making it a versatile hub for outdoor adventure right here in Southeastern Minnesota.

Gamehaven Scout Camp is much more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a dynamic environment designed to foster outdoor skills, leadership, and a deep appreciation for nature. Its extensive facilities cater to Boy Scout units, out-of-council groups, and even community organizations looking for a unique setting for meetings, retreats, or overnight stays. The camp's commitment to providing well-maintained amenities, including the popular swimming pool, ensures a comfortable and enriching experience for all who visit.

This overview aims to shed light on the diverse offerings of Gamehaven Scout Camp, focusing on its prime location, the range of services available, and the many features that make it a standout choice for organized outdoor activities in Minnesota. By understanding the full scope of this valuable local resource, Minnesotans can better plan their next group adventure or outdoor retreat within the beautiful Rochester area.

Gamehaven Scout Camp is strategically located at 5015 Simpson Rd SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA. This address places the camp approximately five miles southeast of downtown Rochester, offering a convenient and straightforward journey for participants from across Minnesota. Its proximity to a major city like Rochester ensures that while campers are immersed in a natural setting, they remain within easy reach of urban amenities, medical facilities, and transportation hubs, providing both a sense of escape and essential convenience.

Accessing Gamehaven Scout Camp is made simple through well-maintained road networks. The camp provides clear driving instructions, indicating that it is easily reachable from both MN-52 and MN-63. From MN-52, visitors can exit on 11th Ave / CR-1 and proceed southeast. From MN-63, exiting on 48th St / CR-20 and heading east will lead to the camp. These clear directions highlight the camp's commitment to easy accessibility for all incoming groups, minimizing navigation challenges and maximizing time spent enjoying the camp's facilities.

The camp spans over 190 acres, encompassing diverse terrain that ranges from well-developed upper camp areas to more rustic sections nestled deeper within the woods. This varied landscape allows for different camping experiences, all within a securely managed property. The ease of access, combined with the extensive acreage, makes Gamehaven Scout Camp an ideal location for local Minnesota groups looking for a comprehensive outdoor education and recreational facility that is both immersive and practical to reach.

Gamehaven Scout Camp, situated at 5015 Simpson Rd SE, Rochester, MN, offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support a wide variety of outdoor and group activities. These services cater to the needs of Scout units, out-of-council groups, and various community organizations utilizing the camp's extensive facilities.

• Traditional Campsites: The camp features numerous "modern" campsites, typically located closer to the camp entrance. These sites are equipped with in-site latrines, running water during summer months, and picnic tables, providing a comfortable and convenient camping experience for groups.
• Rustic Campsites: For groups seeking a more primitive and secluded experience, Gamehaven offers rustic campsites located deeper within the wooded areas. While these sites do not have direct access to running water or in-site latrines, these facilities are conveniently located nearby.
• Indoor Lodging: Beyond traditional camping, the camp provides various indoor lodging options such as cabins (like those with A/C and heat, bunking four on two bunk beds) and lodges (such as Deer Lodge and Pheasant Lodge, each accommodating up to 15 people with mattresses). These are ideal for corporate retreats, group meetings, or comfortable overnight stays.
• Swimming Pool: A significant highlight is the on-site swimming pool, often referred to as the "Pool House." This facility is open during the summer months (typically June 1st - August 31st) and can be rented by groups. It features changing rooms with running water and bathrooms. Pool use generally requires Red Cross Lifeguard supervision, which can be provided by the council for an additional fee or by the renting group with certified lifeguards.
• Program Areas and Facilities: The camp boasts a wide array of program areas, including shooting ranges (e.g., shotgun five-stand), an activity field area, and other specialized zones for various outdoor skills and recreational activities.
• Meeting and Event Spaces: Various facilities are available for day activities, group meetings, and events, offering flexible options for diverse organizational needs.
• On-site Caretaker: The presence of a caretaker (John DeStazio) indicates dedicated on-site support for facility maintenance and camper assistance.
• Camp Maps: Detailed camp maps are available to help visitors navigate the extensive grounds and locate specific campsites and program areas.

These diverse services ensure that Gamehaven Scout Camp is well-equipped to host a variety of groups, providing both essential amenities and specialized facilities for a complete outdoor and educational experience.

Gamehaven Scout Camp offers a multitude of features and highlights that make it an exceptional outdoor destination for Minnesotans, especially for youth organizations and community groups. These elements contribute to a well-rounded and memorable experience:

• Dedicated Swimming Pool: The "Pool House" or on-site swimming pool is a major highlight, especially during Minnesota's warm summer months. It's a fantastic amenity for recreation, cool-down activities, and aquatic training, offering a fun and safe environment for all ages.
• Diverse Camping Environments: With 14 different campsites, including "modern" sites near the entrance with running water and latrines, and more rustic sites deeper in the woods, the camp caters to a wide spectrum of camping preferences, from comfortable family-style camping to more primitive wilderness experiences.
• Year-Round Indoor Lodging: The availability of insulated cabins with A/C and heat, along with larger lodges (like Deer Lodge and Pheasant Lodge), allows for comfortable year-round use. This is particularly valuable for Minnesota's variable weather, enabling corporate retreats, meetings, and group stays regardless of the season.
• Extensive Program Offerings: Beyond just camping, Gamehaven provides specialized program areas such as shooting ranges (e.g., shotgun five-stand), fostering skill development and unique recreational opportunities.
• Vast Natural Landscape: Spanning over 190 acres, the camp offers ample space for exploration, hiking, and immersing oneself in the natural beauty of Southeastern Minnesota, including wooded areas and open fields.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff/Hosts: While specific reviews for "Pool House" were not provided, general sentiment for well-managed camps like Gamehaven often points to friendly and supportive staff or camp hosts who enhance the visitor experience.
• Focus on Youth Development: As a Scout camp, its inherent design promotes character building, leadership skills, and outdoor education, making it an excellent resource for youth groups seeking meaningful experiences.
• Community Group Accessibility: The camp extends its rental opportunities to non-Scout community groups, making its impressive facilities available for a broader range of events and retreats.
• Convenient Location: Its proximity to Rochester allows for easy access while still providing the feeling of a genuine escape into nature, offering the best of both worlds.

These features collectively ensure that Gamehaven Scout Camp provides a versatile, engaging, and well-supported environment for outdoor adventures and group activities for Minnesotans.

For all inquiries, reservations, or to gather the most precise and up-to-date information regarding Gamehaven Scout Camp and its facilities, including the Pool House, you should contact the Gamehaven Council directly.

Address: 5015 Simpson Rd SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Phone: The primary phone number for the Gamehaven Council Office is:

Phone: (507) 287-1410

Additionally, specific contacts for camp management might be available:

• Caretaker: John DeStazio (often available for on-site inquiries during operating hours) - 507-261-8307
• Camp Director: Brady Geary (for program-related inquiries) - 507-361-5345

It is highly recommended to visit the official Gamehaven Council website (www.gamehavenbsa.org) for detailed information on facility rentals, camp catalogs, specific program schedules, pricing for various group types (in-council, out-of-council, community), and current operating policies for the Pool House and other amenities. Making reservations or inquiries well in advance is advisable, especially for peak season usage.

Gamehaven Scout Camp, with its impressive facilities including the Pool House, stands as an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for Minnesotans, particularly for youth organizations, schools, and community groups. Its comprehensive offerings provide a unique blend of outdoor immersion and structured activities, all conveniently located within the Rochester area.

For local groups, the camp's proximity to Rochester is a significant advantage. It allows for easy access without the need for extensive travel, making it a practical choice for day-long programs, weekend retreats, and even week-long summer camps. This accessibility ensures that Minnesotan youth and community members can readily benefit from the outdoor education and recreational opportunities the camp provides, fostering a deeper connection with nature and developing essential life skills right in their own region.

The diverse range of camping options, from traditional tent sites with basic amenities to rustic wilderness spots and comfortable indoor lodges, caters to varying levels of outdoor comfort and group needs. This versatility makes Gamehaven ideal for a wide array of programs, from Scout troop adventures focused on primitive skills to corporate team-building exercises or community family gatherings. The presence of the Pool House and other specialized program areas further enhances the camp's appeal, offering engaging activities beyond just traditional camping.

Moreover, the focus on a well-managed and supportive environment, with dedicated staff and clear guidelines, creates a safe and enriching space for participants. This emphasis on safety and organization is particularly important for groups with children, providing peace of mind for organizers and parents alike.

In essence, Gamehaven Scout Camp is more than just a campground; it is a pivotal local institution that empowers Minnesotans, especially youth, to discover the joys and challenges of the outdoors. It provides a structured, accessible, and amenity-rich environment that is perfectly tailored for locals seeking to build character, learn new skills, and create lasting memories amidst the beautiful natural backdrop of Southeastern Minnesota.