Tom Brantner Memorial Camp

Introduction / Overview: A Dedicated Outdoor Classroom in the Red River Valley

For local Minnesotans and organizations in the Red River Valley region, the **Tom Brantner Memorial Camp** stands out as a unique and purpose-built outdoor facility. Located near the quaint community of Glyndon, this property is not a conventional public campground but rather a dedicated site managed by the Northern Lights Council, primarily serving its youth programs like Troops, Packs, and Venture Crews. However, it also extends a welcoming hand to other non-Scout groups looking for a secluded, structured environment for short-term camping and outdoor events.

The camp honors its namesake through its mission: to provide a safe, accessible, and structured "outdoor classroom" where youth and adults alike can develop essential outdoor skills, leadership, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. It operates on a "Leave No Trace" principle, emphasizing environmental stewardship and responsibility among all visitors. This focus ensures the property remains pristine and well-maintained for generations of campers. As a short-term and overnight facility, the Tom Brantner Memorial Camp is an excellent resource for Minnesotans in Clay County seeking a reliable location for weekend adventures, trainings, or introductory camping experiences.

Location and Accessibility: Easily Reached from the Fargo-Moorhead Area

The convenience of the Tom Brantner Memorial Camp’s location is one of its major advantages, particularly for residents in West Central Minnesota and the greater Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.

• Regional Setting: The camp is situated in **Clay County, Minnesota**, placing it just a short, approximately 20-mile drive east of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota. This close proximity makes it an ideal spot for quick, weekend camping trips without extensive travel time.
• Address: The official address is **4141 180th St N, Glyndon, MN 56547, USA**. This specific location allows for relatively easy access via local and state routes that branch off the major corridors like US Route 10 or Interstate 94.
• Access Procedure: Due to its organizational nature, the camp operates a controlled access system. Groups are required to make reservations in advance and typically must pick up a key (with a refundable deposit) at the main Council Service Center in Fargo during business hours to gain access to the property. This structured system ensures security and proper accountability for all camp users.

Its location in the relatively flat, yet scenic, Red River Valley provides a unique Midwestern landscape for camping that differs from the dense woods of the state's northern regions or the rocky terrain of the North Shore.

Services Offered: Essential Amenities for Group Tent Camping

The facilities at Tom Brantner Memorial Camp are intentionally rustic and focused on providing the necessities for traditional tent camping and outdoor programming. It is not an RV park and emphasizes a back-to-basics approach to camping.

• Established Campsites: The property features **three established campsites** designed specifically for tent camping. These sites help manage group impact and provide defined, ready-to-use areas for setup.
• Water Supply: **Drinking water is available on-site**, a crucial amenity for any camping facility. Groups are encouraged to bring their own containers for transport and storage.
• Sanitary Facilities: Essential for group use, a **latrine** is available on the property. This typically refers to a robust vault or pit toilet setup, maintaining hygiene standards without complex infrastructure.
• Picnic Tables: Each camping area is equipped with **picnic tables**, providing necessary surfaces for cooking, eating, and conducting group activities or meetings.
• Year-Round Availability (Seasonal): The camp is available for short-term and overnight use for a substantial portion of the year, typically from **January 2nd through October 31st**, accommodating groups across multiple seasons, including winter camping opportunities.

Features / Highlights: Focus on Program and Integrity

The distinct features of the Tom Brantner Memorial Camp revolve around its organizational management and its commitment to a pure outdoor experience.

• "Leave No Trace" Ethos: A primary feature is the strict adherence to the "Leave No Trace" principle. All garbage—absolutely all trash—must be removed from the property by the using group. This policy maintains the integrity of the natural environment and fosters a strong sense of responsibility among campers.
• High Group Capacity: The combined capacity across the three established campsites allows for a maximum occupancy of up to **90 people (per day use)**, making it a powerful resource for large-scale unit or district events.
• Affordable Group Fees: The site is highly accessible financially, offering extremely reasonable day-use and overnight rates, with discounted fees for Scout Member units. This commitment to affordability ensures that quality outdoor experiences remain within reach for youth organizations.
• Non-Scout Accessibility: While primarily a Scouting property, the camp's availability for use by **non-Scout groups** (with a slightly higher maintenance fee) is a major highlight, allowing other community, church, or educational groups to benefit from its dedicated facilities.
• Proximity to Public Lands: The camp is located conveniently close to other key Minnesota outdoor destinations, such as the renowned **Buffalo River State Park**, which offers additional hiking trails, nature education, and prairie viewing, expanding the recreational opportunities for visiting groups.

Contact Information: Reservation and Coordination

The Tom Brantner Memorial Camp is not reserved through the state park system or a general public platform. All bookings are handled directly through the Northern Lights Council, which manages the property.

Campsite Address: 4141 180th St N, Glyndon, MN 56547, USA

Reservation Contact (Northern Lights Council): Reservations are made by contacting the main administrative office.

Phone: Inquire at the **Fargo Center for Scouting** for current reservation procedures and contact numbers, which are typically available through the Council’s official website or main public listing.

Note on Reservation: Reservations are generally **required 30 days prior** to the intended date of use, and prepayment of fees and any required security deposit is mandatory. Non-Scout groups must also provide proof of liability insurance naming the Council as additionally insured.

What is Worth Choosing the Tom Brantner Memorial Camp

The Tom Brantner Memorial Camp is the definitive choice for Minnesotans in the Clay County area seeking a **dedicated, structured, and affordable group tent camping experience** with an emphasis on essential outdoor skills.

It is worth choosing because:

• You are a leader of a **youth or organized group** that needs a predictable, high-capacity space close to the Fargo-Moorhead area for short-term or weekend outings.
• Your group values the **'Leave No Trace' principle** and wants to practice true environmental stewardship in a minimally developed setting.
• You require access to essential facilities—reliable water, latrine, and picnic tables—without the distractions of fully modernized amenities.
• You appreciate the **controlled and secure access** system that ensures the property is only used by authorized, pre-registered groups.

This camp offers a valuable, traditional outdoor environment, perfectly positioned to serve the training and recreational needs of Minnesota's organized groups throughout most of the year.