welcome to
clearwater forest
A stunningly beautiful camp and retreat setting on Clearwater Lake in central Minnesota, Clearwater Forest has been changing lives in God’s woods and waters since 1954. Come find beauty, peace, renewal, joy, connection and spirit, while enjoying acres of pristine forest and lakeshore. Clearwater is a place to unplug and rejuvenate with the power of nature.
Clearwater Forest has programming available for all ages including summer camp, retreats, family events, senior programs and team-building opportunities. We host family reunions, small and large group retreats, corporate picnics/events, business meetings and weddings, all year round with a variety of facilities to offer.
As a non-profit, Clearwater Forest relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors like you!
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 1 pm

ANNOUNCEMENTS
RETREATS for 2023-2024
Clearwater Forest will be hosting several retreats throughout the year. Click on the 'Retreats' tab to see more details. Click on 'Register for All Programs' to register. We look forward to seeing you soon! Contact the office for more information or to make your reservation today: office@clearwaterforest.org or (218) 678-2325
SUMMER CAMP 2024
We are actively seeking camp counselors, lifeguards, and more for the next summer season. It will be here before you know it! Interested individuals can apply HERE!

STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE!
Clearwater Forest stands firm in our Christian beliefs that each Black life is created in God’s image, because every human is created in God’s image. We commit to using our shared voices to speak against systemic injustice. View full statement & Racial Justice Resources Page
at clearwater forest we have
Something for Everyone
summer camp
Find out more about our summer camp opportunities for campers from elementary to senior high!
Events & Rentals
We have everything you need to make your next retreat, conference, or gathering a success!
Facilities
We have seasonal and year round facilities to accommodate all of your needs and activities!
program spotlight
women's chrysalis
Clearwater Chrysalis is a balanced, faith-building program at Clearwater Forest. We welcome adult women from all Christian traditions. Our vision is to nourish and support the body, mind and spirit in community with other women.
The first Clearwater Chrysalis in 1984 featured speakers, exercise classes, Bible study, and workshops. Chrysalis has been held every summer since and an annual winter gathering since 1990.
Summer Chrysalis is August 17-20th, 2023 with an Optional Service Day on Wednesday, August 16th
Theme: Heritage of Women
Presenter: Sue L. Hamilton
Registration is closed but if you wish to attend camp, please call Barb Wasmoen at 612-669-9700.

clearwater forest
Conservation easement
The Board of Directors of Presbyterian Clearwater Forest is pleased to announce that Clearwater has completed the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to place the northern, rustic part of our property into a perpetual conservation easement in exchange for $1,663,620. This agreement, which was approved by all five governing bodies of Clearwater Forest, does not limit our ability to have trails for mountain biking and cross-country skiing or using it for wilderness camping programs.
We were well into negotiations for this easement prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the funds ($850,000) received from the easement will be permanently placed in the Clearwater Conservation Easement Endowment Fund with the earned income going to the annual budget each year. Part of the easement ($650,000) will be used as a bridge loan to the capital campaign to allow us to break ground on the needed renovations to Hallett Hall. After covering about $3,000 of legal and filing fees, the balance of $160,000 will be used to cover some of the losses due to the pandemic.
When we first realized the possibility of not having summer programs, the question was raised, “What new possibilities does this give us?” This question and the availability of easement funds opened up the possibility of beginning the renovations to the dining hall during this time when we don’t have guests at camp. The original budget for the Hallett Hall renovation was $1,200,000 but we have reduced that to under $800,000 and will be using volunteer workgroups to help with some of the interior parts of the redesign. If you have a potential workgroup interested in coming to Clearwater in fall (pandemic orders allowing), please contact Lance@clearwaterforest.org.