CAMPGROUND #64

For those of us in Minnesota seeking to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of our state, a camping trip is often the perfect antidote to daily routines. Southwest Minnesota, with its unique blend of prairie landscapes and river valleys, offers a distinctive outdoor experience. Among the region's treasures, Camden State Park Campground stands out as a highly popular and well-regarded destination. While the specific designation "CAMPGROUND #64" might refer to an individual site or a loop within a larger park, public information strongly indicates that the most prominent and suitable campground associated with Lynd, MN, is indeed Camden State Park Campground. This article will focus on the offerings of this wonderful park, providing local Minnesotans with a comprehensive guide to planning their next adventure.

Camden State Park Campground offers a versatile camping experience, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from those seeking a rustic tent site to RV campers looking for more amenities. It’s a place where the sounds of the Redwood River create a soothing backdrop to your outdoor activities, and where the transition from wooded valleys to open prairie offers a constantly changing and beautiful panorama. This diversity in landscape provides unique opportunities for exploration and relaxation, distinguishing it from other camping locations in Minnesota.

What makes Camden State Park Campground particularly appealing to locals is its ability to blend natural serenity with practical facilities. It’s designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that everyone, from young children to seasoned campers, can find something to enjoy. The commitment to maintaining clean facilities and providing access to a variety of recreational pursuits means that visitors can truly unwind and connect with the natural world without compromising on essential comforts. It's an opportunity to create cherished memories, whether it's around a campfire, on a hiking trail, or by the tranquil waters of the Redwood River.

Camden State Park Campground is officially located at 1897 Camden Park Road, Lynd, MN 56157, USA. This address places it approximately ten miles southwest of Marshall, Minnesota, making it highly accessible for residents across Southwest Minnesota and even from the wider region. The park is conveniently situated just off State Highway 23, a well-maintained route that ensures a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, including RVs and those towing trailers.

The proximity to Lynd, a small and welcoming community, means that campers have easy access to any last-minute supplies or services they might need, while still enjoying the secluded feeling of a state park. Marshall, as a larger regional center, offers more extensive shopping, dining, and emergency services, providing peace of mind for longer stays. The clear signage leading into Camden State Park makes navigation straightforward upon arrival.

The park's location along the banks of the Redwood River and its inclusion of Brawner Lake within its boundaries are significant features, offering immediate access to water-based activities. This combination of convenient road access and direct integration with natural waterways makes Camden State Park Campground an ideal spot for those looking to maximize their outdoor time without extensive travel hassles.

Camden State Park Campground is well-equipped with a variety of services designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its visitors. These services cater to different camping preferences and ensure a pleasant stay for all:

• Campsites: The park offers a total of 80 campsites, including both semi-modern campgrounds and a primitive horse camp, as well as a group camp.
• Electrical Hookups: Many individual campsites, particularly in the "upper" and "lower" campground sections, provide electrical hookups (some 50-amp available), suitable for RVs and trailers.
• Restrooms: Clean restrooms with flush toilets are available in the main campground areas, generally accessible from mid-May to mid-October. Vault toilets are available during the off-season.
• Showers: Hot showers are provided in the campground bathhouse, available during the warmer months (mid-May to mid-October).
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV and trailer waste disposal.
• Potable Water: Accessible water sources are present throughout the campground for drinking and other needs.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase at the park office, with strong encouragement to buy local firewood to prevent the spread of tree pests.
• Picnic Shelters: Two picnic shelters are available for rental year-round, ideal for day-use gatherings or events.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the campsites, provided they are kept on a leash.
• Reservations: Many campsites are reservable online or by phone, particularly recommended during peak season, although some may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The availability of certain amenities, such as showers and flush toilets, may be seasonal, so it's always wise to check the Minnesota DNR website for the most current operational dates when planning an off-season visit.

Camden State Park Campground is celebrated for its diverse natural features and recreational highlights, offering something for every type of outdoor enthusiast:

• Redwood River: The park is situated along the banks of the Redwood River, a key feature for fishing (stocked with brown trout), canoeing, and enjoying scenic river views.
• Brawner Lake & Swimming Pond: Brawner Lake offers fishing (bass and bluegill), and a spring-fed swimming pond provides a refreshing spot for campers to cool off, often with a nearby playground.
• Extensive Trail System: A network of hiking, biking, and horse trails crisscrosses the park, leading through wooded valleys, open prairies, and along the river. This includes the Camden Regional Trail, a 14-mile paved trail connecting the park to Marshall.
• Diverse Ecosystems: The park showcases a unique transition from wooded valley to open prairie, offering a "kaleidoscope of flowers and plant life" that changes with the seasons, providing continuously evolving scenic beauty.
• Wildlife Viewing: The varied habitats support abundant wildlife, providing opportunities for birdwatching and observing other native animals.
• Archeological Significance: The park is recognized as an important archeological area, adding a layer of historical interest to the natural surroundings.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a swimming pond, playground, and diverse activities, the campground is ideal for families, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
• Year-Round Camping (with varying amenities): The campground is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the park in all four distinct Minnesota seasons, though services change in the off-season.

These features collectively create a rich and engaging outdoor experience, promising adventure and relaxation in one of Southwest Minnesota's most beautiful natural settings.

As a Minnesota State Park, Camden State Park Campground, including its sites like "CAMPGROUND #64" (if referring to a specific site), operates under the pricing and access policies set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Therefore, it typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense.

However, the "special offers" inherent to camping at a Minnesota State Park include:

• Affordable Access: Daily or annual vehicle permits are required for park entry ($7 daily, $35 annual), which are separate from camping fees. The annual pass offers significant savings for frequent visitors.
• Interagency Pass Discounts: While not explicitly stated for all MN State Parks, some state parks may offer discounts for holders of federal interagency passes (e.g., Senior Pass, Access Pass) on camping fees, though this should be verified directly with the park or DNR.
• Value for Money: The camping fees provide access to well-maintained facilities, a wide array of recreational activities, and the protection of a state park environment, offering substantial value for the cost.
• Free Park Days: The Minnesota DNR occasionally offers "Free Park Days" where no vehicle permit is required for park entry, allowing greater access to the park's features without the daily fee. These are announced on the DNR website.
• Educational Programs: State Parks often offer free or low-cost interpretive programs and nature activities, which can be seen as an added value for campers.

For specific and up-to-date information on camping fees, vehicle permit costs, and any potential discount programs, Minnesotans are encouraged to visit the official Minnesota DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or call the park directly.

For inquiries regarding Camden State Park Campground, including campsite availability, reservations, park conditions, or specific questions about rules and regulations, the best contact is the park office.

Address: 1897 Camden Park Road, Lynd, MN 56157, USA

Phone: (507) 872-7031

Toll-Free Reservations (via ReserveMN): (866) 857-2757

Email: camden.statepark@state.mn.us (or similar official DNR email)

For online reservations, the Minnesota DNR utilizes a central reservation system, which can typically be accessed via their official website (reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/). It's always a good practice to check the park's official DNR webpage for the most current information, alerts, and detailed maps before planning your trip.

For Minnesotans, Camden State Park Campground near Lynd is an outstanding destination that perfectly encapsulates the diverse beauty and recreational opportunities of our state. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its accessibility, its commitment to providing a rich outdoor experience, and its reflection of the unique character of Southwest Minnesota.

Firstly, its convenient location near Marshall and direct access via State Highway 23 makes it an easy and practical escape for many residents. We understand the value of minimizing travel time to maximize enjoyment, and Camden delivers on this front. It offers that true "getaway" feeling without requiring an extensive journey, making it perfect for weekend trips or spontaneous mid-week adventures. The fact that it's a state park also assures a consistent standard of maintenance and environmental protection, something we Minnesotans value greatly in our public lands.

Secondly, the park's diverse landscape — from the rolling prairie to the wooded Redwood River valley — provides an unparalleled variety of activities that appeal to our collective love for the outdoors. Whether it's casting a line for trout in the river, enjoying a refreshing dip in the swimming pond, or exploring miles of hiking and biking trails that showcase the region's flora and fauna, there's always something to do. This versatility ensures that families with varying interests, from the most avid hikers to those who simply want to relax by a campfire, will find their perfect niche. It's a place where children can freely explore and connect with nature, building lifelong memories.

Finally, the well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and showers, coupled with the opportunity for both RV and tent camping, make Camden State Park Campground a welcoming and comfortable environment for all experience levels. It embodies the essence of Minnesota camping: a chance to disconnect from daily stresses, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with loved ones amidst a beautiful, protected landscape. For locals, Camden State Park Campground isn't just a place to visit; it's a cherished part of our state's outdoor heritage, inviting us to return season after season.