Group Campground

Introduction / Overview

For many Minnesotans, gathering with loved ones, friends, or fellow community members in the great outdoors is a treasured tradition. Whether it’s a sprawling family reunion, a youth group adventure, or an organized outing, finding a camping spot that can comfortably accommodate a larger party is key. The "Group Campground" in question, located within the beautiful Camden State Park near Lynd, MN, is specifically designed to meet these needs. It offers a dedicated space where multiple tents and vehicles can coexist, fostering a sense of community while still allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Southwest Minnesota. This is more than just a place to pitch tents; it's a hub for shared experiences, campfire stories, and making lasting memories amidst the unique landscape of a Minnesota state park. It serves as an ideal base for groups looking to explore the region's diverse ecosystems, from wooded valleys to open prairies, providing a harmonious blend of natural beauty and functional group facilities.

Location and Accessibility

This Group Campground is situated within Camden State Park, at 1897 Camden Park Road, Lynd, MN 56157, USA. Lynd is a small community in Lyon County, in the southwestern region of Minnesota. This location places the campground in an accessible yet distinctly natural setting, far from the hustle and bustle of major metropolitan areas, offering a true rural escape.

Access to Camden State Park is generally straightforward via Minnesota's well-maintained state and county roads. For those traveling from various parts of Minnesota, the park is reasonably accessible from cities like Marshall (a short drive away), and within a few hours' drive of larger centers like Sioux Falls, SD, and Mankato, MN. This makes it a convenient option for groups traveling from different directions across the broader region.

Once inside Camden State Park, the Group Campground will be signposted. The park itself is nestled in a wooded valley, transitioning into open prairie, creating a unique and diverse landscape. This varied terrain offers not only beautiful scenery but also a range of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. The ease of access combined with the immersive natural environment makes Camden State Park's Group Campground an attractive destination for any group looking to experience the beauty of Southwest Minnesota without venturing too far off the beaten path. The park's contact information (507-872-7031) can provide specific directions if needed.

Services Offered

The Group Campground within Camden State Park provides essential services and facilities tailored to accommodate larger parties, ensuring a comfortable and functional group camping experience.

• Spacious Group Sites: Designed to host a significant number of people and multiple tents, offering ample space for group activities and individual privacy within the communal area. Some sources indicate capacities for groups up to 50 people or more, depending on the specific group center.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets: Available from mid-May to mid-October, providing modern and convenient restroom facilities. Vault toilets are typically available during the off-season for year-round camping.
• Showers: Available from mid-May to mid-October, allowing campers to refresh after a day of activities.
• Picnic Tables: Provided at the group site, offering dedicated areas for meals and gatherings.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Essential for campfires, cooking, and communal gatherings, enhancing the traditional camping experience.
• Charcoal Grills: Often included to facilitate outdoor cooking for larger groups.
• Water Availability: Access to potable water is typically provided, either directly at the site or at a nearby shelter/spigot.
• Dump Station: Available for RV campers, usually from mid-May to mid-October, for convenient waste disposal.
• Utility Hookups (Limited): While the Group Campground is primarily for tents, some individual campsites within Camden State Park do have electrical hookups, and it's worth checking with the park directly if any group sites offer this. Group centers in other state parks often include utilities in their fees.
• ADA Accessible Sites: Some campsites within the park are noted as ADA accessible, promoting inclusivity.

It's important to note that group centers or campgrounds often require direct contact with the park to reserve, as they are not always part of the standard online reservation system. This ensures the park can properly manage large group bookings and provide specific details about the amenities at their particular group site.

Features / Highlights

The Group Campground at Camden State Park offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for locals organizing a collective outdoor adventure in Minnesota.

• Ideal for Large Gatherings: Specifically designed and equipped to accommodate sizable groups, making it perfect for family reunions, scout troops, church groups, or educational outings.
• Diverse Natural Environment: The park boasts a unique landscape, situated in a wooded valley with the Redwood River flowing through it, transitioning into open prairie. This diversity offers a rich environment for exploration and appreciation of Minnesota's varied ecosystems.
• Year-Round Accessibility: Camden Campground (including its group areas to some extent) is open year-round, allowing groups to plan trips in any season, whether for summer camping or winter activities like cross-country skiing (though services like showers might be seasonal).
• Recreational Opportunities Galore:
  • Fishing: Brawner Lake and the Redwood River within the park are ideal spots for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Hiking: Extensive trails wind through the park's wooded and prairie areas, offering scenic walks and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
  • Swimming Pond: A dedicated swimming pond provides a refreshing option for cooling off during warmer months.
  • Dakota Overlook: Offers panoramic views of the park's landscape, a perfect spot for photography and reflection.
  • Wildflowers & Native Prairies: The open prairie areas showcase a kaleidoscope of changing wildflowers and plant life throughout the seasons, offering continuous beauty.
  • Frozen Springs: As highlighted by a reviewer, the phenomenon of "frozen springs form the hill sides" suggests unique natural features, particularly appealing for winter visitors.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The presence of a playground and general park amenities contribute to a welcoming environment for families with children.
• Access to Redwood River: The river itself offers opportunities for peaceful contemplation or perhaps limited water activities, depending on its specific access points and conditions.

These highlights collectively ensure that groups staying at Camden State Park's Group Campground will find ample opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a Minnesota State Park facility, the Group Campground at Camden State Park operates under the fee structure set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Unlike private campgrounds, state parks typically do not offer promotional discounts or "special offers" in the traditional commercial sense. Their pricing is usually fixed for the season and publicly available.

However, the "value" for locals comes in other forms:

• Affordable Group Rates: Group Centers within Minnesota State Parks generally have a fixed daily or overnight fee, often with a per-person charge or a minimum per-night charge, whichever is greater. These rates are usually very competitive for accommodating large groups.
• State Park Vehicle Permits: All vehicles entering a Minnesota State Park require a vehicle permit. Locals can purchase an annual permit for a one-time fee, which provides unlimited access to all Minnesota State Parks for a year, offering significant savings for frequent visitors.
• Free Park Days: The Minnesota DNR occasionally designates "Free Park Days" where vehicle permits are not required. While this doesn't apply to camping fees, it can reduce the overall cost for day visitors or those arriving on a free day.
• Educational Programs: State parks often offer free or low-cost interpretive programs and ranger-led activities, adding value to the camping experience without additional charges.

For precise and up-to-date information on group site fees, capacity, and reservation procedures, it is essential to contact Camden State Park directly. Group centers are often not part of the standard online reservation system and require direct communication with park staff to book.

Contact Information

To inquire about booking the Group Campground at Camden State Park, or for any questions regarding park amenities, fees, or specific site details, please use the following contact information:

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

Phone: (507) 872-7031

Email: camden.statepark@state.mn.us (This is the official email for Camden State Park as provided by the Minnesota DNR)

When making a reservation for a group site or group center, it is highly recommended to call the park directly, as these specialized sites are often handled outside the general online reservation system for individual campsites. Park staff are best equipped to provide information on availability, capacity, and any specific requirements for group bookings.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals, the Group Campground at Camden State Park offers an ideal solution for large-scale outdoor gatherings, embodying the spirit of communal adventure within our beautiful state parks. Its primary suitability lies in its dedicated capacity to host families, youth groups, and other organizations, providing the space and basic amenities necessary for a comfortable and enjoyable shared experience. Unlike individual campsites, these group areas are designed for collective fun, making them perfect for reunions, scout trips, or educational outings where camaraderie is key.

Beyond the practicalities of group accommodation, the location within Camden State Park is a significant draw. It provides access to a diverse landscape of wooded river valleys and open prairies, offering a rich backdrop for hiking, fishing in Brawner Lake or the Redwood River, and enjoying the changing seasons—from vibrant wildflowers to unique frozen springs. The park’s year-round accessibility, coupled with facilities like showers and flush toilets (seasonally), adds to its appeal, ensuring a pleasant stay even for those who prefer some comforts in the wilderness. For Minnesotans seeking to create lasting memories with their larger circle of friends and family, Camden State Park's Group Campground offers a convenient, affordable, and naturally beautiful setting that perfectly encapsulates the joy of group camping in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.