Oak Park kampground, Garfield, MN

For Minnesotans, spending time outdoors, especially at a welcoming campground, is a cherished tradition. Whether you're planning a lively family vacation with plenty of activities for the kids, a peaceful weekend getaway under the trees, or a convenient stop on your way through the beautiful lakes area, finding the right spot makes all the difference. Today, we're putting the spotlight on Oak Park Kampground, a highly-regarded destination nestled in Garfield, MN. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a family-focused retreat celebrated for its engaging atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and dedicated staff, making it a truly unique camping experience unlike many others.

Oak Park Kampground truly stands out for its commitment to providing fun for all ages, particularly children. With a pool, playground, and special events happening every weekend, it’s designed to create lasting memories. The campground also prides itself on having clear, fair rules that ensure a peaceful environment for everyone, allowing guests to relax around their campfires at night without excessive noise. While some minor cosmetic observations about the pool or temporary road construction might arise, the overarching sentiment from visitors is one of delight and satisfaction. The friendly, helpful staff and the abundance of shaded, wooded sites further contribute to its appeal. Let's explore what makes Oak Park Kampground a top choice for your next Minnesota camping adventure in the heart of the lakes area.

Oak Park Kampground is conveniently located at 9561 County Rd 8 NW, Garfield, MN 56332, USA. This address places it strategically in the central Minnesota lakes area, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Accessibility to Oak Park Kampground is quite easy, as it's situated just "3 miles off I-94 at Exit 97." This proximity to a major interstate highway makes it a perfect stop for those traveling across Minnesota or even from neighboring states like North Dakota or Wisconsin. While there might be some ongoing road construction in the area that could lead to a temporary dirt road entrance, visitors consistently report that it's "not bad" and simply requires driving "slow." The campground's location between Minneapolis and Fargo, ND, and just six miles from the larger town of Alexandria, ensures that campers have convenient access to both the tranquility of a rural setting and the amenities of a nearby community. Alexandria offers a wider range of services, including larger grocery stores, diverse dining options, and additional attractions, all within a short drive. The well-maintained and shaded sites, coupled with straightforward access, make Oak Park Kampground an excellent and practical choice for any Minnesotan looking for a well-located camping experience.

Oak Park Kampground offers a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable stay for all types of campers. Their focus is on providing a full-service experience that caters to both relaxation and recreation.

Variety of RV Sites: The campground features 59 camping/RV sites, including both 30-amp water & electric sites and 30/50-amp full hook-up sites. Many of these are pull-through sites, making them "wide, long" and "big rig friendly" for easy access and departure. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring.
Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Visitors consistently praise the "clean restrooms" with flush toilets and "hot shower facilities." While described by some as "dated," their cleanliness and functionality are highly valued, ensuring comfort after a day of activities.
Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are available, which is a significant convenience for campers on longer trips.
Swimming Pool: A "fenced-in outdoor pool" is a major draw, especially for families. It has a depth ranging from 3 to 6 feet and is generally open daily. While one review mentioned a need for painting on the bottom and cracks in the cement, it is emphasized that the "pool is clean and perfectly usable."
Camp Store: A "fantastic store" is located on-site, stocked with "limited supplies" and "forgotten items." It also offers "lots of fun stuff" for entertainment, including sand toys, balls, and board games, which can be borrowed.
Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is provided for registered campers, offering a convenient way to empty RV waste tanks.
Storm Shelter: A basement area is available for guests in case of severe weather or tornado warnings, providing an important safety feature.
Paddle Boats: Guests can enjoy free use of paddle boats on the pond, with life vests provided, adding a fun water activity.

Oak Park Kampground offers a wealth of features and highlights that contribute to its "soooo much fun" reputation and make it a standout choice for campers, particularly families, in Minnesota.

Family-Focused Activities and Events: A major highlight is the dedication to family fun. The campground hosts "special events every weekend" and "scheduled & supervised children's programs." These activities are praised for keeping kids entertained and engaged, making it "unlike any campground we've been to."
Large Playground Area: Adjacent to the pool, there's a "large playground area" equipped with two swing sets, a sandbox, climbing equipment, monkey bars, and three slides. This expansive play space is a huge hit with children.
Wooded and Shaded Sites: The campsites are "wooded and shaded," providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment, especially during warmer months. This natural canopy adds to the overall tranquility of the park.
Friendly and Helpful Staff: The staff, including owners Janet and her husband (often described as "amazing"), consistently receive glowing reviews for being "friendly, attentive, and helpful." Their personal care and willingness to assist (e.g., helping with electric service, offering closer sites) create a truly welcoming atmosphere.
Strict but Fair Rules for Peace: The campground has "strict" but "very fair" rules, such as requests to be quiet and turn off outdoor lights at night. These rules are highly appreciated by guests, as they ensure "peace around the fire at night" and a restful camping experience.
Horseshoes and Board Games: Beyond structured activities, guests can enjoy classic camping pastimes like horseshoes and borrow a variety of board games from the camp store.
Hiking/Biking Trails: The campground offers access to hiking and biking trails, providing opportunities for outdoor exercise and exploration within the park and connecting to the surrounding natural areas.
Proximity to Lakes Area Attractions: Situated on 43 acres with three ponds, the campground is surrounded by Minnesota's pristine lakes. This means unbeatable fishing, first-class golf courses, antique shopping, and other adventures are just a short drive away in the broader Alexandria lakes area.

Oak Park Kampground offers several promotions and a tiered pricing structure that provides flexibility and value for different types of stays. While specific, limited-time "special offers" aren't explicitly detailed as traditional sales, their established rates and ongoing discounts cater to various guest needs.

Weekday Special: A notable ongoing promotion is the "Stay 2 nights Sunday through Wednesday and get the 3rd night @ 50% off." This is an excellent incentive for Minnesotans looking for a mid-week escape or extended weekend without the peak weekend crowds.
Weekly Rate: For those planning longer vacations, the "Weekly Rate: Pay for 6 nights get the 7th Free" offers a significant discount, making extended stays more affordable.
Monthly and Seasonal Rates: Oak Park Kampground provides competitive monthly and seasonal rates for RVers looking for an extended stay or a consistent summer base. Full Hookup (FHU) 50 amp sites are $2750 + Electric for seasonal, and FHU 30 amp are $2650 + Electric. Monthly rates are also available at $790 + Electric for FHU and $675 + Electric for Water & Electric sites.
Military Discount: They offer a Military discount on nightly stays, showing appreciation for service members (not applicable on weekly, monthly, or seasonal stays).

It's important to note that deposits are generally non-refundable, and booking fees may apply. Holiday weekends typically require a 3-night minimum stay. For the most precise and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific terms for these promotions, it is always best to visit the official Oak Park Kampground website or contact them directly. These ongoing offers demonstrate their commitment to providing value to their diverse clientele.

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more specific details about Oak Park Kampground, you can easily reach out using the following contact information:

Address: 9561 County Rd 8 NW, Garfield, MN 56332, USA
Phone: (320) 834-2345
Mobile Phone: +1 320-834-2345 (This appears to be the same primary contact number)

You can also find more information and potentially make online reservation requests through their official website, which is likely accessible by searching for "Oak Park Kampground Garfield MN." Given the consistently positive reviews about their "friendly, helpful staff" like Janet and her husband, reaching out by phone is an excellent way to get personalized assistance, discuss specific site needs, inquire about seasonal availability, or clarify any rules. It's always advisable to call ahead, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months or for holiday bookings, to ensure the best experience and secure your preferred site at this popular Minnesota campground.

For Minnesotans seeking an exceptional camping experience, Oak Park Kampground is an incredibly suitable choice that truly delivers on its promise of family fun and peaceful relaxation. Its convenient location just off I-94 and close to Alexandria makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state, minimizing travel stress and maximizing leisure time. This accessibility, combined with its setting in the heart of Minnesota's beautiful lakes area, provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from fishing and boating on nearby lakes to exploring local trails and attractions.

What truly sets Oak Park Kampground apart for locals is its dedicated focus on a family-friendly atmosphere. The extensive list of amenities, including a clean pool, large playground, and organized weekend activities, ensures that children are constantly entertained, allowing adults to relax and enjoy their surroundings. The "strict but fair" rules contribute to a quiet and respectful environment, guaranteeing peaceful nights around the campfire. The consistent praise for the owners and staff, described as "friendly, attentive, and helpful," reinforces the sense of a welcoming community. With a variety of site options, including shaded spots and full hookups, alongside appealing promotions like weekday and weekly discounts, Oak Park Kampground offers excellent value for a memorable Minnesota camping getaway. It’s a place where families can create cherished memories year after year.