Upper Campground

Nestled within the expansive and picturesque Garvin County Park, the Upper Campground in Garvin, Minnesota, offers a delightful and well-regarded camping experience for locals seeking a peaceful retreat in southwestern Minnesota. This campground stands out for its exceptional maintenance and a focus on providing clean, comfortable facilities amidst a serene natural setting. Unlike some bustling, amenity-heavy parks, Upper Campground provides a balanced environment where campers can truly relax and enjoy the outdoors, yet still have access to modern conveniences. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the bathrooms, making it a comfortable choice for families and individuals alike. It's a testament to the dedication of Garvin County Park in offering a high-quality outdoor experience that allows Minnesotans to reconnect with nature without sacrificing essential comforts. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing an RV, Upper Campground promises a quiet, well-kept base from which to explore the surrounding beauty of the park and the wider region.

Upper Campground is part of Garvin County Park, located in Garvin, MN 56132, USA. This placement in Lyon County, southwestern Minnesota, makes it a readily accessible destination for many residents across the state, particularly those in the southern and western regions. Garvin County Park itself is a substantial natural area, encompassing over 700 acres, known for its diverse topography, including rare bur oak stands along the Cottonwood River, which offers a unique scenic beauty in an otherwise flat agricultural landscape. The Upper Campground features "drive-in sites," allowing campers the convenience of parking their vehicles directly at their designated spot. While specific site layouts may vary, reviews confirm its suitability for both tent camping and RVs. One reviewer noted that while they set up tents, RVs might need to "drive on the grass" for placement, implying flexibility. The park is easily reachable via major routes like Highways 14 and 59, ensuring a straightforward journey for visitors. This combination of easy road access and a tranquil, natural environment makes Upper Campground a highly practical and appealing choice for Minnesotans looking for an unpretentious and refreshing outdoor escape.

• Electrical Hookup Sites: Upper Campground offers 14 sites, all of which come equipped with electrical hookups, providing power for RVs and other camping needs.
• Flush Toilets: Unlike some rustic campgrounds, Upper Campground features modern flush toilet facilities, ensuring a higher level of comfort and hygiene.
• Individual Shower Facilities: A significant highlight, as noted by a reviewer, are the "very nice" bathrooms, with four individual units, each containing its own shower. This offers privacy and convenience for campers.
• Picnic Shelter: A picnic shelter is available, providing a communal space for gatherings, meals, or shelter from the elements.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area is present, offering entertainment for children and making the campground family-friendly.
• Water Access: While specific details on water hookups per site are not always explicit for all sites, access to potable water sources (like hydrants for filling tanks) is generally available within Garvin County Park.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a fire ring for safe and enjoyable campfires.
• Reservation System: Sites within the Upper Campground are reservable ("reserved" poles indicate this), allowing campers to plan their stays in advance and secure a spot. While some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are generally recommended, especially during peak times.
• Park Management: As part of Garvin County Park, the campground benefits from regular maintenance and oversight by park staff, ensuring a well-kept environment.

• Outstandingly Clean Facilities: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the exceptional cleanliness and maintenance of the bathrooms and showers. This dedication to hygiene significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Individual Shower Stalls: The provision of private showers within each bathroom unit is a luxury for a campground and greatly appreciated by visitors, offering comfort and privacy after a day of outdoor activities.
• Peaceful and Well-Maintained Grounds: The entire Upper Campground and Garvin County Park are noted for being "very well maintained," offering a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment for relaxation.
• Spacious Sites: Reviewers often describe sites as "huge," providing ample space for tents, vehicles, and outdoor living without feeling cramped.
• Electric Hookups at All Sites: The convenience of having electric hookups at every site in the Upper Campground is a major advantage for modern campers, supporting RVs and powering essential devices.
• Proximity to Park Amenities: Campers have easy access to the broader offerings of Garvin County Park, which include miles of hiking and horse riding trails, an observation tower, a 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course, and additional playgrounds.
• Natural Beauty and Birdwatching: The park is celebrated for its unique bur oak stands along the Cottonwood River, providing scenic views and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, being part of the Minnesota River Valley Birding Trail.
• Ideal for Families: With clean facilities, a playground, and plenty of space for outdoor play, Upper Campground is an excellent choice for families with children.
• Quiet and Secluded: Despite its amenities, the campground maintains a quiet atmosphere, making it perfect for those seeking a true escape from noise and crowds.

For more information or to make a reservation for Upper Campground within Garvin County Park, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Garvin, MN 56132, USA (This is the general park location)

For direct park contact or reservation inquiries, the main number for Garvin County Park is:

Phone: (507) 532-8214 (Lyon County Environmental Department, overseeing Garvin Park)

As per the provided review, there are "reserved" poles at some sites, indicating that reservations are possible and encouraged. It's always best to contact the park office directly or check the Lyon County Environmental Department's website (or associated reservation platforms like Hipcamp or ReserveAmerica) for the most up-to-date information on reservation policies, site availability, rates, and any seasonal alerts or changes to park operations. Making a reservation in advance, especially for specific sites (24-30 are reservable in the Upper Campground), will ensure you secure your preferred spot.

For Minnesotans seeking a meticulously maintained, serene, and conveniently located camping experience, Upper Campground within Garvin County Park stands out as an exceptional choice. Its commitment to cleanliness, particularly evident in its "very nice" individual shower facilities, elevates the comfort level for all campers, setting it apart from many other natural campgrounds. The generous size of the campsites, coupled with the reliable electric hookups at every spot, makes it highly appealing for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts looking for a comfortable base. Beyond the excellent amenities, Upper Campground offers direct access to the vast and beautiful Garvin County Park, inviting locals to explore miles of hiking and horse riding trails, enjoy disc golf, or simply relax amidst unique bur oak groves along the Cottonwood River. The peaceful atmosphere, despite the range of facilities, ensures a truly relaxing escape from daily life. For families, the playground and open spaces provide ample opportunity for children to play and connect with nature. Upper Campground at Garvin County Park embodies the best of Minnesota's local parks – a well-preserved natural haven that combines essential modern comforts with genuine outdoor adventure, making it an ideal, go-to destination for anyone in the region looking for a refreshing and memorable camping trip.

Upper Campground

Garvin, MN 56132, USA