Upper Campground

Welcome to Upper Campground, a gem nestled within the scenic Camden State Park, offering a fantastic escape into Minnesota's natural beauty. For locals across the state looking for a convenient yet immersive outdoor experience, Upper Campground provides an ideal setting to reconnect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor scene, this campground presents a welcoming environment with a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Camden State Park, and by extension, Upper Campground, boasts a rich history and a diverse landscape that transitions from wooded river valleys to open prairies. This unique blend provides a varied backdrop for all your outdoor pursuits. The Upper Campground is specifically known for its private, treed spots, offering a sense of seclusion and a true camping feel, as noted by many satisfied visitors. It's a place where you can truly unwind, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the Minnesota wilderness.

Upper Campground is situated within Camden State Park, located at Lynd, MN 56157, USA. This prime location places it in southwestern Minnesota, approximately ten miles southwest of Marshall, just off State Highway 23. Its accessibility makes it a convenient destination for residents throughout the Minnesota region, including those from larger metropolitan areas seeking a relatively short drive to a genuine outdoor experience. The park itself is spread across 2,237 acres, providing ample space for exploration and relaxation.

While specific directions can vary based on your starting point, accessing Upper Campground is straightforward via well-maintained state highways. The proximity to Marshall also means that campers have access to local services and supplies if needed, balancing the rustic charm of camping with practical convenience. However, some past visitors have noted that the roads within certain areas of the park, particularly after rain, can become muddy gravel, which might impact the ease of movement, especially for activities like dog walks or bike rides. Despite this, the overall consensus remains that the natural beauty and secluded feel of the sites outweigh such minor inconveniences for many.

Upper Campground, as part of Camden State Park, offers a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient. These include:

• Drive-in Sites: The campground features numerous drive-in sites, providing easy access for setting up your camp.

• Pull-through Sites: For larger RVs or trailers, several pull-through sites are available, simplifying parking and maneuvering.

• Electric Sites: Twenty of the sites in Upper Campground are equipped with electric hookups, catering to those who require power for their RVs or camping equipment.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.

• Fire Rings: Fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires, ideal for cooking or simply relaxing under the stars.

• Flush Toilets and Showers: Available seasonally (typically mid-May to mid-October), these facilities offer modern conveniences for campers.

• Wheelchair Accessible Facilities: The flush toilets and showers are designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Camden State Park for RV users to dispose of waste. While some feedback suggests it can be a single station, it remains a crucial service for RV campers.

• Firewood and Ice Sales: These essential camping items can be purchased at the park office, saving you a trip outside the park.

• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: For those looking to explore the water, rentals are available at the park office.

Upper Campground, and Camden State Park as a whole, is rich with features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Private, Treed Spots: A standout feature, as highlighted by a visitor, is the presence of "private treed spots," offering shade and a sense of seclusion, which is highly valued for a peaceful camping experience.

• Spring-Fed Swimming Pond with Sandy Beach: A unique and refreshing feature is the spring-fed swimming pond, complete with a sandy beach. This provides a cool respite during warm Minnesota summers and is a popular spot for families.

• Redwood River Access: The campground is near the Redwood River, a designated trout stream, offering opportunities for fishing and enjoying the riverine environment.

• Extensive Trail System: Camden State Park boasts 15.8 miles of hiking trails, including the Dakota Valley Trail with an overlook of the Redwood River Valley. There are also four miles of biking trails (including the paved Camden Regional Trail) and ten miles of horse trails, catering to various outdoor activities.

• Fishing Pier on Brawner Lake: Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, crappie, and bluegill from the spacious wooden fishing pier on Brawner Lake. Fishing kits are also available for loan at the park office.

• Playground: For younger visitors, a playground is located near the lower campground and swimming pond, providing entertainment for children.

• Historic Significance: The park holds historical value, with original Veterans Conservation Corps buildings from the 1930s and being an important archeological area.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitats of the park, including tallgrass prairie and wetland complexes, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Upper Campground and Camden State Park, please use the following contact details:

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

Phone: (507) 872-7031

Upper Campground at Camden State Park is exceptionally suitable for locals in Minnesota due to its blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and convenient accessibility. For those seeking a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation without the extensive travel, its location in Lynd makes it an ideal choice. The "private treed spots" highlighted by visitors offer a secluded retreat that feels miles away from the everyday, yet remains within reach for most Minnesotans.

The variety of activities available—from peaceful fishing in the Redwood River or Brawner Lake, to invigorating hikes on scenic trails, refreshing dips in the spring-fed swimming pond, and enjoyable bike rides—ensures there's something for every age and interest. Families will appreciate the playground and the general family-friendly atmosphere that Camden State Park fosters. Even with the occasional challenge of muddy roads after rain, the overall experience of being immersed in a natural setting with ample amenities often outweighs these minor issues, as evidenced by positive feedback from campers who value the park's tranquil and engaging environment. It provides a vital connection to the outdoors, a space for relaxation, and a canvas for creating cherished memories, all within the beautiful landscape of Minnesota.

Upper Campground

Lynd, MN 56157, USA