Camden State Park Campground provides cabin accommodations along with tent and RV sites. Two distinct camping areas serve different visitor needs. The lower campground sits along the Redwood River with tree coverage, close to the playground and swimming pond. The upper campground sits on prairie land with less shade but offers panoramic views. Train tracks run near the campground, though trains do not typically sound their horns when passing. Campsites in the lower area can become muddy after rainfall due to low-lying placement.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: The park features a dedicated swimming pond for visitors seeking water activities. Conditions vary seasonally, with some campers noting weed growth in recent years affecting water clarity at the swimming area.
Biking opportunities: The Camden Regional Trail extends 14 miles from the state park to Marshall, offering a paved route for cyclists. As one visitor notes, "[Camden has] great hiking and biking trails, swimming pond and right on the redwood river. The Camden Regional trail is 14 miles of paved trails between Camden State Park and Marshall, MN."
Paddleboarding at Glacial Lakes State Park: Located within driving distance, this park offers clear water ideal for paddleboarding. "Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Varying campground environments: The campground setup allows visitors to choose between wooded riverside sites or open prairie camping. "There are two campgrounds in this park - the upper one is on the prairie while the lower one is situated among trees along the river," explains one camper.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Multiple visitors highlight the park's suitability for family gatherings. One camper at Camden State Park Campground shared, "My family does a annual family reunion camping once a year! We stayed here and it was beautiful! Perfect for all the kids off all ages, adults, grandparents...we had a really good time."
Diverse terrain for multiple activities: The combination of prairie and wooded areas provides varied recreational opportunities. At Garvin County Park, which offers another equestrian option in the region, visitors appreciate similar terrain diversity: "Beautiful park with great trails and amenities... showers, dump stations, shelters, playgrounds, pit toilets, and more."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Upper and lower campground areas offer significantly different experiences. "Go to the lower park, more to do, more to see. Upper camp, not much to see, plus our site was really steep," advises one visitor.
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience at all horse campgrounds near Dawson, Minnesota. Summer heat can make prairie trails challenging, while spring often provides optimal conditions.
Facility maintenance: Some visitors note aging infrastructure. One recent camper at Pomme De Terre Campground had a different experience, stating: "Pretty nice campground with water and electric. Bathhouse, walking trails, fishing and beautiful lake views. Some sites are a little difficult to get into but not impossible."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children should consider sites in the lower campground for proximity to play areas. "Pretty spacious separated by lots trees, good place for camping with kids as well. has a swimming pond and beach. Clean restrooms."
Train awareness: While not disruptive for most, light sleepers should note the nearby train tracks. "There are nearby train tracks and trains ran by several times a day, though luckily they don't blow the horn so we didn't notice them much."
Alternative swimming options: When the park's swimming pond conditions are suboptimal, Lac qui Parle County Park offers water recreation alternatives. "We had a lovely weekend overlooking Lac Qui Parle from our campsite. The lack of mature trees on the upper campground bluffs is a plus. A gentle breeze keeps the bugs down and allows for nice views."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers report varying site levelness throughout the campground. Several campsites slope away from parking pads, creating setup challenges for larger rigs.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs between campground sections. Verizon service may be limited in the lower campground, while T-Mobile coverage has been reported as adequate in the area.
Utility hookup locations: Electric sites require standard extension cords for some RV positions. Water access points are conveniently placed throughout the campground for filling tanks.
