Camden State Park Campground near Lynd, Minnesota offers two distinct camping environments. The lower campground features wooded sites along the Redwood River with terrain that slopes from the parking pad. The upper campground sits on prairie land with limited shade but panoramic views. Train tracks run near the lower campground, though trains passing through don't typically sound their horns. The park connects to the Camden Regional Trail system which extends 14 miles on paved paths toward Marshall.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Camden State Park features a swimming pond with an adjacent beach area, making it popular during summer months. "Pretty spacious separated by lots trees, good place for camping with kids as well. has a swimming pond and beach. Clean restrooms," notes Anup Ś. at Camden State Park Campground.
Horseback riding: Equestrian campers can access designated trail systems at Beaver Falls County Park. "Off the beaten path..so lots of peace & quiet to enjoy..beautiful rustic camping spots throughout the park..picnic table & firepit at each spot & bathrooms nearby..can camp right next to the creek..fun fishing for kids..trails throughout the park for walking..horse camping avail also," explains Trudi from Beaver Falls County Park.
Fishing for families: The creek at Beaver Falls County Park provides fishing opportunities especially suited for younger anglers. The relatively shallow water and easy access make it ideal for introducing children to fishing. "Fun fishing for kids..trails throughout the park for walking," notes Trudi.
Disc golf and winter activities: Garvin County Park offers year-round recreation options beyond standard camping. "Plenty of activities for the family... fishing, hiking n camping, swimming, tubing, disc golf, sledding, playgrounds, plus historic sites to explore," shares Emma V.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many horse campgrounds near Lynd, Minnesota provide ample room for equestrian campers. At Garvin County Park, "The sites were a good size, but not much privacy or tree coverage in the area we stayed. There were a lot of trails to hike and a river/stream that they said you could wade/swim in," according to Sarah O. at Garvin County Park.
Variety of terrain: Campers appreciate the diverse landscapes available within Camden State Park. "We stayed in the lower campground. It is very opened. The campsites are medium size and close together. The bathroom was well taken care of. There are train tracks really close to the campground. The trains didn't seem long nor did they blow the horns," explains Shelly E.
Scenic overlooks: The elevated positions of some campsites provide exceptional views of the surrounding area. At Lac qui Parle County Park, "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," reports Timothy W. from Lac qui Parle County Park.
Multiple playground options: Families value the numerous play areas available at some parks. Sarah O. notes, "There were a lot of playgrounds, and one really huge one the kids wanted to play on, but with COVID-19 still going strong, we didn't use it."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: The swimming pond at Camden State Park has experienced maintenance issues and overgrowth in recent years. "Seems run down compared to 20 years ago. The swimming pond is very gross. Lots of weeds. They really need to clean it out. You can even see the spring anymore it's so overgrown," warns Samantha H.
Site selection considerations: Some campsites at Camden State Park have challenging terrain. "Our site, 30, sloped away from the parking pad. You wouldn't be able to set up chairs under your awning at this site and the picnic table sat in a low spot that got muddy after 2 straight days of rain," cautions Makayla B.
Size restrictions: Beaver Falls County Park has limitations for larger recreational vehicles. "Good spot to stop for a short stay. Not much room for bigger rigs to get around but doable if dry," advises Jamison W. at Beaver Falls County Park.
Connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds in the region. At Lac qui Parle County Park, Timothy W. reports "We have a 26' travel trailer and got 2 bars of T-Mobile 5G service," while Makayla B. notes at Camden State Park, "we didn't have cell service (Verizon), which wasn't a big deal."
Tips for camping with families
Equestrian encounters: Children often enjoy meeting horses at designated equestrian campsites. "We stayed in the Upper Campground in the site closest to the equestrian campground. The kids loved being able to meet & visit with the horses," shares Sarah O. about her experience at Garvin County Park.
Reunion-friendly spaces: Camden State Park accommodates large family gatherings with its layout and amenities. "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," says Anne G. at Camden State Park Campground.
Activity planning: When visiting horse campgrounds near Lynd with children, consider the range of activities available beyond horseback riding. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," explains Emma V.
Weather preparation: Lower elevation sites near water bodies can become muddy during rain. Pack extra tarps, mats, and waterproof footwear to ensure comfort during wet conditions, as experienced by Makayla B. at Camden State Park.
Tips from RVers
Campground selection: When bringing an RV to equestrian campgrounds, choose the appropriate campground section. "Go to the lower park, more to do, more to see. Upper camp, not much to see, plus our site was really steep," advises Lynn A. C. about Camden State Park.
Utility connections: Look for parks with full hookups if traveling with an RV. Garvin County Park offers water, electric, and sewer connections, making it suitable for extended stays. Emma V. notes it has "state park amenities... showers, dump stations, shelters, playgrounds, pit toilets, and more."
Site leveling: Be prepared with leveling blocks for campgrounds with uneven terrain. As Lynn A. C. mentioned about Camden State Park's upper campground, some sites can be "really steep" which presents challenges for RV setup and stabilization.
