Top things to do at Camden State Park in Lynd, MN

Camden State Park in Lynd, MN offers serene hiking trails through hardwood forests, prairie grasslands and alongside wetlands, brooks, and gentle cascading water. My husband and I hiked here on a sultry summer day. The woods offered a cooler respite from the hot sun. If we had more time, we would have jumped into the spring-fed swimming pool or paddled on Lake Brawner.

The scenic Camden State Park also offers a designated trout stream on Redwood River. Or you can also fish on the lake. Additionally, you’ll find several campgrounds: traditional, group, equestrian, and a historic lodge. In addition to the hiking trails, the 10-mile Camden Regional Bike Trail takes you to nearby Marshall.

See my related Minnesota state park series.

• Take the Minnesota State Park Challenge – reviews and a list of all the best MN state parks
• How to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year
• Explore Minnesota State Parks on Free State Park Day (updated with 2023 dates)
• Top Minnesota state parks with waterfalls – ranked!

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Top 10 things to do at Camden State Park in Lynd, MN

Camden State Park in Lynd, Minnesota offers a lot of diverse activities and things to see.

1. Hike alongside streams, marshes, wildflowers, prairies, grasslands and in the woods.
2. Check out the Dakota Valley Trail lookout for scenic views, an interpretive trail, and history trail.
3. Fish for brown trout in the Redwood River – a designated trout stream.
4. Swim in the spring-fed pond.
5. Hit the paved bike trails or the single track mountain back trails.
6. Watch for wildlife like mink, coyotes, whitetail deer, and hawks.
7. Bring your horse and go horseback riding on designated trails.
8. Canoe on Brawner Lake.
9. Go camping.
10. In the winter, enjoy snowmobile and x-ski trails.

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Hike through diverse prairies, grasslands, and hardwoods at Camden State Park

Camden State Park offers ~15 miles of diverse hiking trails. Enjoy your nature walk alongside babbling brooks, marshes, wildflowers. You’ll also find trails running through hardwoods, prairies, and grasslands.

Hiking trails at Camden State Park range from easy rolling hills to steep terrains. And distances range from 0.5 miles one-way to 10 miles one-way. The 10-mile trail is a bike trail that leads to nearby Marshall, Minnesota. About a mile of the trail runs through the park.

An accessible track chair is available at Camden State Park. Track chairs, according to the Minnesota DNR website, are all-terrain, electric-powered chairs designated for specific trails. This allows visitors to enjoy trails not suitable for regular wheelchairs.  

Take in the views on several scenic and historic trails

One of our favorite trails at Camden State Park, Dakota Valley Trail overlooks the Redwood River Valley. We visited in the middle of summer so it was a lush canopy of green trees. Would love to return in the fall for some colorful scenic views. This 2.5-mile hiking trail features steep terrain with packed dirt (or mud depending on the weather) and mowed grass.

Get some mild cardio on with the 1.8-mile Camden History Trail. It also features steep terrain that winds through a flood plain forest near the Redwood River and the historic Camden Village.

Camden State Park is named after an 1800s frontier village, Camden. The thriving town featured, among other businesses, a grist mill. On the Jones Mill Trail you’ll find a site marker to commemorate its history. Well, its more recent history. This area was a popular Native American gathering spot for centuries.

Fish in Redwood River – Camden State Park’s designated trout stream

You can fish for brown trout in Redwood River – a designated trout stream – at Camden State Park. Or try your luck in Brawner Lake to catch bass, bluegill, and sunfish. Bring your own fishing gear or rent casting and fly rods from the Camden State Park office. Bait is also available to purchase. Fish from the pier or Camden State Park also offers boat access.

Swim in Camden State Park’s spring-fed pond

Enjoy the sandy beach alongside the refreshing spring-fed pond. You’ll find a bathhouse made out of local stone at Camden State Park. We did see some people swimming with tubes farther down on the river, but not sure if it’s sanctioned.

Bike at Camden State Park

You’ll find a one-mile paved bike trail within the boundaries of Camden State Park. You can ride the entire 10 mile bike path to nearby Marshall, Minnesota. Additionally, this state park also offers single track mountain bike trails.  

Watch for wildlife at Camden State Park

Some of the more common wildlife at Camden State Park includes deer, mink, coyotes, and hawks.

Camden State Park features horseback trails

If you’re a horse owner, bring your ride and enjoy Camden State Park’s designated horseback trails..

Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard on Lake Brawner

Enjoy non-motorized water sports on the tranquil Lake Brawner. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at Camden State Park. You’ll also find one drive-in boat access on the lake (electric motors only).

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Go camping at Camden State Park

Camden State Park offers two campgrounds with 80 drive-in sites for tent, car/SUV/van, and RV camping. Additionally, 47 sites are electric, 7 are pull-through, and two are accessible.

Two group campsites and horse campground with 12 sites are also available.

Campsites at Camden State Park are open seasonally typically from April through October. However, we’ve had a historical snowy season in Minnesota. Camden State Park hopes to open its campsites by May 5, 2023. Check their website for seasonal updates.

If traditional camping is not your thing, you can reserve the historic Camden State Park Redwood Lodge year-round. This three-bedroom, two-bath lodge with a full kitchen accommodates up to 8 people.

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Enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter at Camden State Park

For winter enthusiasts, Camden State Park offers 7.5 miles of snowmobile trails and 5 miles of x-skiing trails. Note that the trails are not groomed.

Frequently asked questions about Camden State Park in Lynd, Minnesota

Where is Camden State Park located? What is the address for Camden State Park?

Camden State Park is located near Marshall, Minnesota. The address for Camden State Park is 1897 Camden Park Road, Lynd, MN 56157.

When is Camden State Park open?

Camden State Park is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The campground is seasonal, typically April through October. However, you may reserve the Camden State Park Redwood Lodge year-round.

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Is Camden State Park free? How much is the admission fee at Camden State Park?

Camden State Park is almost free. It costs $7 per vehicle per day ($5 per motorcycle) with unlimited visits to all Minnesota state parks on the same day. I highly recommend an annual pass, which gives you entrance to all Minnesota state parks. See the Minnesota DNR website for more information. And it’s highly recommended to pay online ahead of time. Minnesota state parks are no longer accepting cash self-payment envelopes on site.

Admission to every Minnesota state park is free for all Minnesota state tribal members.

You can also visit Camden State Park on any of the four free state park days in Minnesota. See my related post for this year’s free state park days.

Does Camden State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?

Yes. Camden State Park features a swimming pond, Brawner Lake, and Redwood River.

Does Camden State Park have a swimming beach?

Yes. Camden State Park offers a sandy swimming beach on a tranquil swimming pond.  

Can you fish at Camden State Park? What kind of fish are in Camden?

Yes. Camden State Park offers a designated trout stream, Redwood River. And you can also fish for bass, bluegill, and sunfish in Brawner Lake.

Can you boat at Camden State Park? Does Camden State Park offer a boat ramp with trailer access?

Yes, you can boat at Camden State Park. You’ll find drive-in boat access on Brawner Lake. If paddling’s more your thing, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from the park office.

How big is Camden State Park in Minnesota?

Camden State Park in Minnesota covers nearly 2,250 acres.

Is Camden State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?

Camden State Park in Minnesota did not seem buggy when we hiked in late June. But I always protect myself with my favorite Aunt Fannie’s DEET-free mosquito wipes and/or picaridin. You’ll hike alongside a lot of marshes and brooks. So it might be a good idea to apply some mosquito prevention when hiking at Camden State Park.

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How long and how difficult are the hiking trails at Camden State Park?

While a couple of trails at Camden State Park are steep terrain, we did not find them particularly challenging. The three most popular hiking trails range from 0.5 miles (one-way) to 2.5 miles (one way). You’ll also find a mile of the 10-mile Camden Regional Trail within the state park. This paved bike trail leads to nearby Marshall, MN.

Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails at Camden State Park?

Camden State Park does offer five miles of ungroomed x-skiing and snowshoe trails. You can rent snowshoes at the park office when open.

Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Camden State Park?

We didn’t require our hiking poles at Camden State Park. A couple of trails are considered steep terrain so you may want to bring them just in case. I love these collapsible TrailBuddy trekking poles especially. As mentioned previously, I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase any of my recommended products. There’s no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love or would try on my own.

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What are the best views at Camden State Park?

All the hiking trails are pretty scenic at Camden State Park. You’ll be treated to tranquil streams, babbling brooks, intimate waterfalls, lots of lush greenery, hardwoods, prairie grasses, and wildflowers. We especially loved the Redwood River Valley overlook on the Dakota Valley Trail.

Are there bike trails at Camden State Park?

Yes, you’ll find single-track mountain bike trails at Camden State Park. Additionally, one mile of the 10-mile Camden Regional Trail runs through the park.

Does Camden State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms?

You can find a park office at Camden State Park. Additionally, you’ll find a trail center at Camden State Park.

Modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers are available typically April/May through October in the campground area and south picnic area. You’ll find a bathhouse near the swimming beach. More primitive toilets are available year-round throughout the park.

Is Camden State Park dog-friendly?

Yes, leashed dogs and pets are welcome at Camden State Park (and all Minnesota state parks) except inside buildings (with the exception of service dogs). Leashes must be six feet or less.

Are there bears at Camden State Park?

I do not recall hearing about any bear sightings at Camden State Park. Most black bears hang out in northern Minnesota.

Can you camp at Camden State Park?

Yes. Camden State Park offers two traditional campgrounds with 80 drive-in sites; 47 are electric, 7 pull-through, and two accessible. Two group campsites accommodate 50 as does the equestrian campground with 12 sites. You can also reserve the Camden State Park Redwood Lodge year-round that accommodates up to 8 people.

Campgrounds at Camden State Park are open seasonally from spring through fall.

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Is firewood available at Camden State Park?

Yes, typically you can purchase certified firewood at all Minnesota state parks or certified safe-to-move firewood at nearby gas stations. To protect Minnesota trees, you can only burn certified wood on MN DNR land. Collection is not allowed in state parks and you may not bring firewood from home. This helps prevent spreading harmful insects and diseases.

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How far is Camden State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?

Camden State Park is 161 miles northwest of the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.

What’s nearby Camden State Park? Things to do near Camden State Park?

You’ll find additional things to do near Camden State Park.

• Visit nearby Marshall, MN after exploring Camden State Park. You can bike the 10-mile bike trail from Camden State Park to Marshall. This college town is home to a history museum and historic courthouse as well as 15 additional parks. If you have kids, check out AJ’s family arcade with mini golf and go-kart track or the Boards and Blades Skate Park. In the summer, enjoy the Marshall Aquatic Center with a 190-foot waterslide and three pools.
  
• One of the best state parks, Lake Shetek (pictured), is only 36 miles away from Camden State Park. So if you’re attempting to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year, these two state parks are close enough to explore in one day. Lake Shetek State Park is located in Currie, MN. You’ll find lots of water and water activities, history, and hiking here.

When was Camden State Park in Minnesota established?

Camden State Park was established in 1935.

How did Camden State Park get its name?

Camden State Park is named after an 1800s frontier village, Camden. It thrived through the 1880s. When a railroad depot failed to call Camden home, the town disappeared. However, it remained a popular place for family gatherings.

Does Camden State Park host deer hunts? Is Camden State Park closed during deer season?

Yes. Camden State Park does host a deer hunt in the fall. Typically, Camden State Park closes for a couple of days for deer season toward the end of October. For a complete list of which Minnesota state parks are closed or limited to the public during deer season, see my post: Hiker safety: MN state parks that host deer hunts.

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I hope you get the opportunity to visit and explore one of the best state parks in Minnesota – Camden State Park.

A list of the best Minnesota state parks

Full disclosure: All Minnesota state parks are the best in my opinion. You can read reviews of each one to create your own list of top-ranked Minnesota state parks: Take the Minnesota state park challenge

• Afton State Park | Hastings, MN (26 miles)
• Banning State Park | Sandstone, MN (97 miles)
• Bear Head Lake State Park | Ely, MN (240 miles)
• Beaver Creek Valley State Park | Caledonia, MN (148 miles)
• Big Stone Lake State Park | Ortonville, MN (186 miles)
• Blue Mounds State Park | Luverne, MN (208 miles)
• Buffalo River State Park | Glyndon, MN (240 miles)
• Camden State Park | Lynd, MN (161 miles)
• Carley State Park | Plainview, MN (88 miles)
• Cascade River State Park | Lutsen, MN (257 miles)
• Charles A. Lindbergh State Park | Little Falls, MN (112 miles)
• Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd, MN (134 miles)
• Father Hennepin State Park | Isle, MN (113 miles)
• Flandrau State Park | New Ulm, MN (93 miles)
• Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park | Preston, MN (115 miles)
• Fort Ridgely State Park | Fairfax, MN (99 miles)
• Fort Snelling State Park | Bloomington / St. Paul, MN (2 miles)
• Franz Jevne State Park | Birchdale, MN (336 miles)
• Frontenac State Park | Frontenac, MN (62 miles)
• George H. Crosby Manitou State Park | Finland, MN (231 miles)
• Glacial Lakes State Park | Starbuck, MN (156 miles)
• Glendalough State Park | Battle Lake, MN (194 miles)
• Gooseberry Falls State Park | Two Harbors, MN (197 miles)
• Grand Portage State Park | Grand Portage, MN (308 miles)
• Great River Bluffs State Park | Winona, MN (136 miles)
• Hayes Lake State Park | Roseau, MN (343 miles)
• Hill Annex Mine State Park | Calumet, MN (197 miles) Editorial Note: This park is now closed as mining has resumed.
• Interstate State Park / Taylors Falls State Park | Taylors Falls, MN (56 miles)
• Itasca State Park | Park Rapids, MN (219 miles)
• Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton, MN (146 miles)
• John A. Latsch State Park | Winona, MN (99 miles)
• Judge C.R. Magney State Park | Grand Marais, MN (282 miles)
• Kilen Woods State Park | Lakefield, MN (153 miles)
• Lac qui Parle State Park | Watson, MN (141 miles)
• Lake Bemidji State Park | Bemidji, MN (230 miles)
• Lake Bronson State Park | Karlstad, MN (409 miles)
• Lake Carlos State Park | Alexandria, MN (152 miles)
• Lake Louise State Park | Le Roy, MN (113 miles)
• Lake Maria State Park | Monticello, MN (60 miles)
• Lake Shetek State Park | Currie, MN (168 miles)
• Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park | Soudan, MN (229 miles)
• McCarthy Beach State Park | Side Lake, MN (227 miles)
• Maplewood State Park | Pelican Rapids, MN (217 miles)
• Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | Onamia, MN (108 miles)
• Minneopa State Park | Mankato, MN (82 miles)
• Monson Lake State Park | Sunburg, MN (141 miles)
• Moose Lake State Park | Moose Lake, MN (116 miles)
• Myre-Big Island State Park | Albert Lea, MN (93 miles)
• Nerstrand Big Woods State Park | Nerstrand, MN (52 miles)
• Old Mill State Park | Argyle, MN (350 miles)
• Rice Lake State Park | Owatonna, MN (70 miles)
• St. Croix State Park | Hinckley, MN (105 miles)
• Sakatah Lake State Park | Waterville, MN (60 miles)
• Savanna Portage State Park | Northeast Aitkin, MN (149 miles)
• Scenic State Park | Bigfork, MN (232 miles)
• Schoolcraft State Park | Deer River, MN (198 miles)
• Sibley State Park | New London, MN (128 miles)
• Split Rock Creek State Park | Jasper, MN (202 miles)
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | Two Harbors, MN (204 miles)
• Temperance River State Park | Schroeder, MN (239 miles)
• Tettegouche State Park | Silver Bay, MN (217 miles)
• Upper Sioux Agency State Park | Granite Falls, MN (122 miles) – Note: Minnesota returned this park’s land to the Native Americans in February 2024. It is no longer open to the public.
• Whitewater State Park | Altura, MN (99 miles)
• Wild River State Park | Center City, MN (58 miles)
• William O’Brien State Park | Scandia / Marine on the St. Croix, MN (43 miles)
• Zippel Bay State Park | Williams, MN (345 miles)

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