Camden State Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 1, 2026 · Updated May 14, 2026

🏆 Official Guide: Camden State Park — An oasis of deep woods and a spring-fed river in southwestern Minnesota, famous for its excellent brown trout fishing and diverse trail network.

Camden State Park is a hidden gem in southwestern Minnesota—a scenic valley carved by the Redwood River through prairie landscapes. This 1,745-acre park offers a rare combination of restored prairies bursting with wildflowers, wooded river bottoms, and a spring-fed swimming pond with a historic 1935 stone bathhouse. With 15+ miles of trails, excellent camping, and genuine solitude, Camden delivers authentic Minnesota nature far from the crowds.

Historic Spring-Fed Swimming Pond

Camden’s swimming pond is a Minnesota treasure—spring-fed and surrounded by history.

Trails – 15+ Miles

Camden offers diverse trails through prairie, woodland, and riverside terrain.

Prairie Wildflowers

Camden’s restored prairies erupt with color from spring through fall.

Camping – 80 Sites

Park Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife & Nature

Camden SP — in the Redwood River valley — is an oasis of timber in the southwestern Minnesota prairie. The park’s hardwood forest, spring-fed creek, and prairie support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes. Belted kingfishers dive into the creek. Great horned owls nest in the timber. Brown trout inhabit the stream.

Nearby Attractions

Marshall — 10 miles north. Pipestone NM — 60 miles southwest — has the sacred red pipestone quarries. Upper Sioux Agency SP — 40 miles northeast. Southwest Minnesota prairie — surrounding.

Park History

Camden State Park was established in 1935 after the state acquired the land known as “Camden Woods” in 1934. The park was developed by the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) — an offshoot of the Civilian Conservation Corps — and later by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1934 and 1938. Their handcrafted stone and timber structures form the Camden State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes 13 contributing buildings and structures, including stone bathhouses, bridges, and picnic shelters.

The Swimming Pond

One of Camden’s most beloved features is its spring-fed swimming pond, constructed by the Veterans Conservation Corps in 1935. The pond was created by damming a small stream before it joins the Redwood River. The accompanying historic stone bathhouse is an architectural gem from the CCC/WPA era — still in use nearly 90 years later.

Detailed Trail Guide

Redwood River Trout Fishing

The Redwood River flowing through Camden is a designated trout stream — one of the few in southwestern Minnesota. The river is stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout by the Minnesota DNR. The deep, wooded valley creates ideal cold-water conditions. Brawner Lake within the park adds bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing. The park offers loaner fishing equipment — check at the ranger station for availability.

Winter Activities

Camden transforms in winter. The park is open for snowshoeing and ungroomed cross-country skiing on the hiking trail network. Snowshoe rentals are often available at the park office. The wooded valley, blanketed in snow, provides a quiet, serene winter landscape rarely found in southwestern Minnesota’s prairie-dominated terrain.

Camping Details

The park offers two campground areas:

• Lower Campground: Preferred by families — close to swimming pond, playground, and river access
• Upper Campground: Open, prairie-style setting with more space between sites

Both areas include electric hookup sites and non-electric options. Reservations are available through the Minnesota DNR reservation system.

Exploring the Redwood River Valley Oasis

In a region of Minnesota largely dominated by flat, open agricultural fields, Camden State Park emerges abruptly like a hidden sanctuary. The park encompasses the deeply carved valley of the Redwood River, where dense canopy forests of maple, basswood, and oak trees flourish. This rare forested microclimate provides a cool, shaded retreat during the hot summer months and erupts in brilliant oranges and reds during the autumn foliage season.

Trout Fishing in the Redwood River

The clear, cold, spring-fed waters of the Redwood River make it one of the few places in southwestern Minnesota capable of supporting a thriving trout population. Anglers travel from across the region to walk the riverbanks, casting flies into the riffles and deep pools in search of elusive brown trout. The rhythmic sound of the shallow river tumbling over rocks provides a perfectly tranquil backdrop to an afternoon of fishing.

Biking the Dakota Valley Trail

For those looking to pick up the pace, the park offers over a dozen miles of mountain biking and hiking paths. The challenging single-track trails wind their way up the steep slopes of the river valley, bursting out onto the upper prairie where riders are rewarded with massive, sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. After a long ride, swimming in the park’s unique, historic spring-fed pool is a cherished local tradition.

Explore More Minnesota State Parks

Camden State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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