Everyone knows that fall is the best time to explore. All the trees are lit up with color, the temperatures cooler and the bugs pretty much nonexistent. This is even more true when it comes to Minnesota State Parks and especially beautiful are the ones like Camden State Park with its extraordinary color, swimming pools that become reflecting ponds, trails for exploring and plenty of photogenic bridges!
Camden State Park
With over 2,000 acres to explore Camden State Park should be on your fall bucket list. Explore trails full of reds, yellows and oranges or bring a picnic lunch and just sit under the canopy of these beautiful trees while enjoying the fresh air.
Enjoy views of the Redwood River as it snakes its way through the park. If you’re looking for an ideal family portrait spot, I’d recommend the bridge that crosses the river from the swimming beach to the north picnic area!
Where to Play
I’ve never made it to Camden State Park during swimming season, but I love the location of their swimming pond. It’s a beautiful setting, with bathrooms and sometimes even a canteen set up near by. Not more than a few steps from there is a great jungle gym for playing, for those kids who prefer to play like a monkey over swimming like a fish.
Either way you’ll have happy kids- no matter their age!
Hiking Club:
The hiking club is a 2.4 mile hike that starts right off the swimming pond and beach house. Expect to see some pretty extraordinary views from the overlook of the Redwood River Valley (especially in the fall!)
Bring along a lunch or supper because after your hike you’ll want to eat, but I can guarantee that you won’t be ready to leave the beauty of this park yet.
Picnic:
While you can probably have a picnic just about anywhere, there are two designated picnic areas in Camden State Park, complete with nearby parking, picnic tables and bathrooms. And they are located in completely different areas of the park, so if you want to see a different part of Camden from the hiking club, head to the south picnic area (you’ll probably want to grab your car or bike to get there!)
Camping:
There are 80 camping sites located at Camden that are available from March 15 to November 30, although the sanitation and water are turned off starting late September (so plan accordingly).
There are also plenty of hotel options located in Marshall if you’d rather go that route.
Where to Grab Food in Marshall:
Beau Brothers Brewery
The Daily Grind
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