The campground at Baylor Regional Park opens Friday, May 8 for the 2009 camping season. 

This year, the full campground will remain open through Oct. 11, and portions of the campground will be open through Oct. 18 (MEA weekend), according to a Carver County Parks press release.

The 6th annual chili cook-off will be on Saturday Oct. 17, keeping with the tradition of being on the last weekend of the camping season.

The campground at Baylor Park has many large shade trees that provide protection from sun and wind while creating a natural camping environment.

Located in the rural agricultural setting of western Carver County, 2-1/2 miles north of the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 212 on County Road 33, Baylor Regional Park campgrounds are within a 40-minute drive from any place in the County. Fifty campsites, 35 of which have water and electrical hookups, have been developed. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located for visitor use.

"Experience the peacefulness of the park and camp on a weekday, which are less frequented by visitors. Children will get a kick out of a ride in a paddle boat, playgrounds, beach, water-play equipment and exploring the trails in woodland and prairie,” the release stated.

Camping fees for 2009 are $21 per night for utility sites (water and electric), $15 per night for primitive sites (no utilities) plus for all reservations there is a $6 per site reservation fee. For campers staying six or more consecutive nights there are discounts. 

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.co.carver.mn.us/parks or contact the Carver County Parks office Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at (952) 466-5250.