The Redwood River Valley was home to prehistoric and historic people. Archaeological research has revealed that people used this valley 8,000 years ago for hunting and fishing. An American Fur Company trading post was established in the valley in the middle 1830s. LaFramboise, a Frenchman, was hired to trade with the local American Indians from this post and manage the company's affairs in the Coteau des Prairies region. American and European settlers began coming to the valley by the late 1850s. In 1874 the village of Camden was established. By the late 1880s, Camden was thriving with a general store, hotel, blacksmith shop, and a sawmill that was later converted to a grist mill. The town grew until 1888 when the railroad decided not to place a depot in Camden. By the early 1930s, the town of Camden was a memory. Still, the area then known as Camden Woods, was used by local people for picnics and family gatherings. It was from this use that Camden State Park began in 1935.