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Lake Carlos
Overview
Lake Carlos State Park offers a quintessential Minnesota lakeside experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Located in the heart of the Alexandria lakes area, this park is defined by its deep, clear waters and a diverse landscape carved by ancient glaciers. Visitors can transition from dense hardwood forests to open prairies while enjoying one of the state's most popular recreational lakes. It provides a peaceful, well-maintained setting for RVers who value scenic vistas and direct access to water-based activities.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of Alexandria in Carlos, MN, the park is easily accessible for those navigating larger rigs. The surrounding terrain is a unique mix of rolling hills and glacial moraines, providing a dramatic backdrop for seasonal exploration. The park sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Carlos, which is part of a larger chain of lakes known for high water quality. This location offers a perfect balance between a remote wilderness feel and the convenience of nearby town services and shopping.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features two primary camping areas suitable for RVs: the Lower Campground and the Upper Campground. Many of these sites offer electric hookups and can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 60 feet in length. On-site facilities include modern seasonal restrooms, a boat launch, and a dedicated fish cleaning station for the day's catch. For those traveling with horses, there is also a specialized horse campground featuring pull-through sites and easy access to the extensive multi-use trail system.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based activities are the primary draw here, with a sandy swimming beach and excellent fishing opportunities for walleye and northern pike. Land-based travelers can explore miles of hiking and horseback riding trails that wind through tamarack bogs and maple-basswood forests. Just a short drive away, the city of Alexandria offers cultural attractions like the Runestone Museum. During the winter months, the park remains a hub for activity with groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts looking for a classic summer vacation spot in the Midwest. Its well-maintained facilities and variety of terrain also make it a favorite for nature photographers and birdwatchers who enjoy quiet mornings by the lake. If you prefer a rustic, nature-focused environment over a high-density commercial resort, Lake Carlos State Park provides the space and tranquility needed for a restorative Minnesota getaway.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Robin Loken
Great park for adventures any time of year. The lake is beautiful. The trails are fun. The bathrooms are clean and up to date. This is a great camping trip. We will come back!
Hiker Shirl
Lake Carlos SP, Carlos, MN We had reserved a hip camp just off I 94 but it was just a very run down RV park and a total rip off for $58 . So we found Lake Carlos and drove the 10 miles to the park and since it was a Sunday night we scored a great non electric camp site on the lake for $25 plus $7 entry fee plus tax. It was worth it to enjoy a beautiful place . .There’s a paved path to hike or bicycle as well as hiking trails but it was muddy from the recent rains so we stayed with the paved areas. They have clean restrooms with showers and plugs for blow dryers. Although we were just passing through this is definitely a park where you could spend a couple days. There is boating on the lake and the water is very clear and clean.
Amanda Hawkins
This was one of my favorite state parks to camp! We camped here early in September and while the campground was full, it did not feel crowded. There is a lot of room to spread put and enjoy the shore and the lake. The kids spent hours playing in the water and skipping rocks. We stayed in the lower campground. The water spigot were tricky to locate as they are in the middle of the campsites instead of along the road. Its best to locate these while its still light out and not while you are ready to put out your fire. The bathrooms were clean. In the women's bathroom near the boat docks the water pressure was a little low and showers took a bit to warm up, but thats camping for you. The sites at the lower campground are close together so you are cozy with neighbors. It is a great MN vibe though and we felt safe there. The park ranger patrolled regularly. The upper campground is more wooded and spread out but farther from amenities. The staff was so friendly and the office is open later than others in the state. We visited the center that had coloring sheets for the kids and some fun information about the lake and area. We enjoyed some of the trails but ran out of time so we will be back!
Rachel Pietruszewski (TheRachelPie)
Tented overnight at the lower campground (very busy for a week day in August) not much privacy but family friendly crowd. Higher campground had much more space and privacy but no lake view. Showers and bathrooms at lower campground are clean and spacious with hot water. Friendly staff and great trails! Spent most my time at the west side of the park, walked the hidden lake trail, and red oak trail and maple basswood trail from the lower area campground, than drove to the north parking lot and took the Forestry trail to the prairie pothole trail to the prairie ridge trail. Wild flowers where everywhere, a little past their peak in August but still present. My only regret is I didn't have a boat/watercraft to enjoy the huge lake, I saw many fish jumping along the shore. If I didn't want to hike as much as I did I would have rented a canoe for sure! It was surprisingly quiet at night, loved smelling and seeing the fires at near by campsites as I didn't stay up to have one myself. The far west overlook was well worth the hike, a bench at the top of a hill, would be AMAZING for star gazing if you can get there safely in the dark.
Amy Steiner
I love this state park. Great campground hosts and rangers. We all love the sandy beaches and clear water. Lots of people fishing for bass and pan-fish. Campsites are tight and always booked out in the summer, so if you come over, don't take my site, deal? The upper campground is a bit quieter and has more secluded campsites but is further from the beach. Lower campgrounds is right on the lake but it's obviously more sought after for that reason. Both have clean bathrooms close by.