Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>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 <strong>hardwood forests to open prairies</strong> 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.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>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 <strong>glacial moraines</strong>, 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.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>The park features two primary camping areas suitable for RVs: the Lower Campground and the Upper Campground. Many of these sites offer <strong>electric hookups</strong> 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.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Water-based activities are the primary draw here, with a <strong>sandy swimming beach</strong> 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.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This destination is ideal for <strong>families and water sports enthusiasts</strong> 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.</p>

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Lake Carlos

Visit Lake Carlos State Park in Carlos, MN. Enjoy electric RV sites, a sandy swimming beach, and premier fishing on a clear glacial lake. Book your stay today!

Lake Carlos State Park RV Camping | Carlos, MN

Lake Carlos State Park is an amazing place to camp and hike. We visited late in the season, which we actually prefer—fewer crowds and a quieter, more peaceful experience. The park did not disappoint. Great views, enjoyable hikes, and a well-maintained campground made it a trip worth taking. This is a park that’s worth visiting any season.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Great place for an adventure! If you go for a weekend or even just an afternoon, you will absolutely enjoy this park. There are many trails. Places to grill. Swimming beaches. Cabins to rent. Campsites with or without electricity. Tons of kits at the office that are FREE to check out. Bird kits with binoculars, fishing kits with poles and tackle, hiking clubs.  The rangers are all friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend checking it out.

Lake Carlos State Park offered an easy Hiking Club Trail, though the melting ice made the trail quite messy at times. Parking is limited, but given the park’s smaller size, it makes sense.

I came across a few camping sites, and surprisingly, there were even some campers in the off-season. While it’s not the most expansive state park, it’s a decent spot for a hike if you’re in the area and looking for some outdoor time.

Lake Carlos Campground has become an annual tradition for us, and for good reason! The views of the lake from the lower campground are absolutely breathtaking, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in nature. The campground itself is well-maintained, and the sites are spacious. There’s plenty to do in the surrounding area. 22 Northmen Brewing is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for a local craft beer. Whether you're into hiking, water activities, or just unwinding by the fire, Lake Carlos is the perfect getaway!

Beautiful Park with plenty of ways to experience nature! Beach and swim, picnic, boat launch, canoe/kayak, hike, bike, horseback ride, and many more things to do! Upper campground was quiet and peaceful. Clean bathrooms all over the park. We had a flat tire on one of our bikes and got help from a park ranger. We rented kayaks for an afternoon and enjoyed our day. I highly recommend this park for camping or even a day trip to experience the park!

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Lake Carlos

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