Lake Carlos

DLM-Distribution Campervans

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.

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.

Shaya Hartwig

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.

Priyanka Kumari

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.

Vanessa Parker

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!

Sarah Carsello

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!