Lake Carlos State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- 211 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(320) 993-3750
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 4
Weather Ranger station and nature store hours• Our winter hours have started. • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Office staffing may be intermittent… (more)
• Our winter hours have started. • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sunday - Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Office staffing may be intermittent during the weekdays. • Call 320-993-3750 or email lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Weather Special Permit Firearms Deer Hunt• Our deer hunt is Saturday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 10, 2026. • For your safety, wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing,… (more)
• Our deer hunt is Saturday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 10, 2026. • For your safety, wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing, even if you will not be hunting. • Check with the park office when you arrive. • Watch carefully for any hunt-related signage in the park, and follow it! • For more information on special permit hunts in State Parks, please visit this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/hunting.html
Posted by the park. Official alert
Alert Camper reminders• All campers, please check in at the ranger station before occupying your site. • CAMP SITES AND GROUP CAMPS. Check-in 4 p.m. | Check-Out 4 p.m. •… (more)
• All campers, please check in at the ranger station before occupying your site. • CAMP SITES AND GROUP CAMPS. Check-in 4 p.m. | Check-Out 4 p.m. • CAMPER CABINS. Check-in 3 p.m. | Check-out 11 a.m. • Strictly ONE sleeping unit per site in the Lower Campground. Up to two sleeping units per site in the Upper Campground, and no more than six occupants. • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. - 8 a.m. All generators, outside radios and TVs must be off during this time.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Partial closure Seasonal Updates• Bathrooms and showers are now closed in both campgrounds. Water has been shut off at all areas within the park. For closing dates, see seasonal… (more)
• Bathrooms and showers are now closed in both campgrounds. Water has been shut off at all areas within the park. For closing dates, see seasonal information. • Vault toilets remain available throughout the park. • Water is available year-around from the water spigot in front of the solar panel near the visitor center. • The Dump/Fill station is closed. • All docks have been removed for the season. Updated October 28th, 2026
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 1,154 acres, Lake Carlos State Park lies in Douglas County, about 9 miles north of Alexandria.
The park supports golf, historic sites, boating, swimming, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier. Camping is available: 211 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Mon–Fri | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
| Sat–Sun | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — | |
| Park | Bathrooms: Vault Toilets are available year-round throughout the park. All other bathrooms are closed for the season. Programs: Visit the Events Calendar for upcoming Naturalist Programs. Drinking water: Drinking water is available year around at the water spigot in front of the solar panel near the visitor center. Electric sites: 59 electric sites in lower campground - 22 electric sites in upper campground. Buildings: Stop by and see the 5 buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places that were built by the WPA. Showers: Shower buildings are closed for the season. RVs: We do not offer pull through campsites, however, gravel spurs are available at all campsites, lengths vary in size. Please park campers and vehicles on these gravel spurs and not on the grass. If you have a second vehicle, please park in the visitor parking areas. Other: We also offer a variety of free checkouts including Kids Kits, All-Terrain Track chair, Colorblind eyewear, and fishing gear! To check any of these out, please visit the ranger station. Dump station: The dump/fill station is closed for the season. Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are closed for the season. Water: Water is off throughout the park, with showers and bathrooms closed for the season. Vault toilets remain available throughout the park. Campgrounds: Strictly one sleeping unit is allowed in the Lower Campground. Upper Campground we do allow two sleeping units per site (2 tents or 1 camper and 1 tent). In the Upper Campground, there are 4 seasonal Camper Cabins that are available year-round. There are no pets allowed in Camper Cabins. Trails: Trails are Open. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Intermittently depending on office staffing. Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Strictly one sleeping unit is allowed in the Lower Campground. Upper Campground we do allow two sleeping units per site (2 tents or 1 camper and 1 tent). In the Upper Campground, there are 4 seasonal Camper Cabins that are available year-round. There are no pets allowed in Camper Cabins.
Bathrooms: Vault Toilets are available year-round throughout the park. All other bathrooms are closed for the season. Programs: Visit the Events Calendar for upcoming Naturalist Programs. Drinking water: Drinking water is available year around at the water spigot in front of the solar panel near the visitor center. Electric sites: 59 electric sites in lower campground - 22 electric sites in upper campground. Buildings: Stop by and see the 5 buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places that were built by the WPA. Showers: Shower buildings are closed for the season. RVs: We do not offer pull through campsites, however, gravel spurs are available at all campsites, lengths vary in size. Please park campers and vehicles on these gravel spurs and not on the grass. If you have a second vehicle, please park in the visitor parking areas. Other: We also offer a variety of free checkouts including Kids Kits, All-Terrain Track chair, Colorblind eyewear, and fishing gear! To check any of these out, please visit the ranger station. Dump station: The dump/fill station is closed for the season. Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are closed for the season. Water: Water is off throughout the park, with showers and bathrooms closed for the season. Vault toilets remain available throughout the park. Campgrounds: Strictly one sleeping unit is allowed in the Lower Campground. Upper Campground we do allow two sleeping units per site (2 tents or 1 camper and 1 tent). In the Upper Campground, there are 4 seasonal Camper Cabins that are available year-round. There are no pets allowed in Camper Cabins. Trails: Trails are Open.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Pets not allowed. There are no pets allowed in Camper Cabins.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 121 Sites — Lower campground is near the lake. Upper campground is more secluded and wooded. Only one camping unit is allowed per site in the lower campground. This is strictly enforced. | 121 | ShowersRVs up to 50 Feet | — |
| Electric Sites 81 Sites — 59 sites in lower campground and 22 electric sites in the upper campground. | 81 | ElectricShowersRVs up to 50 Feet | — |
| Horse Camp 7 Sites — Camp can accommodate a total of 30 people. Campers can use shower building and flush toilets available in the park's upper campground. | 7 | Showers | — |
| Group Camp 2 Sites — Campers will need to walk a short distance from the parking area to campsites. Each site includes an open-sided picnic shelter with electricity and water source at or nearby the shelter. Both sites have vault toilets available. No showers available at either site.
Pioneer site - Accommodates up to 35 people. One electrical camping hook-up available.
Lakeview site - Accommodates up to 50 people. Flush toilets available when the water is on for the season. | 2 | Showers | — |
| Group Center Hidden Lake Group Center — Accommodates up to 60 people. Learn more. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 121 Sites: Lower campground is near the lake. Upper campground is more secluded and wooded. Only one camping unit is allowed per site in the lower campground. This is strictly enforced.
Electric Sites — 81 Sites: 59 sites in lower campground and 22 electric sites in the upper campground.
RV Length Limit — 50 Feet: Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites — 2 Sites: The park has two accessible drive-in campsites, one in the Lower Campground and one in the Upper Campground. Both are electric sites.
Horse Camp — 7 Sites: Camp can accommodate a total of 30 people. Campers can use shower building and flush toilets available in the park's upper campground.
Group Camp — 2 Sites: Campers will need to walk a short distance from the parking area to campsites. Each site includes an open-sided picnic shelter with electricity and water source at or nearby the shelter. Both sites have vault toilets available. No showers available at either site.
Pioneer site - Accommodates up to 35 people. One electrical camping hook-up available.
Lakeview site - Accommodates up to 50 people. Flush toilets available when the water is on for the season.
Group Center — Hidden Lake Group Center: Accommodates up to 60 people. Learn more.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins
Accessible Lodging: The park has one accessible camper cabin.
At Hidden Lakes Group Center, the staff building and shower building have accessible entrances. The staff building also has an accessible restroom.
Camper Cabins — 4 year-round cabins, available Thursday - Sunday during winter season, available daily Apr - Oct: Located in upper campground. 1 cabin sleeps 5 (wheelchair accessible), the other 3 cabins sleep 6 each. All cabins have electricity, heat and a screened porch. All are available year-round, Thursday - Sunday during winter season, available daily Apr - Oct. Pets not allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Things to do
CampingFishingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingBoatingSwimmingRanger and interpretive programsHistoric sites and toursPicnickingGolf
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic (winter) | 6 mi | — | 6 miles — Moderate trails on rolling terrain. A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on the state park's groomed trails.Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic |
| Snowmobile (winter) | 9 mi | — | 9 miles — Groomed trails connect to the 500-mile Douglas Area Trail Association trail system.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Anywhere in park except on groomed ski trails — Please stay off all groomed ski trails. Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station.Snowshoe |
| Accessible (summer) | 0.5 mi | — | 0.5 milesAccessibleAccessible |
| Self-Guided (summer) | 3 mi | — | 3 miles — Two trails, the Maple-Basswood Interpretive and the Wetland Overlook.Self-Guided |
| Hiking (summer) | 14 mi | — | 14 miles — Rolling hills. Takes you through forested areas, mature hardwoods, and restored prairie. Great for fall hiking.Hiking |
| Horse (summer) | 9 mi | — | 9 miles — At times, trails may be too wet for riding. Call park before visiting for trail conditions.Horse |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic — 6 miles: Moderate trails on rolling terrain.
A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on the state park's groomed trails.
Winter — Snowmobile — 9 miles: Groomed trails connect to the 500-mile Douglas Area Trail Association trail system.
Winter — Snowshoe — Anywhere in park except on groomed ski trails: Please stay off all groomed ski trails.
Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station.
Summer — Accessible — 0.5 miles
Summer — Self-Guided — 3 miles: Two trails, the Maple-Basswood Interpretive and the Wetland Overlook.
Summer — Hiking — 14 miles: Rolling hills. Takes you through forested areas, mature hardwoods, and restored prairie. Great for fall hiking.
Summer — Horse — 9 miles: At times, trails may be too wet for riding. Call park before visiting for trail conditions.
Trail conditions: Trails are Open.
Swimming
Swimming Beach — Within the park
Boating and paddling
Boat Access — 2 on Lake Carlos
Boat Docks
Fishing
Fishing Pier — Lake Carlos
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Marina or boat slips
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
- Equestrian camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Recreation
- Golf course
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites — 2 Sites: The park has two accessible drive-in campsites, one in the Lower Campground and one in the Upper Campground. Both are electric sites.
Accessible Lodging: The park has one accessible camper cabin.
At Hidden Lakes Group Center, the staff building and shower building have accessible entrances. The staff building also has an accessible restroom.
Camper Cabins — 4 year-round cabins, available Thursday - Sunday during winter season, available daily Apr - Oct: Located in upper campground. 1 cabin sleeps 5 (wheelchair accessible), the other 3 cabins sleep 6 each. All cabins have electricity, heat and a screened porch. All are available year-round, Thursday - Sunday during winter season, available daily Apr - Oct. Pets not allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Read more from the park
Showers — Wheelchair accessible: Four shower buildings, two in each campground. All showers are available in summer only - generally mid-May through mid-October. Check the Seasonal Update for water on/off dates.
Flush Toilets — Wheelchair accessible: Located in the campgrounds. Flush toilets in beach area are available but not wheelchair accessible. All flush toilets are available in summer only - generally mid-May through mid-October. Check the Seasonal Update page for more information.
Vault Toilets — Throughout the Park: Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible and open year-round.
Accessible — 0.5 miles
All-Terrain Track Chair: One all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park.
- Reserve the chair
- Map of designated trails
- Learn more about track chairs
Color Vision Glasses: The park has glasses available that help many people with red-green color deficiencies see colors outdoors! First come, first served - stop by the ranger station to borrow a pair.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 2601 County Road 38 Northeast
Carlos, MN 56319 - Nearest town
- Alexandria — about 9 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 46.0004, -95.3329
- Phone
- (320) 993-3750
- lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
The park entrance is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then 2 miles west on Highway 38.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology