Sculpted by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Parkcontains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds, and lakes.
A variety of recreational activities revolve around the lake. Clear and deep, Lake Carlos offers visitors a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and horseback riding. In the winter, ski from the tamarack bog to a maple-basswood forest.
Park Highlights:
Camping
Fishing on Chain of Lakes
Birdwatching
Hiking Through Rolling Hills
Swimming/Boating
Water Recreation
Camping
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.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites 2 Sites
One site in the lower campground and one site 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
The Center can accommodate up to 60 people. Facilities include a dining hall, two bunk houses, a staff building, showers and toilets, and a crafts building. Call the park at (320) 852-7200, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to reserve. All buildings are ADA accessible.
Trails
Summer
Self Guided 3 Miles
Two trails, the Maple-Basswood Interpretive and the Wetland Overlook.
Hiking 14 Miles
Rolling hills. Takes you through forested areas, mature hardwoods, and restored prairie. Great for fall hiking.
Horse 9 Miles
At times, trails may be too wet for riding. Call park before visiting for trail conditions.
Winter
Cross Country Skiing 6 Miles
Moderate trails on rolling terrain. Groomed for classical skiing only.
Snowmobile 9 Miles
Groomed trails. Trails are connected to the 500-mile Douglas Area Trail Association trail system.
Snowshoe Anywhere in park except on groomed ski trails
Snowshoes are available to rent at the park office. Please stay off all groomed ski trails.
Recreation Facilities
Summer
Picnic Area Near the Beach
Includes tables and fire rings.
Picnic Shelter Open Shelter
Volleyball Beach Area
Pick up equipment at park office.
Golf Course Within 10 Miles
There are several public golf courses within 10 miles of the park.
Winter
Warming House Picnic Area
The picnic shelter is partially enclosed in winter and heated by a wood stove. Wood is supplied by the park.
Water
Swimming Beach Within the park
