Lake Carlos State Park
Sculpted by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park contains 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.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!2013 Deer HuntThe Special Permit Firearms Hunt will be November 9-10. The application deadline for the special permit park hunt is Thursday, September 5th. The park will remain open during the hunt but visitors are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange as they walk the trails. For more information: State parks during 2013 hunting season.
Bathroom/shower building availability: Starting September 29, 2013, one bathroom/shower building in each campground (near site 44 in the upper campground and by site 108 in the lower campground) will be closed Sunday night through Thursday night. Friday and Saturday then all bathroom buildings in each campground will then be open. Last updated September 29, 2013 |
Park NotesBe fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park. Zebra Mussels Found on Lake Carlos:Zebra mussels are now in Lake Carlos and throughout the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. Boaters are required to inspect and remove all visible aquatic plants, animals and mud from their boats, trailers and equipment in order to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels. Large groups of Zebra Mussels can kill native mussels, harm fish populations, and interfere with recreational opportunities. Learn more about invasive aquatics. Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Don't move firewood!Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Lake Carlos State Park. Birders:Bird Checklist |
Park Highlights | ||||||
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CampingHours
Best time to contact the park:
Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact
2601 County Road 38 Northeast
Carlos, MN 56319
tel: 320-852-7200
email: lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
The park entrance is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then 2 miles west on Highway 38.