LAKE CARLOS state park
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uilt by receding glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park offers a myriad of natural wonders, including a clear and deep lake just perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Among its 1,231 acres, nearly one-third of Minnesota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year long. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, ducks and heron, making this a bird watcher’s paradise! You may even catch a glimpse of the beaver and deer that make their homes within the park. The park also features a year-round naturalist that leads several programs throughout the year. Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking,
Be sure to visit the Lake Carlos State Park website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/ or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
skiing and interpretive programs are just waiting for you. Paddleboat, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season office hours May - October. In the winter, snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. A thermal flipover style portable fish house is available to rent on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for current rates and availability.
The park entrance, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast in Carlos, is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at (320) 852-7200. You can also email the park at lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks/lake_carlos/
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Whether you’re spending the night at the park or just a few hours, here’s what you need to know: Plan ahead Make reservations and buy your permits in advance. This helps protect you, other visitors and staff by minimizing person-to-person contact. If you buy a vehicle permit online, record your confirmation number and place it on your car’s dashboard. Be prepared. Bring your own water, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, towels and toilet paper.
Follow the rules. Follow federal, state and MDH/DNR guidelines. Observe cleaning protocols, follow directional signage and practice social distancing--even outdoors. Camping and other services Upper and Lower Campgrounds both now open. All four camper cabins (Eagle, Loon, Raccoon, Frog) now open. The Equestrian Campground is now open. Lakeview Group Camp is closed until further notice.
Pioneer Group Camp will open July 1. Hidden Lake Group Center is closed until further notice. Bathrooms/showers/vault toilets Sanitation buildings in the Upper and Lower Campgrounds are now open. They will be cleaned in the mornings, with additional afternoon cleaning of high touch areas. Campers with RVs are requested to use their own units as much as possible to minimize the number of people using park sanitation buildings. Vault toilets are available in the Equestrian Campground and the Pioneer and Lakeview Group Camps. The beach sanitation building is closed under further notice. Water Water spigots will be available throughout the Upper and Lower Campgrounds June 1. RVs are not allowed to attach to these spigots to fill their water tanks - use the RV dump station to fill water tanks. Water in the Equestrian Campground is on for day use riders needing to water their horses. There is no water available in the Pioneer or Lakeview Group Camp areas or at the beach sanitation building.
32 August/September 2020 • Vacationer
Buildings The Ranger Station inside is closed (service window open), the beach and Lakeview picnic shelters are closed until further notice. Park staff is available to answer questions by calling 320-852-7200 or email lakecarlos.statepark@state. mn.us. The Interpretive Center is closed until further notice and programs are canceled. Other services At the park, permits may be purchased via self-registration. Campers can proceed directly to their campsite if park office is closed and security staff will check them in. When service window is open, please stop at the office and check in. Buy firewood locally following DNR guidelines. The RV dump and fill station is now open. The swimming beach is closed until further notice. There will be no canoe/kayak/ paddleboat rentals until further notice.
