Lake Carlos State Park

LAKE CARLOS B 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. state park Be sure to visit the Lake Carlos State Park website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/ or its Facebook page Among its 1,231 acres, nearly one-third of Minne for the most recent information on its schedule. sota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year skiing and interpretive programs are just waiting The park entrance, 2601 County Road 38 Northlong. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, for you. east in Carlos, is located 10 miles north ofAlexanducks and heron, making this a bird watcher’s Paddleboat, canoes, and kayaks are available dria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on paradise! You may even catch a glimpse of the to rent during the regular season office hours Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 beaver and deer that make their homes within May - October. In the winter, snowshoes are a.m.-4 p.m. daily at (320) 852-7200. the park. available for rent at the park office. A thermal flipYou can also email the park at lakecarlos.state

The park also features a year-round naturalist over style portable fish house is available to rent park@state.mn.us that leads several programs throughout the year. on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for You can discover much more about Lake Car

Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State current rates and availability. los State Park by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/ Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, 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.

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.