John P.
Guide
Guidemaplewood state park knoll campground
Quiet luxury
The small knoll campground loop is a perfect quiet spot in the literal heart of Maplewood state park. Hiking trails are nearby and the new bike path thru the park is excellent.
Camping near Carlos, MN
116 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Lake Carlos State Park Campground serves as the primary developed camping destination in the Carlos, Minnesota area, offering tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabin accommodations along the shores of Lake Carlos. The park features both upper and lower campground areas with varying levels of privacy - the lower campground provides direct lake access but more open sites, while the upper area offers more wooded, secluded camping spots. Several private campgrounds supplement the options near Carlos, including Oak Park Kampground, Lucky Acres Campgrounds, and Lazy Days Campground, all providing additional infrastructure for recreational vehicles.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October, though some remain accessible year-round. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. "The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites," noted one visitor who camped with family. Winter camping is available at select locations like Lake Carlos State Park, which offers year-round access though with reduced services during colder months. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages the state park facilities, while private campgrounds maintain their own reservation systems and amenity standards.
Campers consistently highlight the lake access as a primary draw to the region's campgrounds. The sandy beach area at Lake Carlos State Park receives particular praise, with boat tie-ups available for campers arriving by water. Sites in the lower campground area offer minimal privacy but exceptional water views and easy beach access. According to visitor feedback, "Direct access to the lake from the campground with a sandy beach and plenty of lakeshore for everyone. Many campers brought their boats and kayaks." The park's hiking trails provide additional recreational opportunities, with some visitors noting that while the campground and beach areas can be busy during summer weekends, the further hiking trails remain relatively quiet and peaceful, offering a more secluded experience within the same park system.
Best Campgrounds near Carlos (116)
1. Lake Carlos State Park Campground
"The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."
"I am from a suburb of Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota and we wanted to go camping with my in-laws who have horses."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Oak Park Kampground
"Close to Alexandria which has a Super Walmart and amenities."
"We found this campground on a Google search looking for something near my Grandma’s house and have now visited twice! The staff is great and very welcoming."
from $32 - $48 / night
Check Availability3. Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground
4. Lucky Acres Campgrounds
5. Lazy Days Campground
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Lakes Area Motel and RV Park
"Crop dusters zoom off from nearby airport. Over air TV has 60+ channels including cable channels."
7. Linwood Resort & Campgrounds
"Amenities I remember when we had a seasonal spot here: cabins with beautiful lake view, boathouse lodge and game room, sunbathing dock on the water, large picnic grounds, sand-filled playground, paddleboard"
8. Sinclair Lewis City Campground
"There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."
"Just blocks from the original Main Street, the campground is in the west end of the beautiful lakeside city park."
9. Chippewa Park
"Near Brandon,Minnesota. Lots of Amenities. Nice swimming beaches. #2 of them."
"Each site has a fire ring & picnic table and sites 7-12 have lake views which are beautiful. Sites are 20/30/50 amp and spacious but pretty open to other sites."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability10. Head Of The Lakes Resort
"Right on Lake osakis, which usually has good fishing."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 41 min from Fargo, ND
- 1 hr 59 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 54 min from Mankato, MN
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57 Photos of 116 Carlos Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews near Carlos, MN
281 Reviews of 116 Carlos Campgrounds
- nnancy H.
TravelerLake Carlos State Park Campground
Quiet wooded site in upper campground
We spent 1 night at site #12. Large back in spot completely wooded with fire pit & picnic table (no water or electric) Behind clean restrooms with flush toilets. The sites were less than half occupied on a Monday in Mid September. We arrived after the station was closed so we had to create an online profile to reserve and pay. Thankfully we had adequate cell service. There was also an 800 number to call that was staffed until 8pm (according to the sign). The upper campground is much quieter and shaded compared to the lower loop -which is on the water.
Allen B.GuideSaukinac Campground
Good all around
Campgrounds offer tent sites in the shade most all rv sites offer power water & sewer. Showers & flush toilets were clean. Bar with excellent food & friendly service
- LLauren K.
RangerLyons park camping
Lovely free camping
Lovely free camping provided by the Lyons community. It has water barbeques bathrooms, power, and 4 spaces. Very generous community effort.
- TTeresa O.
ScoutOak Park Kampground
Great campground
Large sites, quiet, clean showers, very well taken care of.
Sacred E.TravelerSmith Park Campground
Great little town camp spot
We are loving finding these sweet little campgrounds! This one is easy, has power and water for $15 a night, nice host, and a great little bakery just down the road.
- DDaniel R.Guide
Lake Carlos State Park Campground
Family Friendly Fun
There’s not one but two wonderful bathrooms at each end of the lower level campsites. Our children loved riding their scooters around the loop. If you happen to own a boat, you can park it right on the beach and tie off across from your campsite if you’re lucky enough to have one on the lake side. We stayed at spot 85 but site 102 is on the end and then you will only have one Neighbor.
- LLeonard N.Traveler
Delagoon Park Campground
City Owned Park and Campground (nicest one on our two week vacation)
Stayed on 07/18/26 1 night in our 30' RV pulling a motorcycle trailer, while traveling through on I94, without a reservation. It is 3-4 miles off the highway, and a little challenging to find (poor signage), but worth the effort. This is a city owned and operated park, and campground BUT, it is located on the outskirts of town on a very large parcel, with no nearby industrial, or residential neighbors. The access road from HWY 82 is 3/4 mile, and was rough in one 1/4 mile stretch (repaving pending). The campground was completely renovated, and reopened in 2026 (new sites, hookups, restroom/shower house). The rates have increased (we paid $56). The sites are large, level compacted gravel, with most three pull through sites. There were many trees removed during the renovation, limiting shade, and privacy, but allowing good views of Pebble Lake. Our Tuesday night stay was very quiet, with only a few other campers dispersed throughout the campground. There is a very nice playground for children, and walking/biking trails throughout the park, and a convenient dump station at the entrance. This isn't an "RV Resort", nor a "wilderness campground", but it is the nicest campground we stayed at during our two week vacation (and possibly ever). We would highly recommend Delagoon Campground to anyone visiting family or friends in the Fergus Falls area, or as a destination vacation campground. Wish we could have stayed longer!
elizabeth B.GuideSebeka Public Park and Campground
nice hookups
Nice little park with four hookups. Maybe six, I'm not sure, but four for sure. Bathrooms with showers. $30/night with hookups, $15/night without. They also have potable water and a dump station, which they charge for. Gotta pay cash though I guess a check will work.
Guide to Carlos
Camping options in the Carlos, Minnesota area extend beyond the state park, with several private campgrounds available within a 20-mile radius. The region features numerous lakes formed by glacial activity during the last ice age, creating rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 1,350 to 1,450 feet above sea level. Weather conditions are typical of Minnesota's continental climate, with camping season generally running May through October when temperatures average between 60-80°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Water recreation on Lake Osakis: Lake Osakis offers boating and fishing opportunities at Head Of The Lakes Resort. "They have cabins, camp sites, and restaurant/bar. Right on Lake osakis, which usually has good fishing," notes one camper.
Explore nearby Alexandria: Access urban amenities while camping at Lake Carlos State Park Campground. According to a reviewer, the campground is "Close to downtown Alexandria where there are a variety of things to do: breweries and restaurants, shopping, other parks and trails."
Winter activities: Experience cold-weather camping with unique seasonal recreation. "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter," shares one camper about Lake Carlos State Park.
What campers like
Lake access from multiple locations: Most campers praise the accessibility of water. One visitor at Sinclair Lewis City Campground noted, "Lakefront sites are available. In town campground so it can be a little noisy at times. There is a boat launch right next to the campground."
Swimming options: Beyond natural lake swimming, some campgrounds offer pools. At Oak Park Kampground, a visitor mentioned, "Our kids (3, 5, 7) enjoy the pool, the activities the staff plans, playground, paddle boats, and more."
Convenient locations: Many campgrounds are situated near small towns for supplies. "We had a fire and enjoyed a normal outdoor cookout before bed," reports a winter camper at Lake Carlos State Park, appreciating the accessibility even during cold months.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for holiday weekends. "Check-in was easy over the phone. It is a nice park in a quaint little town," notes a reviewer about Sinclair Lewis City Campground.
Limited winter camping: While some sites offer year-round access, services are reduced. A Lake Carlos winter camper reported, "I believe the bathrooms and showers were closed for the season but cannot recall. Firewood is available at the office."
Varying levels of privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between campgrounds. At Chippewa Park, a camper observed, "sites are 20/30/50 amp and spacious but pretty open to other sites. There is a lot of tree coverage within the park so shade is in abundance."
Tips for camping with families
Seek campgrounds with dedicated activities: Family-friendly amenities enhance the experience for children. "Wide and long pull through sites that are big rig friendly with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. There is also a swimming pool and playground," reports a visitor at Oak Park Kampground.
Consider beach quality: Sandy beaches provide safer swimming for children. At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "There is a public beach, skate park, splash pad, and bike trail all located within walking distance of the campground."
Look for convenience facilities: Having nearby services simplifies family camping. At Linwood Resort & Campgrounds, a visitor noted its "cabins with beautiful lake view, boathouse lodge and game room, sunbathing dock on the water, large picnic grounds, sand-filled playground" and other family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service availability: Check amperage options before booking. "Stayed for a few nights during the State High School Trap Shoot. Facilities were clean. Will stay there again for sure," reports an RVer at Alexandria Shooting Park and RV Campground.
Site dimensions and setup: Confirm your rig will fit comfortably. "We are camping/glamping in. 30' fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time," notes a visitor about Lake Carlos State Park.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require minimal adjustment. A visitor to Alexandria Shooting Park mentioned, "All lots, (lots of lots), were level and had water & electric. Super easy check in... Would definitely stay again."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available at Lake Carlos State Park?
What camping options are available at Lake Carlos State Park?
Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers multiple camping options. The lower campground features electric sites situated along Lake Carlos with open spaces between sites ideal for families. For those seeking alternatives to tent camping, the park has camper cabins like the 'Frog Pond' cabin that sleeps multiple people. Additionally, there is equestrian camping available, making this park a great option for horse owners. The park is approximately 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities, making it accessible for weekend getaways.
What do visitors say about their experiences at Lake Carlos State Park?
What do visitors say about their experiences at Lake Carlos State Park?
Visitors to Lake Carlos State Park Campground praise the excellent hiking trails and clean campground facilities. Many enjoy the lakeside experience, though some mention the lake can be fairly developed and busy with motor boats. Families appreciate the open spaces between sites that allow children to play. For those seeking quieter alternatives in the region, Maplewood State Park Campground offers more secluded camping options with varied ecosystems, while Monson Lake State Park Campground provides a smaller, more peaceful setting with historical significance.
What amenities and facilities are provided for campers at Lake Carlos State Park?
What amenities and facilities are provided for campers at Lake Carlos State Park?
Lake Carlos State Park provides several amenities for campers including electric hookups at the lower campground sites. The park features boat launch facilities, though these can get quite busy during peak times. For winter visitors, the park hosts special events like candlelight ski opportunities. For those seeking nearby alternatives with different amenities, Delagoon Park Campground offers about 20 campsites with 20/30 amp and water hookups, while Chippewa Park boasts two beautiful swimming beaches among its facilities.
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