Lake Carlos is located in west central Minnesota, about 10 miles north of Alexandria. The area features rolling prairie hills interspersed with hardwood forests and glacial lakes formed during the last ice age. Cabin camping options near Carlos operate year-round with varying seasonal amenities, though shower facilities at many parks close during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Winter recreation: Lake Carlos State Park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on dedicated trails during winter months. "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," notes a visitor to Lake Carlos State Park Campground.
Paddling opportunities: Enjoy non-motorized boating at Glendalough State Park where motorboats are prohibited. "Only Tents Allowed--this is the most serene place! They don't allow motor boats on one of the lakes so there is always calm water to canoe, kayak, swim, or paddleboard in," writes a camper at Glendalough State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Explore prairie and forest transitions at Sibley State Park. "This park has everything from bike trails, hiking trails, look out tower at the top of Mount Tom, to swimming and fishing," reports a regular visitor to Sibley's Oak Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Cabin variety: Glendalough offers alternative accommodations beyond standard cabins. "We decided to try camping in one of Glendalough's yurts. There is carts available to haul your gear. The views along the bike path are stunning," shares one enthusiastic visitor.
Water quality: Clear lakes provide excellent swimming and fishing around Carlos. "The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm," writes a camper at Glacial Lakes State Park Campground who enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding.
Solitude options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded cabin experiences. "Stayed at knoll loop. I enjoyed the privacy of these sites. Road in is a little rough. The showers are at the main campground with plenty of parking. I wouldn't walk that far for the showers," notes a visitor to Maplewood State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Winter cabin camping requires planning around facility closures. "I believe the bathrooms and showers were closed for the season but cannot recall. Firewood is available at the office," reports a winter visitor to Lake Carlos State Park.
Insect preparation: Bring proper protection during summer months. "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray- I was planning to hike 5 miles but had to stop after 2," warns a visitor to Glacial Lakes.
Bathing facilities: Shower access varies significantly between campgrounds. "They have 4 cabins that share 2 vault toilets," notes a visitor about Lake Carlos cabin accommodations, while Tipsinah Mounds City Park offers "Restroom and shower facilities onsite, some lakefront campsites and some that are not."
Tips for camping with families
Beach options: Lake Carlos State Park offers established swimming areas. "Large beach area for swimming and pylons to tie up boats. Good trail system and a great swimming area. Nature center is really good and all of the staff are great and friendly," comments a family visitor.
Cabin locations: Consider proximity to facilities when booking with children. "Site 33 is by itself on the access road to a small non-electric loop. This meant no distraction for my dog and let the bird song entertain us. There is a very long walk to a restroom but water is close by," advises a camper at Maplewood State Park.
Group camping areas: Some parks offer dedicated spaces for larger family gatherings. "Group camping comes with its own bathroom building and shelter building with wood stove. The water is quite clean. Also there's even hot water in the bathroom," mentions a visitor to Glacial Lakes State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: RV campers should verify ground conditions when booking. "We are camping/glamping in. 30' fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time. Feels like we are deep in the forest but civilization is close enough for WiFi! Get some firewood from the Ranger, the fire pits are great!!" advises an RV camper at Lake Carlos State Park.
New RV-oriented options: Newer facilities provide modern amenities for recreational vehicles. "Nice, new rv park. Not far off I 94. Spent 1 night, but slept well due to no noise. Golf cart rentals, and trails from the park. Would definitely recommend," shares a visitor to Andes RV Park.
Lake access considerations: Many RV sites near Carlos provide lake views but vary in water access. "Our site was located directly behind the store/office but had a view of the lake. Parking was on grass. The site was level and had an electric hookup," reports a visitor to Tipsinah Mounds, noting primitive sites would only accommodate tents.
