Lake Carlos State Park and Tipsinah Mounds City Park rank among the most popular camping destinations near Evansville, Minnesota. This area features over 10,000 glacial lakes within a 30-mile radius, creating diverse camping environments from wooded lake shores to prairie settings. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°F while summer averages 80°F, making both summer water activities and winter sports viable camping options.
What to do
Winter recreation options: 30+ miles of trails at Glacial Lakes State Park Campground where "the weekend we camped it was scorching hot. Most of the hiking trails in the park were through the prairie grass. The High Peak Trail did have some lovely views though!"
Rent watercraft at no-motor lakes: Glendalough State Park Campground provides paddling opportunities on motor-free lakes. "With the opportunity to spend time on a non-motorized boating lake, two streams, plenty of fishing, lots of trails and family picnic spots along a swim beach, it's perfect for every level of camper."
Hayrides for children: Tipsinah Mounds City Park runs regular activities for families. "In the afternoon they have a hay ride (without the hay) around the grounds, kids loved it."
Fish cleaning facilities: For anglers staying at Tipsinah Mounds City Park, the campground provides dedicated facilities. "There is a fish cleaning station. There are nice docks with benches to enjoy the view of the lake/sunset."
Mountain biking and horseback trails: The region offers multi-use trail systems. At Maplewood State Park Campground, "The park is stunning on horseback in the fall time. Whether hiking or riding this park hasn't been a disappointment yet!"
What campers like
Clear lakes with sandy beaches: Water quality ranks high with campers in the region. At Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, "Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: The parks provide opportunities to observe native species. One visitor to Glendalough noted, "We saw many deer, caught many pan fish and observed an eagle in its nest... We can't wait to go back."
Secluded camping options: Several parks offer more private sites for those seeking quiet. At Maplewood State Park, "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."
Fall colors in hardwood forests: The maple tree concentrations create vibrant autumn displays. "Lots of maple tree's red, orange colors in fall," reports one camper at Maplewood State Park Campground.
Cart-in tent camping: Many parks offer vehicle-free camping areas. At Glendalough, "The tent sites are all cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire, which I love."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage. At Andes RV Park, visitors note they're "not far off I-94" but maintain a quiet environment with "no noise."
Seasonal bug populations: Prepare for insects, especially in prairie settings. At Glacial Lakes State Park, one camper warned, "Due to the grass, there were many ticks, pets should be treated for ticks ahead of time."
Water level variations: Lake conditions change seasonally, affecting amenities. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use."
Long walks to facilities: Some campgrounds have spread-out designs. At Maplewood State Park, "if you're not in the main loop you'll be walking for half a mile round trip."
Primitive site limitations: Backcountry options require careful planning. At Glacial Lakes, one backpacker reported their site was "Literally right on trail. In fact, the only place to put your tent is immediately next to the trail" and there was "no place to hang a hammock."
Tips for camping with families
Yurts for first-time campers: Glamping close to Evansville, Minnesota includes yurt accommodations at Glendalough State Park, where "My friend & I stayed in their Osprey yurt, and it was perfect for our first camping trip together. I recommend yurts if you're not 100% comfortable with/enjoy staying in a tent."
Kid-friendly recreation amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Tipsinah Mounds features "a basketball court, playground, a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake."
Winter family activities: Cold-weather glamping options include heated accommodations. One winter visitor to Lake Carlos noted, "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail."
Accessible facilities: Several parks offer ADA accommodations. Tipsinah Mounds provides "a nice set up of handicap accessible showers and bathroom."
Park programs for children: Seasonal activities engage younger campers. "The nature center is really good and all of the staff are great and friendly," reports a visitor to Lake Carlos State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric site positioning: At Andes RV Park, the facilities are "top-notch, with brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean!" This park offers convenient amenities with "the firewood and the ice delivery service were a convenient touch, and easy as a quick phone call or text."
Dump station configurations: Some parks have challenging layouts. Glacial Lakes campers note "the water fill and dump stations are on the opposite side of most campers which was the only downside. There was not water supply at the dump station to rinse out the tank."
Site privacy variations: Electric sites often provide less seclusion. "The sites with electrical hook up are less private, but it's a family camping site so it's very friendly. The sites without any hookups are more private and secluded, great for tent camping."
On-site food options: Some campgrounds offer meal services. At Tipsinah Mounds, "the store has necessities and they will even make you a pizza and deliver to your site."
RV laundry facilities: For longer stays, washing options exist at select locations. Andes RV Park provides laundry rooms alongside other modern amenities.
