Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers glamping options about 10 miles west of Osakis, Minnesota. The park sits at an elevation of 1,424 feet in an area known for its glacial moraines and kettle lakes. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs typically ranging from 70-85°F. Most glamping sites at Lake Carlos require reservations up to 120 days in advance.
What to do
Winter recreation: Try the cross-country ski trails at Lake Carlos State Park Campground. The park maintains several groomed 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," reports Tori K.
Paddling: Enjoy motor-free lakes at Glendalough State Park Campground, located about 35 miles west of Osakis. "The yurt and watercraft sites are secluded and so awesome with great views, right on the lake, firewood and water back there available specifically for that area... so cool," notes HollyRose M. The park offers canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent.
Fishing: Access multiple lakes in the region, with several parks offering fishing piers, boat rentals, and lake access. "We noticed that the rangers stopped and talked to me night one, and remembered me - which made me feel very safe as a solo female camper," mentioned Sarah D. about her experience at Crow Wing State Park Campground, where fishing is popular along the Mississippi River.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of certain sites. "The campground was overall pretty quiet, and my site was wooded so that I normally could not see other campers from my site, which was great," notes Sarah D. about her experience at Crow Wing State Park Campground.
Family amenities: Families enjoy the range of activities available. "Lots of sites with and without electricity. Sites are spacious with close access to the lake from any of the lower campground sites. Large beach area for swimming and pylons to tie up boats," writes Jay H. about Lake Carlos State Park Campground.
Cart-in camping experience: At Glacial Lakes State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the semi-primitive camping experience. "Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site 28 and 30 don't have tree cover, but have beautiful views of the rolling hills," explains Mike O. These sites offer more seclusion than drive-up options.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Bugs can be intense, particularly in early summer. "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 Mike O. about Tipsinah Mounds City Park.
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant differences between their various sites. "There is a lower portion and upper portion with the lower campground being lakefront. There are primitive and electric sites available," explains Tori K. about Lake Carlos State Park Campground.
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