This patch of wilderness within the Ottawa National Forest is unmatched. I didn’t think I was in the Midwest. Remote and not well traveled. I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain.

Easily a contender for best hiking trails in the MN state parks state system. This western park offers miles of hiking with the North Country Trail weaving throughout. The fall colors were just starting but popped in the prairie.

Beautiful biking trails!!! There’s a paved trail around the lake. Hiking trails in the prairie are breathtaking. The yurts looked very cool. Will return.

Excellent hiking trails away from the lake. Lake Carlos itself is fairly developed and busy with motor boats. The campground was nearly full and clean.

This park is a quiet oasis in northern MN. The campground was clean and pretty empty. Heard wolves!!!

This the most urban state park campground in MN. It’s within East Grand Forks. Not quiet and felt like a town of RVs. Great amenities and coffee nearby, not wild.

This little campground is fantastic. It is non-electric with a narrow entrance so only cars and pickup trucks can access it. Beautifully tucked in the trees it is great on a crisp fall morning. Level ground for a tent, ample trees for hammocks, and Lake of the Woods can be heard all night.

This rustic campground is deep in the Superior National Forest. It is free, quiet, and for those looking to get away from crowds.