Lake Carlos State Park - United States

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About Lake Carlos State Park

RV quick facts for Lake Carlos State Park

DetailInformation
Max RV length50 feet
Electric hookups81 of 121 campsites
Dump stationAvailable May through October
Total campsites121 across two areas
Entry fee$7 per vehicle daily
Year-round campingUpper Campground open year-round with vault toilets

Best time to visit Lake Carlos State Park

Peak season runs from mid-May through mid-October, when all facilities including flush toilets, showers, and dump stations are fully operational. Summer months offer the warmest weather for swimming and boating, with lake temperatures ideal for water activities. Fall provides crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons with fewer insects, making hiking particularly pleasant. For RV travelers seeking full amenities, visit May through October; winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails, though camping facilities are limited to the upper campground.

Jan 18 mm
21°F - 5°F

Upper Campground open; lower campground closed; vault toilets only

Feb 13 mm
23°F - 10°F

Upper Campground open; lower campground closed; vault toilets only

Mar 25 mm
35°F - 20°F

Upper Campground open; lower campground closed; roads may have snow

Apr 33 mm
50°F - 32°F

Upper Campground open; lower campground closed; facilities remain closed

May 90 mm
64°F - 44°F

Full facilities opening mid-month; peak season begins

Jun 90 mm
73°F - 54°F

Warmest and wettest month; all facilities open; peak season

Jul 79 mm
79°F - 60°F

Warmest month; ideal for swimming and boating

Aug 76 mm
78°F - 59°F

Warm and relatively dry; excellent camping conditions

Sep 51 mm
70°F - 50°F

Pleasant weather; fewer insects; fall colors emerging

Oct 46 mm
57°F - 40°F

Fall colors peak; full facilities operating through mid-month

Nov 31 mm
40°F - 28°F

Upper Campground open; lower campground closed; limited services

Dec 112 mm
24°F - 10°F

Heavy snowfall; upper campground only; cross-country skiing available

Things to do at Lake Carlos State Park

  • Fishing Easy
    RV parking available

    Lake Carlos supports abundant fish populations in its 150-foot-deep waters. Access is available from docks and boat launches, with ice fishing opportunities in winter for dedicated anglers. rvshare.com/state-parks/minnesota/lake-carlos-state-park

  • Hiking Moderate
    RV parking available

    Over 14 miles of trails traverse diverse landscapes including hardwood forests, wetlands, woodland ponds, and marshes. Popular routes include the Red Oak Trail to Hidden Lake and the Hiking Club Trail, with options ranging from easy to strenuous. mntrails.com/project/lake-carlos-state-park/

  • Boating Easy
    RV parking available

    Two seasonal boat ramps provide access to Lake Carlos for recreational boating and fishing. The clear, deep lake offers plenty of space for various water activities. rvshare.com/state-parks/minnesota/lake-carlos-state-park

  • Swimming Easy
    RV parking available

    A designated swimming area on the lake provides a refreshing break during warm months. The lake's depth and clarity make it suitable for swimming and water activities from mid-May through October.

  • Cross-country skiing Moderate
    RV parking available

    Six miles of groomed, moderate cross-country ski trails wind through the park in winter, with a warming shelter for visitors. Snowshoeing is also permitted throughout the park. mntrails.com/project/lake-carlos-state-park/

  • Wildlife observation Easy
    RV parking available

    Over 150 bird species inhabit the park seasonally, including waterfowl and warblers, along with deer, beavers, and loons. Birding trails are available for birdwatchers of all levels.

  • Horseback riding Moderate
    RV parking available

    Nine miles of equestrian trails wind through wooded areas and open landscapes. The park features an equestrian campground with hitching rails for visitors traveling with horses. mntrails.com/project/lake-carlos-state-park/

Top Hosts near MN, United States

Lake Reno7 trips - Joined Jan 2024

The camper was immaculate! Pickup and drop off were timely and seamless. 10/10 recommend for your next vacation.

Hannah S. - Aug 2024

Great to work with! Easy to book!

Colleen E. - Aug 2024

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RV Rentals Lake Carlos State Park

Lake Carlos State Park, MN, United States

How to get to Lake Carlos State Park

Lake Carlos State Park is located 10 miles north of Alexandria, Minnesota, accessible via Interstate 94 from Minneapolis (approximately 2 hours) or via Highway 29 from Saint Cloud (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). From Alexandria, turn north on Highway 29, then left on County Road 38 NE to reach the park entrance. The nearest major airport is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes away. Standard highway access accommodates RVs up to 50 feet in length.

RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental

RVezy rentals

  • Book directly from local RV owners
  • Choose the exact RV you want
  • Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
  • More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers

Traditional RV rental

  • Limited fleet from a rental company
  • Exact RV not guaranteed
  • Pickup only at retail locations
  • Fewer RV types and less availability