Lake Carlos State Park

"Nice day to hike! Saw people camping there! Nice and quiet great trails!"

"8/6/23. Just passing through to pick up the hiking club trail, so I have only a couple of hours experience hiking in the park. The trail started through maple basswood forest and then along the shore of Lake Carlos. Not being a jet skier or motorized boat driver I found the lake too busy with watercraft for my liking. As usual in many a state park, the best birding was in the picnic area. There was an area of Joe Pye weed in bloom which was covered in pollinators."

"Situated on Lake Carlos, this is a busy little state park due to its popularity for water craft on the lake on which it sits. Although mostly geared towards the water, there is plenty to do here on land as well. While not extensive, there are several hikes of varying lengths. Highly recommend the Prairie Pothole trail for fantastic views of restored tall-grass prairie - something vary rarely seen in MN now days. The picnic area at the beach is also very nice and well shaded. A good place to be if you need a break from the sun and heat."

"What I like about this park is you always see a ton of wildlife for a smaller park that is close to town/houses. The park has good horse/hiking trails. Park has giant hardwoods including red oaks which are harder to find. Decent day use area and swim area. Two very big spread out campgrounds with nice camper cabins too. Also one of of the few modern group camps in the state park system. Also has a smaller horse campground with a few trails. The park is very busy in the summer being there are so many campers enjoying the lake."

"Lots of room within these two campgrounds. Stayed at #9 and it was wide open. #12 and up were in the heavy woods with the mosquitoes. We rented a pontoon from Lake Carlos Marina, caught a bunch of pan fish and had a blast with the kids. We'll definitely do this State Park again!"