Lake Carlos State Park
Overview
Established in 1937, the park holds 1,154 acres with rolling hardwood forests, prairie meadows, wetlands and over a mile of lakeshore. Visit the park to swim, fish, boat, hike, camp or horseback ride. Enjoy Lake Carlos by swimming at the beach, walking along the shore, watching for wildlife, or angling for an abundance of gamefish. Lake Carlos is the largest and deepest in the Alexandria chain of lakes at 2,520 acres and up to 163 feet deep. The water, trails and great campsites make this a popular destination.
- Trails
- 12
- Viewpoints
- 6
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 27
Opening Hours08:00 AM – 10:00 PM SOSEmergency SOS8886466367 Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Popular/Nearby Trails
Nearby Viewpoints
Nearby Points of Interest
Amenities Available
Paved Parking LotsDesignated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
Restrooms / Flush ToiletsModern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
Drinking Water FountainsPotable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
Picnic Areas & SheltersCovered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
Visitor / Ranger StationInformation hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
Hiking & Nature TrailsMarked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
CampgroundsTent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
Swimming Areas / BeachesDesignated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
Wildlife Observation AreasElevated viewing platforms and camouflaged blinds positioned near wetlands, meadows, and migration corridors for undisturbed wildlife watching.
Picnic Shelter
horseback
Community Photos
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