Upper Campground

For Minnesota residents seeking a refreshing escape into the heart of the state's natural splendor, Upper Campground at Lake Carlos State Park in Carlos offers an ideal destination. This beloved state park campground provides a serene and immersive experience, blending the tranquility of a wooded setting with convenient access to the recreational wonders of Lake Carlos. If you're a local looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy pristine waters, and create lasting memories with family and friends, Upper Campground is a gem worth exploring.

Nestled within the larger Lake Carlos State Park, Upper Campground is known for its more secluded and shaded atmosphere, making it a favorite for those who prefer a quieter camping experience compared to the park's lower, more lakeside section. Imagine waking up surrounded by mature trees, with days filled with hiking, fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by a campfire under the vast Minnesota sky. Lake Carlos State Park is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, from prairies and ponds to lush woodlands, ensuring a rich natural backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Upper Campground is part of Lake Carlos State Park, located at 2M26+PV, Carlos, MN 56308, USA. This places it approximately 10 miles north of Alexandria, a vibrant city in the heart of Minnesota's popular lakes country. For residents throughout Minnesota, particularly those in the central and western parts of the state, the campground offers excellent accessibility via well-maintained state highways.

To reach Lake Carlos State Park, you would typically take State Highway 29 north from Alexandria, then turn west on County Road 38. The park entrance is clearly marked. Once inside the park, signage will direct you to the Upper Campground. While Upper Campground itself is nestled in a more secluded, wooded area away from the immediate lakefront (compared to the Lower Campground), it still offers convenient access to all of Lake Carlos State Park's amenities and the lake itself. Its location provides a perfect balance: the peace and quiet of a shaded campsite, yet just a short walk or drive from swimming beaches, boat launches, and extensive trail systems. Furthermore, the proximity to Alexandria means campers have easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, ensuring convenience without sacrificing the outdoor experience.

Upper Campground at Lake Carlos State Park provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience within a natural setting. As a Minnesota State Park campground, it adheres to state park standards for amenities:

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The Upper Campground features 22 sites with electric hookups, catering to RVs up to 50 feet in length. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering.
• Showers and Flush Toilets: Modern shower buildings and flush toilets are available in the campground from May through October, offering a significant comfort for campers.
• Vault Toilets: For convenience during the off-season or in more remote areas, vault toilets are available year-round.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is available seasonally (May through October) for RVs to dispose of wastewater.
• Potable Water Access: Drinking water is accessible at various points throughout the campground.
• Firewood Sales: Certified firewood is available for purchase at the park office. Guests are advised against bringing outside firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Park Office/Visitor Center: Located near the campground, offering information, maps, and a gift shop.
• Camper Cabins: While not directly within the Upper Campground, Lake Carlos State Park offers four year-round camper cabins with electricity and heat, providing an alternative lodging option.
• Accessibility: Numerous areas of the park, including restrooms, two campsites (one in Upper, one in Lower Campground), and parking lots, are handicap accessible.

Upper Campground, as part of Lake Carlos State Park, offers an array of features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Minnesota campers. These aspects cater to a variety of interests, from active outdoor pursuits to peaceful relaxation:

• Secluded Wooded Sites: Unlike some more open campgrounds, the Upper Campground is situated in a "more secluded and wooded area." This provides excellent shade, privacy, and a true immersion in the forest environment, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat.
• Access to Lake Carlos: The park offers direct access to the clear, deep waters of Lake Carlos, renowned for swimming, fishing, and boating. Two boat ramps are available in the park, and a large sandy swimming beach (with a bathhouse, volleyball court, and picnic tables) is popular for cooling off on warm days.
• Extensive Trail System: Lake Carlos State Park boasts "14 miles of hiking trails" and "three miles of self-guided interpretive trails," allowing campers to explore diverse ecosystems like tamarack bogs, marshes, and maple-basswood forests. Additionally, there are "9 miles of horseback riding trails," with an equestrian campground also available within the park. In winter, these trails transform into routes for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Carlos is a hub for anglers, with species including yellow bullhead, carp, yellow perch, bass, bluegill, and crappie. A fishing dock and fish cleaning station are available, and fishing equipment can be rented from the park office.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The park's diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. Campers frequently spot beavers, deer, herons, loons, ducks, and various bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
• Seasonal Recreational Programs: During summer months, the park's amphitheater hosts naturalist programs and other special events, enriching the camping experience with educational and entertaining activities.
• Year-Round Operation: Lake Carlos State Park, including its campgrounds (with some winter limitations), is open year-round, allowing Minnesota locals to enjoy its beauty in all four seasons, from summer water activities to winter snowshoeing and ice fishing.
• Winter Warming House: A picnic shelter that is partially enclosed and features a wood-burning stove is available during the colder months, providing a cozy spot for winter recreation enthusiasts.

For reservations or any inquiries about Upper Campground or Lake Carlos State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: The address provided (2M26+PV, Carlos, MN 56308, USA) is a plus code for a specific location within Carlos. For official park contact, the primary address for Lake Carlos State Park is generally used:

2601 County Rd 38 NE, Carlos, MN 56319, USA (This is the official park address often listed for Lake Carlos State Park)

Phone: (320) 852-7200 (Lake Carlos State Park Office)

For reservations, it's recommended to use the Minnesota State Parks online reservation system or call their toll-free number: (866) 857-2757.

For Minnesota residents, Upper Campground at Lake Carlos State Park offers a compelling and highly suitable camping destination. Its location in the Alexandria lakes area means it's conveniently accessible from many parts of the state, making it an ideal choice for both spontaneous weekend getaways and more extended vacations. The campground provides the perfect blend of natural seclusion and access to abundant recreational activities, catering to a wide range of interests.

The Upper Campground's distinct advantage lies in its quiet, wooded sites, offering a peaceful retreat that allows campers to truly relax and unwind amidst nature. This is particularly appealing to locals seeking a break from the noise and demands of everyday life. Combined with the extensive features of Lake Carlos State Park—including excellent swimming and boating on Lake Carlos, miles of scenic hiking and horseback riding trails, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities—there's never a shortage of things to do. The availability of clean, modern facilities like showers and flush toilets during the peak season further enhances the comfort of the camping experience. Whether it's for a family adventure filled with outdoor play, a tranquil fishing trip, or a peaceful escape into the forest, Upper Campground at Lake Carlos State Park embodies the best of Minnesota's natural beauty and recreational offerings, making it an ideal choice for local residents.

Upper Campground

2M26+PV, Carlos, MN 56308, USA