Lake Carlos State Park Group Center

Photo of the Lake Carlos State Park Group Center grounds with large trees

 

Reservations

Call the park directly to make a reservation: 320-993-3750. The group center cannot be reserved through the Minnesota state park reservation system.

 

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Description

The group center is situated in a beautiful maple-basswood forest between Lake Carlos and Hidden Lake. It is open from Memorial Day weekend until two weeks after Labor Day, with a maximum overnight capacity of 60 people.

  • Dining hall: This building includes a commercial kitchen and dining hall with a fireplace, tables and chairs for up to 60 people.
  • Bunk houses: Two bunk houses. Each sleeps 18 on bunk beds.
  • Craft building: Large open classroom/recreation hall divided into two rooms; one room has two single beds and four bunk beds.
  • Staff building: Accessible building with 14 single beds and three bathrooms.
  • Bathroom/showers: The restroom building has separate bathroom and shower rooms for men and women, plus family assist facilities.
  • Other features: Fire ring, picnic tables, paved sidewalks, overlook, private boat dock.

Fees

Overnight use

  • $425 per night, plus tax.
  • A reservation deposit equal to the first night's rental is required, and will be credited to your total charge. 

Day use

  • $255, plus tax.
  • A $255 deposit is required when you book your reservation.
  • Day use hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Accessibility

The staff building has an accessible entrance and accessible bathroom. The bathroom and shower building has an accessible entrance. For more information about accessibility, please contact the park.

Features

The large kitchen offers:

  • Commercial gas range stove
  • Six burners and a griddle
  • Walk-in cooler, freezer and refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Stainless steel work/serving tables
  • Dishes, utensils, cookware, coffee pot, toaster
  • Dish and hand soap, towels, dish cloths, sponges, etc.
  • Brooms, dustpans, mops and buckets, paper towels, trash bags

Remember to bring

  • Sleeping bags or other bedding
  • Fans, if desired

Arrival and departure

Check-in: 3 p.m. 
Contact the park well in advance to arrange late check-in if you will be arriving after 3 p.m.

Check-out: 11 a.m.
Each group is responsible for cleaning the camp before check-out. Ask at the park office if you would like information about an optional cleaning company.

Check-out inspection
Park staff will inspect that everything is clean at 11 a.m. on check-out day. This process takes approximately one hour. Make sure everything is clean and personal items have been removed from the buildings before 11 a.m. A cleaning checklist is included in your reservation packet information and posted on the kitchen bulletin board.

Check-out extension
With an additional day use charge, you may arrange different check-in and check-out times, if the camp is available.

Other information

  • Heating and utilities

    No buildings at the group center are cooled or heated. The staff building is not air conditioned but does have a humidistat to keep the humidity down.

  • Firewood

    Firewood bundles are available for sale at the park office. Don't move firewood! Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Buy your firewood from the park or use approved firewood.

  • RVs

    Recreational vehicles (RVs) travel trailers and tents are not allowed.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY CALL 911

During an emergency, alert the park office: 320-993-3750.

  • Pets

    No pets other than hearing or seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are allowed in state park buildings, lodging, cabins and camper cabins or in beach areas.

  • Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center and at the park office.

  • Phone coverage 

    Most people can get a cell signal at the group center.

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