Is Moose Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Moose Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Moose Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Moose Lake Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Moose Lake Campground?

Yes, Moose Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Moose Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Moose Lake Campground: Only use approved or local firewood. Light fires only within provided fire rings or charcoal grills; never leave fires unattended and fully extinguish fires before leaving. Do not burn trash. Follow park-specific fire restrictions and rules.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Moose Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Moose Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Moose Lake Campground?

Moose Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Moose Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Moose Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Moose Lake Campground

4.24

86 reviews

Moose Lake, MN (no street address found in provided sources)

Top 23% in MNSummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Minnesota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR)Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on Minnesota State Parks (Minnesota DNR)Official Website

Moose Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A non-refundable reservation fee is charged for advance reservations ($10 by call center / $8 online). Specific campsite and nightly camping fees...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Minnesota State Parks

Provider

888-646-6367, 651-296-6157

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Moose Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Moose Lake, MN (no street address found in provided sources)

No map location available

Weather at Moose Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Moose Lake Campground

Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s F with cool nights, ideal for swimming, boating, and ranger-led evening programs. July sees heavy mosquitoes, so bring bug spray and long sleeves for dawn and dusk. Late spring and early fall offer fewer insects and more solitude, though nights turn cold and some services may be reduced. Winter visitors use heated camper cabins and groomed ski routes through the campground. Plan clothing layers year-round and check park hours before arrival, especially in shoulder seasons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in MN

Ideal summer temps, beach, boating and ranger programs; mosquitoes peak in July.

Planning Tips

About Moose Lake Campground

Moose Lake Campground sits in a Minnesota state park surrounded by dense northwoods forest, offering wooded, well-maintained sites with lake access. The campground draws consistent 4-5 star reviews for its shaded sites, clean facilities, and proximity to swimming, fishing, and boating on Moose Lake. Reserve through the Minnesota state parks system; summer weekends fill quickly.

Campground hosts campsites for overnight camping and offers lake access and day-use areas. Specific campsite type availability (tent, RV, group, cabins) is not fully documented in the provided sources.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s F with cool nights, ideal for swimming, boating, and ranger-led evening programs. July sees heavy mosquitoes, so bring bug spray and long sleeves for dawn and dusk. Late spring and early fall offer fewer insects and more solitude, though nights turn cold and some services may be reduced. Winter visitors use heated camper cabins and groomed ski routes through the campground. Plan clothing layers year-round and check park hours before arrival, especially in shoulder seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is set in mature pines and mixed hardwoods, with thick vegetation providing privacy between most sites. Moose Lake anchors the park, offering calm water for paddling and a sandy swimming beach. Short walking paths connect the campground to the lakeshore, boat launch, and fishing docks. Campers report abundant wildlife including black bears (a mother with cub and a large male have been spotted near the campground and lake path), deer browsing near sites, and wolves howling close enough that one sniffed a tent wall overnight. Birds flock to picnic tables, and typical northwoods mammals move through the forested loops. Many sites are set back in the woods with filtered or partial lake views; the walking path at the end of the lake offers open water vistas where one couple got engaged.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations via state parks reservation system (online and call center). Call center: 866-857-2757. Online reservations available up to 120 days in advance; same-day fee-free reservations available when applicable.

Cancellation PolicyAdvance reservations incur a non-refundable reservation fee; full cancellation and refund rules are provided on the reservation platform.

Best CampsitesInterior loop sites away from the main entrance offer the best combination of privacy, short walks to the lake, and reduced road noise. The video walkthrough highlights several spacious, wooded sites near but not directly on busy traffic loops. Reviewers mention enjoying sites surrounded by trees and brush, though specific site numbers aren't consistently identified. Consult the DNR map and recent user photos when booking.

Need help booking Moose Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Minnesota State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Campground reviewers report maintained restrooms and a main shower building; there is a beach, boat launch and grassy day-use/picnic area. Specific site-level utilities and hookups are not documented in the provided sources.

Showers

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Common park activities reported by visitors include hiking and biking on park trails, fishing, boating/canoeing, swimming at a small sandy beach, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUse approved or local firewood to prevent the spread of harmful forest pests. Light fires only within fire rings and charcoal grills; do not leave fires unattended and extinguish all fires before leaving. Do not burn trash.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

86 reviews

Satisfactory

Moose Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor reviews are predominantly positive, praising well‑maintained, shaded/wooded campsites, clean restrooms and showers, and lake amenities (beach, boat launch, fishing). Most ratings in the provided sample are 4–5 stars.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Well‑kept and shaded campsites; clean restrooms and shower facilities; beach and nearby boat launch for swimming, canoeing and fishing; pleasant trails and scenic views.

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check park/office hours before arrival, follow posted guidance for firewood (some signs direct visitors to buy locally), bring appropriate clothing for variable shower temperatures, secure food and...

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

“I love moose lake state park!! The fishing, the swimming, the canoeing, the staff, the scenery, the trails... ALL OF IT!” — “Nice to get out and relax in a State Park.”

Based on 86 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Swimmers, paddlers, and anglers who want mature pine shade and clean facilities will do well in summer, when the beach and boat launch earn the campground its best scores. Book well ahead online to save $2 on the reservation fee.

Skip if

Pets can't come, there are no hookups for RVs, and the limited trail system frustrates hikers expecting a full trail network. Cold showers have been a recurring complaint, so pack a backup plan if that's a dealbreaker.

Campgrounds

Moose Lake State Park

Moose Lake Campground

About Brantley Reservoir

Context for the broader area surrounding Moose Lake Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Recreation at <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Brantley+Dam">Brantley Dam</a>, Reservoir, <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Brantley Project"> Brantley Project</a>, is managed by New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The State Park is open 24 hours year round. There is a visitor center 4.5 miles from park entrance at U.S. 285. Good access roads. No concessionaires. No food service. No lodging within park. Nearest communities from park entrance are Carlsbad, 12 miles south and Artesia, 24 miles north. Year-round fishing for white bass, catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie however,due to recent findings of DDT in certain species of fish evaluated and tested by the NM Environment Department, State Parks recommends catch and release only.. There are hiking trails and water skiing. Scuba diving for game fish is permitted. Boating must conform to New Mexico regulations.

Directions

Take US-285 north about 12 miles from Carlsbad, New Mexico or south 24 miles from Artesia.

Download area map (PDF)