🌟 Our Story
Nearly 40 years of summer magic
Camp Lakeview was founded in 1987 by Tom and Linda Carlson, who believed that every child deserves a summer filled with adventure, discovery, and genuine human connection — far away from screens and schedules.
What started as a small lakeside retreat for 40 kids has grown into one of Minnesota's most beloved summer camps, welcoming over 400 campers each season across our 200-acre property on the shores of Lake Lakeview.
Three generations of families have called Camp Lakeview their second home. We've watched shy eight-year-olds grow into confident counselors, and nervous first-timers become lifelong best friends. That transformation — that's what keeps us going every single summer.
👋 Meet the Team
The people who make the magic happen
Tom Carlson
Founder & Director
Former Eagle Scout and outdoor educator with 40 years of camp experience.
Linda Carlson
Co-Founder & Wellness
Registered nurse and camp mom extraordinaire. Every camper is family to Linda.
Jake Rivera
Activities Director
Former Olympic kayaker turned camp legend. Leads all water sports programming.
Maria Chen
Head Chef
Locally sourced, allergy-aware, and genuinely delicious. Campers love meal time.
💚 Our Values
Everything we do starts here
Community
Building friendships that last well beyond summer. Every camper belongs here.
Nature
Respect for the outdoors is woven into everything we do at Camp Lakeview.
Growth
Every challenge is a chance to grow. We push comfort zones in the safest way.
Fun
Seriously though — if it's not fun, we're doing it wrong. Joy is the whole point.