Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites - Isabella, MN
Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites – Dog-Friendly Retreat in Isabella, MN
Nestled in the heart of Superior National Forest, Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites offers nature-loving dog owners a peaceful and remote escape near Isabella, Minnesota. This unique spot features only three secluded campsites, roomy enough for campers with furry companions seeking solitude, scenic hiking, and beauty off the beaten path. The pet-friendly trails around Hogback Lake provide ample opportunities for dog-friendly hiking, with loop trails and a paddle-in site for adventurous visitors.
Dog owners will appreciate the natural setting and spacious sites — ideal if you love exploring quieter parts of the North Shore with your pet. Enjoy lakeside picnics, peaceful walking trails, and a well-maintained wilderness latrine, all while surrounded by towering trees and tranquil waters. Flat gravel sites and fair fishing makes this a relaxed getaway, though be prepared for a natural bog environment, occasional bugs, and limited maintained amenities typical of rustic backcountry camping. It’s a great option for those seeking a low-key, dog-friendly camping destination in the Isabella, MN area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are scenic hiking trails that loop around Hogback Lake and connect to other nearby lakes, offering great dog-friendly hiking opportunities.
- Is shade or shelter available? Yes, the sites are wooded and offer natural shade from the forest.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? The campground is lakeside and dogs that like to swim can enjoy the lake, although there is a bog that may limit easy water access in some sites.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there is a lakeside picnic area available for day-trippers and campers.
- Are there other dog parks or trails nearby? While there are no traditional dog parks, the Superior National Forest and surrounding trails offer dog-friendly hiking for you and your pup.
- Are there ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, due to the bog environment, mosquitoes and potentially ticks are present, especially in summer months. Be prepared with bug protection for both you and your dog.
Reviews
I hiked into a campsite which was spacious and on the lake. Wilderness latrine was well-maintained. I will be returning! It was also fun to hike the loop around the lake.
Hogback lake is amazing! Mom and I definitely will be camping here in the near future 🙂
This is built in a bog! There are 3 sites, and they are very spread out, but only the gravel elevated drive-in spots are available for camping, (no grass for tents). The great advantage for camping in Superior National Forest vs. a state park is the ability to gather your own firewood instead of paying for it, (Approx NULL/day). But in this bog, you couldn’t venture even a few feet off the campsite. Because it was a BOG!
The other things that bogs have? Standing water, which is where mosquitoes hatch.
The lake prided itself on being a dedicated rainbow trout lake. In the three days I fished it, worms and artifice lures, I caught nothing but perch and talked to others with as little success.
Campsites were across the road from the lake, and the county road (50 mph speed ) was closer behind us than the lake. In campsite #1 it was 25 yards through the bog to get to the lake.
Two stars because it was spread out and did have a boat landing and fishing dock. I won’t be returning.
The picnic area (lakeside), and fishing dock were nice for a day trip.
There was a nice walking trail around half the lake, (interrupted by the channel between the two lakes), and other than the infrequent road traffic it was very peaceful.
The paddle-in campsite on the connecting lake, (Canal Lake) was beautiful. Only campsite on your own private lake.
Loved this campground so much! It’s only got 3 spots but the hiking trails are amazing and the solitude can’t be beat!
Campsites are nice and fairly roomy. The 1st site could use some tree thinning to get some breeze to help keep the bugs down. Toilet could use better cleaning. Lake is beautiful and really nice trails to other lakes. Fishing was fair.