Hogback Lake Rustic Campground & Backcountry Sites
Hogback Lake is a 40 acre lake with a depth of 43 feet. It's a great place for a quiet weekend fishing and hiking. There is a boat launch on the northeast side of the lake, an accessible fishing pier, and 3 campsites.
The 6 mile trail meanders from the boat launch and campsite area on Hogback Lake, Canal Lake, Lupus Lake, Scarp Lake, Mound Lake and Steer Lake.
General Information
Campground Camping
No. of Sites
3
RV Camping
Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Three of three sites are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV.
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 5 backcountry sites in the Hogback Lake area varies. One is directly on Hogback Lake and is accessible by boat from the boat launch, and two more are accessible by canoe from Hogback Lake by portaging to adjacent lakes. The remaining two are only accessible by foot via a hiking trail. The hiking trail can also be used to access all the sites. Please do not use or create additional non-designated campsites.
May 10 - October 1
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When visiting, please remember
- Maximum of nine people per site at both campground and backcountry sites.
- At the campground, there is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
- Additional vehicles on the site must park on the spur.
- No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
- Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
- Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage.
- Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use.
- Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers.
No fees are required for this site
There is no fee at rustic campgrounds.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-8060
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing full services, open federal holidays when they land on a Wednesday through Sunday. Closed for all other federal holidays.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.64414423
Longitude: -91.13585222
Directions
From Tofte on MN 61:
- At Temperance River State Park, just south of the river, take FR 343 (Temperance River Rd) inland.
- Drive 4.5 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The '600' Road).
- Turn left on FR 166 and drive 5 miles to Co 7. Turn right on Co 7.
- Drive approx 5 miles to FR 172 (Wanless Rd). Turn left.
Hogback Lake is a very short distance from Co 7 on FR 172 on the left. Access to the hiking trails and backcountry sites is also located off Co 7 before reaching FR 172 at a sign reading 'Steer Lake'.
Alternatively, get onto Co 7 at MN 1 in Finland.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
An accessible fishing pier is located on Hogback Lake near the campground.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Motorized Info
A boat ramp on Hogback Lake provides easy access for motorboats. Canal Lake is connected to Hogback by a small channel which is passable in high water, and is short enough to paddle across with your motor up in lower water. The passage between Canal and Scarp is not navigable.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
The lakes in the Hogback area are perfect for lazy paddling and exploring. On a day when winds might make a big lake a challenge, these small jewels make an excellent choice. There are not maintained portages between lakes, but the connections between Hogback, Canal, and Scarp are either navigable or portageable most of the time.
Backpacking Info
A six mile trail system provides several loops and access to five lakes. The trail runs along a narrow hogback ridge which offers scenic views over the lakes. One portion of the trail connects to a separate trailhead if you want to avoid retracing your steps.
Day Hikes Info
A six mile trail system provides several loops and access to five lakes. The trail runs along a narrow hogback ridge which offers scenic views over the lakes. One portion of the trail connects to a separate trailhead if you want to avoid retracing your steps.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Three of the lakes accessed by the Hogback Trail System are designated trout lakes stocked with rainbow trout. People fishing must have a trout stamp in addition to their fishing license.
Fish species: rainbow trout, splake, yellow perch, white sucker, blacknose shiner, brook stickleback, central mudminnow, creek chub, fathead minnow, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, northern redbelly dace
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Tofte Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motorized
Hogback ridges along trail offer beautiful vistas. • 5 miles of trail. • 4 ‘backcountry’ campsites. • 3 site rustic campground. • Day use picnic area. • Boat launch.