North Carlson Pond Camp: A Rugged, Rewarding North Shore Backpacking Stop

Introduction / Overview

For dedicated Minnesota backpackers, North Carlson Pond Camp is a notable destination along the rugged, remote northern reaches of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Situated deep in the wild landscapes near Hovland, this designated backcountry campsite provides an essential stopover point for hikers traversing the trail’s most challenging and least-developed sections. It’s a place that perfectly embodies the SHT’s dual nature: demanding terrain that rewards the effort with profound natural beauty and solitude.

North Carlson Pond Camp is not accessible by vehicle; it is a true backpacking destination, requiring a significant hike from the nearest trailhead, such as the Arrowhead Trail. While one might be tempted to assume the terrain in this northern area is "mostly flat" based on general topography, user reports emphatically correct this notion, describing a path that involves significant "up and down the creek valley" and navigating "overgrown sections of the SHT." This reality means hikers must be well-prepared with sturdy gear and a resilient mindset.

Operated under the ethos of the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), the camp provides core primitive facilities—a testament to sustainable, low-impact wilderness travel. Its location offers a lovely retreat, featuring space for several tents and, most importantly, a reliable and scenic water source, complete with a small waterfall flowing into the pond. It is a spot where the rewards are commensurate with the challenge, providing a genuine North Woods experience for locals who cherish the state's wilderness heritage.

Location and Accessibility

North Carlson Pond Camp is officially located in the general vicinity of the Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, placing it high in Cook County, Minnesota’s northeastern tip, not far from the Canadian border. This puts the campsite on one of the most remote and challenging sections of the 300+ mile SHT, making it a critical hub for multi-day trips in the far North Shore region.

Access to the camp is exclusively by foot via the SHT. It is strategically placed to serve as an overnight stop between trailheads, typically lying several hard miles from the nearest parking areas. For instance, the hike from the Arrowhead Trailhead is known to be a difficult, rolling journey despite any misrepresentations on certain mapping applications. This section involves navigating significant elevation changes—the classic, strenuous ascents and descents that characterize the Sawtooth Mountains region of the SHT.

Hikers should plan for a demanding trek to reach the camp. Its remote location means trail maintenance, while diligent, is naturally less frequent than in more populated areas, leading to possible overgrown grass and trails that sometimes need "TLC." Travelers must carry a reliable map and navigation tools and be entirely self-sufficient, as aid is not readily available in this rugged corridor. This remote character is precisely what attracts the seasoned Minnesota backpacker looking for an authentic challenge.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail, North Carlson Pond Camp adheres to the minimal-impact, shared-use camping model championed by the SHTA. Services are primitive, free, and designed to support fundamental overnight needs while preserving the wilderness environment. These services include:

Shared Campsite Access: The site is non-reservable, free of charge, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers are expected to share the site and make room for fellow hikers, as per SHTA guidelines (maximum group size of nine).
Designated Tent Space: The camp offers established areas suitable for tents. Reports suggest enough relatively clear space for approximately three tents and possibly two to three hammocks, allowing small groups to set up comfortably.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit-style toilet structure (a "thunderbox") is provided to ensure proper disposal of human waste away from the water source and to uphold sanitary standards. Note: one review mentioned the latrine was "slightly full," indicating it is well-used.
Designated Fire Ring and Seating: A central fire ring is provided for safe campfires (where allowed by current fire restrictions), along with log benches or seating areas for communal use.
Water Source Access: The camp offers access to a reliable water source from a nearby pond fed by a creek. A small path leads down from the main camp to this picturesque spot for easy water collection. All collected water must be filtered or treated before consumption.

Features / Highlights

The true allure of North Carlson Pond Camp lies in its unique natural features and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching such a remote locale. Key highlights include:

The Scenic Water Source: Unlike many trail water sources, this one is particularly appealing. A path leads about 500 feet from the main camp down to a pond with a small waterfall flowing into it. This spot is noted as a "great place to sit back and relax and take in the sounds and site of nature."
Ample Sleeping Space: While the trail itself is rugged, the camp offers a nice area with enough designated space for a few tents and hammocks, allowing small groups to camp without crowding.
Challenging but Rewarding Terrain: The hike to this camp—involving significant elevation changes through a creek valley and some overgrown sections—is a highlight for the serious backpacker, providing a demanding but ultimately gratifying wilderness experience.
Deep Wilderness Immersion: Located far from road noise and development, the camp provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the sights and sounds of the North Woods, offering true solitude and a break from the urban bustle.

Contact Information

Since North Carlson Pond Camp is a remote backpacking site, direct management and general information are handled by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA).

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Hovland, MN 55606, USA (General reference for the trail section).

Phone: (218) 834-2700 (Superior Hiking Trail Association – SHTA Office, for general trail conditions, maps, safety information, and reporting incidents).

Note: The SHTA does not manage reservations or fees for this specific campsite, as it is a free, shared site. Always check SHTA resources for the latest trail conditions, especially regarding weather, fire restrictions, and any known closures or maintenance issues in this northern section.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Minnesota, North Carlson Pond Camp is more than just an overnight spot; it’s an opportunity to connect with the state’s most iconic wild path. This camp is highly suitable for local users for several specific reasons. Firstly, it offers a necessary dose of rugged authenticity. Having endured the "up and down" trail sections that local hikers know so well, arriving at the camp feels like a genuine accomplishment. It's the kind of spot where you earn your view and your rest.

Secondly, its remote location near Hovland makes it an ideal objective for the seasoned local looking to complete one of the SHT’s most challenging segments. It is a benchmark for preparedness, where packing the right gear (including strong insect repellent, as one reviewer noted that "Bugs were bad!") and practicing Leave No Trace ethics are paramount. Finally, the beautiful, reliable water source—the small waterfall cascading into the pond—is a natural reward and a reminder of the unspoiled beauty Minnesotans take pride in preserving. This camp allows local hikers to fully embrace the adventurous spirit of the North Woods, providing a rich, challenging, and profoundly memorable backpacking experience close to home.