Algonquin: Pog Lake Camping Review & Guide
Looking to camp at Pog Lake Campground in Algonquin Provincial Park? We recently spent a couple of days here and can’t wait to share what we learned!
Located in South-Central Ontario, about 3 hours and 15 minutes (266 km) from Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park has been a favourite camping destination for our family for years.
While we have tent camped at Pog Lake in the past, this was our first time experiencing the campground with our trailer.
And since camping with a trailer comes with a whole different set of considerations, we were interested to see how well Pog Lake worked for us.
With spacious campsites, a great beach, hiking trails nearby, and plenty to do around the park, Pog Lake has a lot going for it.
So, what is it like camping at Pog Lake with a teardrop trailer? Let’s see how it measured up!
Pros and Cons of Pog Lake Campground – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of Pog Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park:
Things We Liked
Things We Did Not Like
Pog Lake Campground Reservations – What You Need to Know Before You Go
Booking a campsite at the Pog Lake Campground in Algonquin Provincial Park is pretty straightforward but does require some advanced planning.
You can book your campsite up to five months prior to your arrival date through the Ontario Parks reservation system.
In order to make a reservation online, you will first need to have an Ontario Parks account.
Given the popularity of Algonquin, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall, you will really need to plan ahead.
Campsites open for registration at 7 am, so it’s wise to mark that five-month mark on your calendar, as it can get really competitive.
Pog Lake Campground is open for camping from the middle of May until mid-October.
Pog Lake Campground Address:
Located at the 36.9 Km mark on Highway 60, Algonquin Park
https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin/poglake
Arriving at the Park
Pog Lake Campground can be found at the 36.9-kilometre marker along the Highway 60 corridor.
Check-in requires you to go into the small gatehouse at the entrance to the actual campground.
This is where you can grab a map, purchase some ice or firewood, and even grab a few small items like patches or stickers.
Since Algonquin Park is HUGE, you can also grab a map at either of the park gates. Just keep in mind that you can’t check in there.
Pog Lake Campground Park Map
Navigating the Park
Navigating Algonquin Provincial Park and the individual campgrounds is pretty easy.
The signage throughout the park is excellent. There are kilometre markers all along Highway 60, making it easy to find campgrounds, trailheads, beaches, and other points of interest.
Once inside Pog Lake Campground, we found the signage just as helpful. We had no trouble finding our campsite or any of the campground amenities.
Keep in mind that while Highway 60 is paved, most of the roads within Pog Lake Campground are gravel.
During our visit, we found the campground roads to be in great condition.
Parking
There are several parking areas throughout Pog Lake Campground.
You will find sufficient parking at the campground office, near the beach, at the comfort stations, by the volleyball court, and near the entrance to the bicycle trail.
Of course, each campsite also has its own parking area, with enough room varying from site to site.
Pog Lake Camping
Pog Lake Campground has 286 campsites spread across three campground areas, with options for several different types of campers.
You can choose from electric and non-electric sites, with more than 100 campsites offering electrical hookups. The campground can accommodate tents, small trailers, and RVs up to 32 feet (9.7 metres). Barrier-free sites are also available.
For campers looking for a quieter stay, 32 campsites are located within a radio-free and dog-free zone.
Not every type of camping is available in each area, so be sure to check the individual site details when making your reservation.
Campgrounds at a Glance
Campground A
- 132 campsites
- Electric and non-electric sites
- 200 Loop of Campground A is radio-free & pet-free
- Can accommodate large trailers and motorhomes
- 1 comfort station with laundry in the 100 Loop
- Vault Toilets in both the 100 and 200 Loops
- Water taps
- Large private shaded sites
Campground B
- 81 campsites
- Electric and non-electric sites
- Barrier-free sites #304 and #305
- Can accommodate large trailers and motorhomes
- 1 Comfort Station with laundry
- 3 Vault Toilets
- Water taps
- Large private shaded sites
Campground C
- 73 campsites
- Non-electric sites
- Can accommodate extra large trailers and motorhomes
- 1 Comfort Station with laundry
- 4 Vault Toilets
- Water taps
- Large private shaded sites
Group Camping
Unfortunately, there is no group camping area available at the Pog Lake campground.
However, nearby Whitefish Lake in Algonquin Park does have group camping sites available.
Whitefish Group Campground is open from late April to Thanksgiving and is located at the 37-kilometre mark.
Our Campsite Experience
We found the sites at Pog Lake to be a decent size, with many having a great deal of privacy.
The roads going through the campground were a little narrow for larger rigs, and not well-marked for the direction of travel.
In fact, we actually watched a large rig try to get into a nearby site, get stuck, and then need the park ranger to assist in getting out of the site.
During our first visit to Pog Lake, we were still tent camping. Our campsite (#206) was pretty level, with a sandy pad.
Just like our site at Presqu’ile, there was a treeline that gave us privacy from the site behind and to one side, but was open on the other side.
The site was quite shaded, although we did get sunshine trickling in, and had enough open sky to see the stars at night.
One thing to note is that we noticed that we could hear the traffic from Highway 60 at our site (along with all the others in this section).
We were not too far from the vault toilets, which were awful. While clean-looking, the smell was horrible! And this was in October!
I couldn’t imagine what they would be like in the hot summer months!
Our second visit to Pog Lake was in August with our Teardrop Trailer. This was a completely different experience!
Our campsite was beachfront, with absolutely no privacy in any direction. The trade-off was the amazing view over the lake.
We arrived on a Saturday, and the beach was very, VERY busy. As a result, there was a lot of noise, and constant people and vehicular traffic passed by our site.
We even had a couple of very rude people decide to try and cut through our campsite to get to the comfort station. 😡😡
By Sunday, all the weekend crowd had disappeared, and we were able to have a nice breakfast overlooking the lake.
Being across the street from the beach also made it very convenient to just grab our paddleboards and head into the lake.
Our site was a quick walk to the comfort station and a one-minute walk to the closest water tap.
There was also quick access to the vault toilets, which, thanks to our teardrop trailer’s bathroom, we never had to use!!
One thing I did want to mention is that while we could hear traffic from Highway 60 from campsite 206, we could not hear anything from the lakefront sites in the same campground.
What Amenities Does Pog Lake Offer?
Onsite Amenities – Quick List
- 286 campsites
- Radio-free and pet-free camping
- Showers and flush toilets
- Laundry facilities
- Biking Trail
- Beach
Comfort Stations
All three campground areas at Pog Lake have centrally located comfort stations with flush toilets and showers.
Each comfort station has four shower stalls, three toilets each in the men’s and women’s washrooms, laundry facilities, and an information board. The buildings are also wheelchair accessible.
During our stay, we found the showers to be in fairly rough condition. We were also disappointed with how often they were cleaned.
After a busy summer weekend, the showers had still not been cleaned by late Sunday evening.
In addition to the comfort stations, vault toilets are located throughout the campground.
Laundromat
Laundry facilities are found at all three comfort stations in the Pog Lake Campground.
In our campground, there were two washers and two dryers in the laundry room. All machines were clean and in good working order during our stay.
Park Store
While there is no park store inside the Pog Lake Campground area, you can find a few small items in the gatehouse. I was able to purchase a park patch and stickers, which I was thrilled about (more on this later).
If you are looking for a larger selection of items, you will find two park stores within a short drive of the campground.
The Two Rivers Store is located nearby at km 31.4. The store sells a variety of groceries, camping supplies, and souvenirs, and has a snack bar.
The second park store can be found inside the Visitor Centre located at km 43. Run by the Friends of Algonquin, this store carries a wide variety of books and souvenir items.
You won’t find much in the way of Ontario Parks merch. Nor will you find groceries and camping supplies of any kind.
If you are up for a bit of a drive, The Portage Store is another place to do some shopping.
Located at km 14, there are two stores on-site if you need to pick up a few things during your visit.
The Trailside Market sells Algonquin Park and Canoe Lake clothing, souvenirs, books, and gifts.
The Algonquin Outfitters Camp Store carries camping gear, outdoor clothing, fishing supplies, freeze-dried meals, snacks, ice, and other items you may need during your stay.
You will also find the Portage Grill, offering dine-in and takeout meals overlooking Canoe Lake. There is also an outdoor patio if you would rather eat outside.
The restaurant is fully licensed and makes a good stop for a meal before or after spending some time on the lake.
Rentals
Canoes or kayaks may be rented in the park from the Portage Store or Algonquin Outfitters.
The best part is that when you stay at Pog Lake, Algonquin Outfitters will even deliver your canoe or kayak right to your campsite.
You can also rent bicycles at the Two Rivers Store (km 31.4).
Visitor’s Centre
The Visitor Centre at Algonquin Park is located at the 43-kilometre mark along Highway 60.
We would highly recommend stopping by the visitor’s centre when camping in the park, as it’s got a ton of things to see and do.
Inside, you will find a variety of exhibits on the park’s plants and animals, as well as its Indigenous history.
You will also find washrooms, a small cafe, and a great gift shop inside that has tons of park souvenirs, gifts and treasures.
The centre also has a theatre that shows films about the park.
And you definitely don’t want to miss the viewing deck. The view from there is absolutely worth the stop. Trust me!
This is especially true in the fall when the leaves are changing, and it’s just a sea of colour.
If you have ever peeked in on the park’s live webcam, it is actually located above this viewing deck.
Outside, there is a picnic area, plenty of parking for vehicles as well as large RVs, and two hiking trails (Fire Tower Trail – 200 m and the Fork Lake Trail – 2.4 km).
While the Visitor’s Centre is open all year round, the hours change depending on the season.
Day Use Area
While there is no day-use area at Pog Lake, there are two nice beach areas located within the campground.
Both have vault toilets and a parking lot, making it the perfect place to spend the day.
There are, however, day-use areas in other parts of Algonquin Park. Lake of Two Rivers and Canisbay Lake both have day-use areas and are close by.
You will need to purchase a daily vehicle permit in order to use the day-use area if you are not camping in the park.
Permits can be obtained up to five days in advance either online or by phone.
Pog Lake Beach Area
The beach areas at Pog Lake are small but clean and great for swimming.
The main beach is a good size with a small roped-off swimming area, a few picnic tables, and vault toilets located nearby.
The lake is the perfect place to launch your kayak, take out your paddleboard or go for a paddle in your canoe.
The second beach is smaller and a little more off the beaten path. You will find the smaller beach to be much quieter but with the same amenities.
What Services Does Pog Lake Offer?
Pog Lake and Algonquin Park, in general, have all the usual services found in other Ontario Provincial Parks.
Water
Unfortunately, there are only three sanitation stations located in all of Algonquin Park!
The Rock Lake Campground Station is located pretty far south at the Rock Lake Campground. This one is small, with only one fill station.
I would only be inclined to use this sanitation station if I were staying at the Rock Lake Campground, since it is so far out of the way.
The Sunday Lake Sanitation Station is located at the 35.6 km mark. This one is bigger, with two lanes containing a fill station in each lane.
The Minnesing Sanitation Station is located at the 23 km mark. This is the newest sanitation loop and contains 5 water filling stations.
This station is MASSIVE!! There is plenty of space between the fill and dump stations in each lane, making them usable at the same time by different rigs.
The roadway leading to the sanitation lanes is also quite long, which is great for busy weekends!
Unfortunately, no matter which station you end up at, you are pretty much guaranteed to end up in a lineup for the fill stations around the 2 pm check in/check out time during high season.
Fresh water taps are located throughout Pog Lake Campground, so you won’t have to go far to fill water bottles or containers at your campsite
Just keep in mind that these are shared taps and there are no individual water hookups at the campsites.
Dump Station
As we mentioned above, Algonquin Park only has three sanitation stations.
You will find a single dump station (one lane) at Rock Lake, two dump stations (two lanes) at Sunday Lake, and four dump stations (4 lanes) at Minnesing.
Again, expect lineups! This is especially true around check-out time when we have been stuck in a line for over an hour with our Teardrop Trailer.
Garbage and Recycling
At Pog Lake, you will find a huge garbage area just down the road from the gatehouse.
There, you will find both garbage and recycling bins, as well as bins for propane canister disposal.
Wi-fi
While it’s not always consistent, the wi-fi is generally pretty good in Algonquin Park.
And if you are wondering about the cell service at Pog Lake, it wasn’t actually too bad.
We were able to get full service on the Bell network in most parts of the campground (including our site).
I actually updated this post while sitting on the beach! Gotta love that kind of inspiring view!
Things to Do at Pog Lake Campground
1. Enjoy Some Hiking
While there are no hiking trails at Pog Lake, Algonquin Park is home to some incredible hiking trails.
The following trails are located near the Pog Lake Campground. They are a variety of lengths and are not too difficult:
- Spruce Bog Boardwalk – located at km 42.5 – 1.5 km (1hour) easy
- Lookout Trail – located at km 39.7 – 1.9 km (1 hour) moderate
- Hemlock Bluff Trail – located at km 27.2 – 3.5 km (2 hours) moderate
- Bat Lake Trail – located at km 30 – 5.6 km (2.5 hours) moderate
- Two Rivers Trail – located at km 31 – 2.1 km (1 hour) moderate
We have done all but the Hemlock Bluff Trail, and have enjoyed each one. In fact, the awesome variety of hikes in Algonquin Park is why it’s a favourite of ours.
2. Go for a Paddle
If you love to paddle, then you are in luck!
Pog Lake may be small, but it was a lot of fun to explore!
And if you are a little more adventurous, you can paddle from Pog Lake all the way to Lake of Two Rivers. In fact, John and I did just that!
It took us about two hours round trip, but it was definitely an awesome experience.
As we mentioned earlier, canoes and kayaks can be rented from one of the outfitters located within the park (Algonquin Outfitters, Opeongo, or The Portage Outpost).
We noticed them parked at the beach every morning and again in the afternoons.
3. Try your Hand at Fishing
Algonquin is one of the best places to do some fishing in Canada. More than 230 lakes have native Brook Trout and 149 have Lake Trout.
Pog Lake is home to several species of fish, including smallmouth bass, rock bass, and lake trout.
You can fish from shore or head out onto the lake by canoe or kayak to find a spot away from the campground.
Just be aware that in order to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the lakes, the use of live baitfish is strictly prohibited in Algonquin Park.
It is also illegal to fish within 100 meters of any park dam.
Of course, if you have forgotten your own gear, or just want to try fishing for the first time, then you can borrow rods, reels, and tackle for free using the park’s TackleShare program.
4. Enjoy a Bike Ride
There are some really great biking trails in Algonquin Park. In fact, you can even catch one right from the Pog Lake campground.
The Old Railway Bike Trail is one of the easier cycling trails in Algonquin Provincial Park and a great option for families.
The trail runs for 16 km one way between Rock Lake Campground and Cache Lake, and follows the former route of the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway, which opened in 1896 and was decommissioned in 1959.
It is mostly level and hard-packed, with just a few really rocky sections, making it manageable for younger riders as well.
One of the best things about staying at Pog Lake is that the trail runs right through Campground B.
There is even a parking area near the trail, although you can hop on your bike right from your campsite if you are staying nearby.
John and I didn’t complete the entire path, but did about 23km in about 3 hours (including stops for photos and snacks).
Some of the views of the various lakes that you pass were awesome!
5. Go for a Swim
As we mentioned, Pog Lake Campground has two small beaches. The lake is clean and clear and perfect for swimming, as there are no motorboats allowed.
The tea-coloured water was warm during our August visit. The swimming area was also clear of plants and moss, which is great for young kids.
Just be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, and that pets are not allowed at the beaches.
6. Do Some Birding
With more than 260 bird species having been recorded in the park, Algonquin is a birder’s dream.
In fact, popular species such as the Gray Jay and the Spruce Grouse, a variety of warblers or even the Common Loon, attract birders from around the world.
While we are not birders, it was really nice waking up to the sound of Loons on the lake!
That has got to be my all-time favourite sound while camping!
7. Take Part in the Discovery Program
If you are looking for additional activities during your camping adventures, look no further than the Discovery Program.
You can check Algonquin’s website to see what is available during your visit.
Here’s what the program typically includes:
Guided Walks
Go on a leisurely 90-minute stroll through Algonquin with park naturalists. Available every day from late June to Labour Day.
You’ll find the times and locations posted on bulletin boards within the campgrounds.
Evening Programs
Every night at dusk from late June to Labour Day, head to the Outdoor Theatre (km 35.4) for an evening show.
Lasting around 90 minutes, these sessions are a mix of talks, movies, and sometimes even guest speakers, covering a wide range of topics from wildlife conservation to the cultural history of Algonquin.
If the weather’s not cooperating, the activities will move over to the Visitor Centre.
Keep an eye on the campground bulletin boards to catch the latest on what’s happening and when.
Children’s Programs
Head to the Visitor Centre for a fun hour packed with games, tales, and critters. The program is perfect for kids ages 5 to 12.
Times and topics are posted on the campground bulletin board.
Interpretive Panels and Exhibits
Scattered throughout the park, interpretive panels provide on-the-spot information about the park’s geography, wildlife, and history, perfect for self-guided learning.
Special Park Events
The best place to learn about the park’s special events is to keep an eye on the “This Week in Algonquin Park” notice boards.
These notices are pinned up on all the campground bulletin boards.
We recommend the iconic Public Wolf Howls. These are a Thursday night tradition in August, and definitely not something you want to miss.
This event will only run if a pack has been spotted in a good location and the weather is cooperating.
Check the Friends of Algonquin Park website on Thursday morning to find out if a Wolf Howl is going to be held that day.
Is Pog Lake Campground Accessible?
At Pog Lake, you will find that the comfort stations, showers and flush toilets within the campground have barrier-free access.
Sites #304 and #305 are designated as accessibility sites and are located right across from the comfort station in Campground B.
You will also find accessible parking spots at all of the main parking lots throughout the campground and the park itself.
The Camp Store, Visitor Centre, and other buildings are also fully accessible.
And if you are looking for an accessible hiking trail, the Old Railway Bike Trail is perfect.
Are Pets Allowed at Pog Lake?
Algonquin Park in general is very pet-friendly.
Within the Pog Lake Campground, pets are welcome everywhere but in the park buildings, in the 200-series campsites in Campground A, which are designated pet-free, and at the beach.
Just keep in mind that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Other Useful Information and Tips
There are Food Storage Lockers, or “Bear Bins” available at Pog Lake Campground.
These can be found next to the comfort station in Campground A.
The Bear Bins are metal boxes which are bear-proof and can be used to lock away your food.
This will prevent critters from ravaging your campsite at night or while you are away.
These lockers are on a first-come, first-served basis and can be arranged for at the camp office.
Is There Winter Camping at Pog Lake?
No. Unfortunately, the Pog Lake Campground is not open for winter camping. You can book a campsite from mid-May until mid-October only.
If you are interested in winter camping in Algonquin Park, Mew Lake is the only campground that is open.
Backcountry camping is allowed all year long, and day-use areas are also open during the winter.
Pog Lake Campground – FAQs
Yes. You can swim in Pog Lake. In fact, it is actually quite clean and clear. Pog Lake does not allow motorboats, so it is safe for swimming as well.
Yes. Pog Lake has some cell service, but it is not perfect. We had 4 bars of cell service on the Bell network during our stay.
Yes. Pets are allowed at Pog Lake Campground for the most part. However, dogs are not allowed in the 200 Loop of Campground A, which is designated as pet-free. They are also not allowed at either of the beaches.
Yes. Pog Lake Campground offers 32 campsites that are designated as both radio-free and dog-free.
You will find smallmouth bass, rock bass, largemouth bass, and striped shiner in the area of Pog Lake.
Our Park Rating
We give this park 5 out of 5 stars for having:
Final Thoughts
So, the reviews are in! We really enjoyed our stay at Pog Lake Campground and would definitely camp here again.
Pog Lake has plenty of amenities, and we loved that we could bike, paddle, swim, and explore without having to drive very far.
We also found the campsites to have a decent amount of privacy, with plenty of trees separating many of the sites.
Aside from the noise and crowds at the beach on Saturday, there wasn’t much we didn’t like about camping here.
Algonquin remains one of our favourite Ontario Parks, and Pog Lake is a campground we would happily return to with our teardrop trailer.
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you to add Pog Lake to your camping list too!
Pin This Post for Later!
More Campground Reviews:
- Algonquin: Rock Lake Campground Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Pog Lake Camping Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Canisbay Lake Campground Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Lake of Two Rivers Campground Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Kiosk Campground Review & Guide
- Algonquin: Brent Campground Review & Guide
