It's a vast wilderness area comprised of waterways and portage trails. At the end of a long, hard day, the perfect campsite awaits you ... well, maybe.
When selecting a campsite, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Here's a few suggestions:
1. Spring and fall trips should look for sheltered spots nestled in bays and along shorelines. These offer protection from cold wind and weather.
2. Summer trips should locate on points and islands. These areas will offer cool breezes and keep the bugs down.
3. Check the campsite for "tent pads". These are flat, cleared spots for the tents. Most sites will have from one to three tent pads available.
4. Is there a good spot for loading and unloading the canoe? Landing sites should be fairly level spots with a landing area to set packs and gear as the canoe is loaded or unloaded.
5. Trees. There is a lot to consider in this area. First, ideally two trees should be used to hang the foodpack(s). They should be approximately 15 to 20 feet apart, branches stout enough to hold the weight of the foodpack(s), and branches tall enough to get the foodpack(s) at least tent feet off the ground. This is ideal, but doesn't occur with any consistency in nature. One tree can be used with additional bear ropes to pull the pack away from the base of the tree. Secondly, are there trees leaning over the tent pad sites? These could be dangerous if strong winds come up. Finally, are there big pine trees located on the site? During lightening and thunderstorms these pines are like lightening rods. Try to choose tent pads as far away from large pines as possible. If a thunderstorm does come up, take the sleeping pads and fold them in half. Kneel on the pad until the storm passes.
6. Northern lights are best viewed on clear evenings around the new moon. Choose a southern shoreline campsite and point the tent door in a northerly direction.
7. Campsites in low areas and around marshes are bug havens. Avoid these spots during the summer months.
8. If the campsite has been really picked over for firewood, consider looking along the shoreline or across the lake for dead and down wood.
Once you've selected your campsite, don't be surprised if the campsite has its own local residents. Snowshoe hare, grouse, field mice, gray jays, pine marten, woodpeckers and chipmunks are just a few "critters" that live year round in the canoe country. A few lucky visitors have even woke up to deer grazing or and moose wandering through their campsites. Have a wonderful trip!