Just wondering about other peoples experience finding open sites along the Little Gab, Gab, and Bald eagle lakes chain. Being the entry only permits two groups a day, i would assume that finding an open site isn't that bad. I realize there are a few other entry points in the area. basically i guess my question is, How busy is this area of lakes?

hey Bear,
That area is one of the busier areas in the park. You can normally get a camping spot if you get into the area by lunch time. You have Little Gab, Gab and Bald Eagle offering over twenty campsites. If you get there late and those are full you can move on to the circle that includes Gull, Pietro, Clearwater and Turtle. This adds nearly twenty more possible campsites. If you are planning on going to this area, plan on getting there early to get a preferred campsite. It is a nice area and worth the effort.
canoerone

You'd be surprised at how busy that area can be. Lots of groups base camp out of Gabbro so finding a site can sometimes be a challenge. Get an early start. It's not that you won't find a site, you just might not find a great site. Gabbro has some great sites but Bald Eagle does as well.

It all depends on what time of year. It can get busier in the summer months. You have people coming from several entry points. (L. Gabbro, S. Kawishiwi, Island River, Lake One and Isabella). I've only been in the Spring and Fall and we have always found a good site. The good part is that most of the sites in the area are very nice.

Basically what everyone else said. It can be busy in there, but you can cover a lot of water in a short time. The camps are all about the same quality so just get a mental image of about where they are and keep your eyes peeled. In regard to day tripping, there's not much difference between Gabbro and Bald Eagle, it's really easy to go from one to the other. 2 sorta random comments, the trailhead at 33 is one of the buggiest places I've seen in a while, just try to keep moving. Also there's a narrows between G and LG, it can have a pretty good current. Nothing dangerous but it will turn you around it someone's not paying attention.

One can of bug dope per person for the parking lot/trail head is the going rate for that place!!

quote Cc26: "One can of bug dope per person for the parking lot/trail head is the going rate for that place!!"

I hear ya, my brother.