Planning a mid June 2019 5-7 day basecamp trip for 7. Would like to be able to fit the entire group into one site. Anyone have suggestions on campsites that will hold 4 tents and 3 canoes? Or two campsites very close together? I have polled the group and our top priority, by a large margin, is scenery followed by solitude and fishing second and third. We’re first timers but are prepared to tackle rigorous portaging. Some in group are self-outfitting while others are partial outfitting (canoe and gear). Thanks

I know there is one on SE Ensign on S shore just west of SE corner of the lake and portage to Ashigan. I may be wrong; but I think 2 separate campsites will require 2 separate permits. As far as solitude is concerned, I have found that it usually requires a two day paddle in. (or one long day!) Mid June may require finding a camp by Noon to 2 PM. Ensign may not be enough solitude, Ashigan may provide more. 4 tents and solitude in mid June may require research and luck. Try the map section and check the campsite comments there.

WIMike: "Planning a mid June 2019 5-7 day basecamp trip for 7. Would like to be able to fit the entire group into one site. Anyone have suggestions on campsites that will hold 4 tents and 3 canoes? Or two campsites very close together? I have polled the group and our top priority, by a large margin, is scenery followed by solitude and fishing second and third. We’re first timers but are prepared to tackle rigorous portaging. Some in group are self-outfitting while others are partial outfitting (canoe and gear). Thanks "

You sure you understand how the permit system works? You planning on getting 2 permits for 2 group leaders?

You are within the 9 person per permit limits and willing to travel/portage. Should be no problem finding campsites that fit under those circumstances from any EP. Pick an area, a date, an EP. Make plans, go, and enjoy!

butthead

Some of the "well traveled trails" have big sites and are great for big group base camping. the Number Lakes, Ensign, Ima, Insula (Ely) - Sea Gull, Knife (G. M.)

Fizics:
You sure you understand how the permit system works? You planning on getting 2 permits for 2 group leaders? "

Prefer one permit but will do 2 if there are few sites we will all fit into under one permit. Having never done a BW trip the last thing I want to do is violate any rules so I honestly appreciate your questions.

You can find sites that fit 7. Not all will but they are out there. What I do with a large group is go on the maps part of this website and look at the ratings of the campsites. That will give you some idea of how many the site holds. Then mark that on your map so when you are paddling in you will know which sites to look for. Take the ratings with a grain of salt though, not all are accurate. Example, max number per site should be how many people the site will hold but you will see people rate that a 2 and then comment there are 3 good tent pads. You will get a good idea though.

Yea, get one permit for your group. You will have to camp at one site. Good sites can be recommended but sites are first come, first serve (is the first party there gets it). However, You should be able to find a suitable site anywhere you go.

The site that immediately came to mind for me is the southern site on Con Island on Shell Lake - Little Indian Souix North entry point. Good fishing in the area, too. Also, if you can't get that site there are also other acceptable sites on Shell or on Lynx Lake (one easy portage away).

Rustycards: "You can find sites that fit 7. Not all will but they are out there. What I do with a large group is go on the maps part of this website and look at the ratings of the campsites. That will give you some idea of how many the site holds. Then mark that on your map so when you are paddling in you will know which sites to look for. Take the ratings with a grain of salt though, not all are accurate. Example, max number per site should be how many people the site will hold but you will see people rate that a 2 and then comment there are 3 good tent pads. You will get a good idea though."

Thanks, yes, I’ve used that map and noticed that many campsites were rated for a tent or two and was starting to worry that we would struggle to find a site. That led to me asking the question here. I appreciate all the responses and welcome any further input.
I’m taking a self outfitted trip with my older son this Sept and suspect we’ll use some of that trip to scout campsites for the big group trip.