Hi All,

Going in with a group of eight out of E.P. #32 (South Kawishiwi River) in late June. We have some older people along with new knees and such so we want to keep portaging to a minimum. We'll be camping for seven nights.

I am looking for recommendations on campsites that could best accommodate our group. I think we'll be looking to base camp on the S. Kawishiwi River somewhere between Clear Lake and Little Gabbro. Fishing is our priority. We'd like to get into the walleye. I've looked on PP and this site for some ideas, but not sure how up-to-date those are. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Ideally, we're looking for a camp with room for 3-4 tents, a nice big fairly open area for eight people to hangout and enjoy the fire. Having good fishing from camp would be a huge bonus, specially night slip-bobbers for walleye.

Any advice helps, thanks!

If you're concerned about portages I would suggest maybe looking at another entry point. EP32 is a fairly rocky ~150ish rod jaunt from the parking lot to the river. I didn't check out any of the river sites so I can't speak to those.

One other note in case you're planning on using River Point Outfitters and paddling downriver to their place. Don't underestimate what a wind from the south will do to your return trip... silly me thought how hard could it be paddling downstream a couple miles... a strong south wind taught me that hard lesson. :)

I can't recommend specific campsites, as I haven't been to many of them in that area, but if you find the maps on this site and zero in on the Kawishiwi River and start clicking the red dots starting at your EP, you'll see there are a LOT of 4-star rated sites heading up the river towards Clear Lake and back through the narrows toward Little Gabbro and then the northern part of the river.

I think you have a very good shot at finding a very nice site in that area, if you do decide to tackle that portage you've got your eyes on.

There are 3 really nice campsites in that area, but for your needs I would suggest the one just past the portage to Clear. It sits high up on a point over-looking a set of rapids. I think it's #1131 on this site's maps page.

JD

jdevries: "There are 3 really nice campsites in that area, but for your needs I would suggest the one just past the portage to Clear. It sits high up on a point over-looking a set of rapids. I think it's #1131 on this site's maps page.


JD"

Thanks JD!

I have suggested this elsewhere, but, for those older people with new knees, I would suggest a pair of hiking poles for each. Especially at rocky portage ends or even in the campsite on the latrine trails (some can be steep and rocky), it could help make for a safer easier trip for all.

Tons of smaller walters and some giant pike roaming those waters. One of the few places a guy can almost always count on eating plenty of fresh fish. I've never had more than 4 guys in camp though, so I can't really help[ with your site question.