I realize of course that the BW is a very unique area and there aren't many areas like it in the world. I've been there for 6 different trips now and love it immensely.

This year my only vacation time my be used to visit my dad in Vermont. I'm bringing my two boys as well and we are all looking for some wilderness camping, paddling and fishing. I was hoping someone here may be familiar with the area enough to help find some places where we could do these things.

Thanks in advance for any input.

I would look into the area on the north side of the Adirondacks, west of Lake Placid, NY. Lots of lakes, portages and streams, some in non-motorized areas. I have not been there.. yet.
I don't know a thing about permits or reservations and all that, but you have plenty time to research that stuff.

Vermont itself has good backpacking opportunities in the Green Mountains.

I think it varies a lot from going through towns to more wild areas but you might look at the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Saranac Lake area is fun. Only a few houses and minimal motorboat traffic. Decent smallmouth fishing.

It's not wilderness but when I lived in Vermont many years ago I liked to paddle on Green River Reservoir. I do not know if there are any camping opportunities there.

Bill

Vermont is not that far from Maine miles wise. No reservations no permits

Moose River Bow trip.. nice four day outing.

Vermont is dairy country and lakes are few in relation to New York and Maine

In the Adirondacks no permits are needed nor no reservations

A nice area is the St Regis Canoe Area. Motors not permitted

Also Lake Lila Little Tupper.. Lows Lake You can do a 55 mile loop.

The ADKS are more mountainous and have great canoeing but not so many interlocked lakes.. However the 90 mile route from Old Forge to Saranac ( part of the NFCT) is quite nice and you can do a bit of it.. In VT the NFCT is all river. some upstream

Most of us in New England head to the Allagash, Machias area or Moosehead Lake and the Penobscot River areas for truly outstanding canoe trips. Some of the property is under the umbrella of North Maine Woods and permits required but they are relatively cheap and you buy at a checkpoint when you arrive.

For something like the BWCA we head to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
or La Verendrye in Quebec.. The latter does require a permit that you buy on site. Its about four hours north of Montreal. Parts of APP are way wilder than parts of BWCA but they are comparable.. Ports can be quite long and sometimes hilly.. La V is never crowded.

Another consideration when you are in VT but its not like the BWCA( its a river valley) is to paddle the Upper Connecticut River which forms the boundary VT-NH. I havent done it though I have crossed the river hundreds of times
Connecticut River Paddlers Trail

Lake Placid looks nice.

Maine. West Branch of the Penobscot River, nice current, gorgeous campsites, I highly recommend it. We put in at Lobster Lake near Baxter State Park, took our time paddling down to Chesuncook. I think maybe we used these guys for a shuttle service? http://www.greatnorthernvacations.com/Lodging-.html

I found this on the web.
GreenRiver Res. SP

Awesome! This is exactly what I was hoping for. You all are great!

I had found the Adriandacs just after posting this and have been looking into outfitters in the area. I definately would want the most remote experience there.

Lots of other great choices here for me to look into. Thank you for your input!

Adirondacks...
St Regis area is nice, there are a few lean-to's sprinkled about the area. Saranac lake, West of Lake Placid. Floodwood road to Long pond, long pond mountain hike, mountain lake, turtle lake, slang Lake, Hoel lake, Folsenby Clear Lake, Saranac Lake, Lots of loops. This area is less remote. Hand operated locks are pretty cool.

Fish pond loop starting at Little Clear Lake to St Regis to Ochre, mud pond, Fish pond, Nellie, Bessie, Long Pond. More challenging, eskers etc.

Seven carries is another idea.

St Regis Canoe outfitter is teriffic, Dave Cilley, the owner is a map maker. I've used them for canoe rental, transport & a food drop on an extended Trip. His website has some good ideas for trips.

St Regis Canoe outfitters

Five Ponds Wilderness, Cranberry lake area, Wanakena-Inlet road to the Osewegotchie River travel to High falls & back.