Looking at some options for staying near Snowbank on the night before we go in. I think Fall Lake Campground has been popular? I also read somewhere that there are several dispersed campsites actually on Snowbank, can someone provide a little more information about what exactly these are? And where they are? Dispersed campsites are a new concept for me. Thanks in advance!

kegger70: "I also read somewhere that there are several dispersed campsites actually on Snowbank, can someone provide a little more information about what exactly these are? And where they are? ..."

There are three dispersed sites on Snowbank according to the forest service website. All the others are within the boundaries of the BWCAW. Voyageur map #7 shows the locations of two of those three.

Thanks for the info, that pretty much answered it all. Does anyone know how difficult it is to get one of these sites? Or is it typical BWCA unpredictability?

I would say your chances of locking down one of those O-BWCA sites is pretty good. It depends on your trip dates of course. The one on the western shore is probably your best chances. Fall Lake campground would be my choice if I wanted a guaranteed thing, and you’re only 10 minutes down the road from Snowbank. So, it doesn’t save a ton of time staying on Snowbank. I understand wanting to be on Snowbank the morning of your permit though. If it was me, I’d go for the Snowbank campsites and if they’re full, either head back to Fall Lake or dirtbag it in the car at the EP.

Tony

anthonyp007: "I would say your chances of locking down one of those O-BWCA sites is pretty good. It depends on your trip dates of course. The one on the western shore is probably your best chances. Fall Lake campground would be my choice if I wanted a guaranteed thing, and you’re only 10 minutes down the road from Snowbank. So, it doesn’t save a ton of time staying on Snowbank. I understand wanting to be on Snowbank the morning of your permit though. If it was me, I’d go for the Snowbank campsites and if they’re full, either head back to Fall Lake or dirtbag it in the car at the EP.


Tony "

Thanks Tony! We are heading in on a Monday, so just thinking about Sunday night options. I suppose in the long run you're right, it would only shave 30 minutes at most off of our travel time. Haven't had the guts to dirtbag it yet, am I still a true BWCA-er??? ;)

kegger70: "

anthonyp007: "I would say your chances of locking down one of those O-BWCA sites is pretty good. It depends on your trip dates of course. The one on the western shore is probably your best chances. Fall Lake campground would be my choice if I wanted a guaranteed thing, and you’re only 10 minutes down the road from Snowbank. So, it doesn’t save a ton of time staying on Snowbank. I understand wanting to be on Snowbank the morning of your permit though. If it was me, I’d go for the Snowbank campsites and if they’re full, either head back to Fall Lake or dirtbag it in the car at the EP.



Tony "

Thanks Tony! We are heading in on a Monday, so just thinking about Sunday night options. I suppose in the long run you're right, it would only shave 30 minutes at most off of our travel time. Haven't had the guts to dirtbag it yet, am I still a true BWCA-er??? ;)"

The only reason I dirtbag it is because I have a huge SUV with the space to do it...and I like being on the water super early...and because I never sleep well the night before a trip anyways...and because I'm cheap.