BWCA Quell my anxiety or change plans? Duncan at end of August Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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gbgraves
member (17)member
  
08/04/2020 10:08AM  
Howdy,

I have a permit for Duncan last Friday in August. Wife and me, plus boys two and four. Have tripped with the boys several times before with great success. Lot of permit availability, 0s leading up to that Friday though. Realistically not going further than Rose, Duncan, or Moss. Maybe 14 campsites for us, on 18+ permits booked that week (starting Saturday prior).

No one has a crystal ball, but between the traffic, potential for hikers to be on Rose campsites, and anecdotal tales of un-permitted groups this year, etc, I'm anxious about this selection. Start at sunrise and go for it, or call an audible and try another EP on another day? It's a commitment with tiny kids. Never been on the NE side of the Gunflint, so don't have experience with this specific area. Thanks in advance for any opinions.

Cheers,

Greg
 
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TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/04/2020 12:03PM  
We just got back from a trip where we stayed on Duncan. Daddy daughter Duncan dayrrips

While Duncan was full most days, The sites on Rose were generally open on the days when we passed through. Also, Moss lake is an easy portage away and I don't believe anyone was camped there the whole time we were in the area. And, if those options don't pan out, I can just about guarantee there will be campsite availability on Partridge lake.

Of course there's no 100% guarantee but, I'm confident you'll find something. While Duncan is usually buzzing with canoes coming and going, most don't camp there. Have fun!
schweady
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08/04/2020 01:05PM  
Oops. Wrong thread...
08/04/2020 09:55PM  
Go for it. Be aware the early start could backfire as many do not share the early start while in camp. They may leave well after you decide to go on past since there is no activity at that site. You may see someone moving and could ask if they are leaving today. Many will be civil, but some take it way too personal and consider that visit in bad taste.
08/11/2020 01:45AM  
I went into Duncan on August 5, a wednesday, and was worried that all the sites would be full. between 2:30 & 5:00, only 3 of the 7 sites were being used. I paddled around the entire lake and walked the Rose portage and went up the west BRT to the overlook. beautiful area. But it was a wednesday I went in, so Friday might be more campers. However, all the permits were used for the days leading up to my entry, so it is hard to know. I booked a campsite at flour lake just incase Duncan was full. There is only the one portage from Bearskin to Duncan. Good Luck
 
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