Hello All,

Our group of 3-4 guys is planning our second annual trip to the BWCA on 5/16. Last year we made the journey from EP 37 to Malberg Lake. I was lucky to grab one of the 3 daily passes on the date our group wanted for entry at EP 64. Seemed like less than 5 minutes after the passes opened, this EP was almost booked for the season (but that is a topic for a different thread...) I have been on Deer and Moon in the past via Clearwater and did not have issues with campsite availability and had great fishing in the area. However, with there being 3 passes available per day through 64, and every day booked before us, I am worried about campsite availability on Alder, Canoe, Pierz, and Crystal. Our group is driving up early from Mankato area and will not be launching until around 1PM on 5/16. We estimate that there could be up to 12-15 groups already in the area (overestimate). I assume that groups from Monday may be leaving before we enter but want to plan for the worst-case scenario.

My ask is if anyone can share any experiences in this area or a similar area that sees a similar situation. The hope would be to head south to Alder instead of north to Moon due to quantities of campsites. The hope would be to not have to make the long, windy portage from Canoe to Pine, especially since we may run out of time to find a spot by dark. If anyone can share previous experiences or advice that would be great. Thanks!

At that time of year, I don't think you'll have to worry. If you get to Canoe and can't find availability, I think Crystal is a good back up plan. You may even snag one on Alder. You should have plenty of sun that time of year. Even with West winds, Alder and Canoe are pretty protected. Crystal can whip up some rollers, but you'd be heading with them from that direction.

Thanks BigTim,

The hope would be to snag one on Alder as a basecamp. However, I have heard that at least two of the campsites on Canoe are highly regarded.

ajbuboltz: "Thanks BigTim,


The hope would be to snag one on Alder as a basecamp. However, I have heard that at least two of the campsites on Canoe are highly regarded. "

Yes the Canoe campsite to the west is awesome and the best one on the lake IMHO..

RW

We also found Pierz Lake to be a good back-up. Easy, short portage to get to. In my opionion the furthest west campsite is the best on Pierz.

Hi aj, we went on may15th last spring and had no problem getting a nice site on canoe! We will be on west pike this may13th. Make sure to visit Johnson falls. We all love it! Good luck and safe travels! Marc

DMan5501: "Yes the Canoe campsite to the west is awesome and the best one on the lake IMHO.."

I enjoyed the middle site very much both times that I stayed there. I passed on the west site each time, maybe it deserves another look.

Be sure to take the portage to Alder from the south arm of E Bearskin, the portage from the north arm is apparently abandoned.

Don't forget to stop at Croc Falls, near campsite 697 on the south side of E Bearskin. It should be worth seeing in May.

OP did not mention how you are sleeping, neither site on Crystal is optimal for more than 1 tent but plenty of room for hammocks. If Canoe and Alder are full I would look to Pierz.

Fishing in Canoe has always been trash for me. I hear Paddle is better. This is a great area to try for a trout slam with Brookies in Bench, Lakers in Alder & Crystal, and Splake in Pierz. Walleyes are also in Alder and Crystal but I've never been able to pull one out of Crystal.

You can find the remnants of a silver mine at the east end of Spaulding. Look for the old cabin on the north side of the drainage a little ways off the lake.

Johnson Falls is a series of waterfalls. Keep going upstream until you find the picturesque pond above the uppermost falls.

I wouldn't stress campsite availability any more than I normally would with a 1pm entry, I'm sure you'll find something south of Pine. Have a great trip!

I was in that area two years ago. I entered just after Labor Day (different time, I know), but I saw no one at all until I got to Crystal Lake. People were staying on the eastern site on Crystal, so I didn't get a chance to see what it was like. The other site to the west is extremely vertical. You can't set a tarp up anywhere near the fire, not a good place to base camp.

As others have mentioned, the western site on Canoe (700) is special. So is 706 on Alder. There were bear issues in the area two years ago, and 706 is kind off off the beaten path, maybe not on a bear highway? Across the way to the west, 705 experienced quite a blowdown a few years ago. Lots of firewood there, but I wouldn't recommend it for a basecamp. Hard to find a place to set up a tarp unless you go back in the woods. Nobody was on Alder at all when I was there.

Good luck, I'm sure you will find a great place to set up camp!

Dave

That far eastern section of the BW is the only area I have run into issues with campsite availability and it's happened twice. Although the time of year you're going - you should be fine. The far eastern campsite on Crystal is the nicer of the two.

Alder and Canoe do get a fair amount of traffic from people day tripping to Johnson Falls.

I would consider Pierz, the time of year you're going should be really good for splake and all three sites are pretty nice in my opinion.