I live in Rhode Island and fly/drive/paddle to Quetico every summer. Does anyone know of something similar (lake paddling, private camping) but closer to me? How about canoing in the Adirondaks? Maine?

try looking at the allagash wilderness in northern maine.

I know nothing, but have heard of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

I know you can canoe camp in the Adirondacks and have been wanting to check it out. I think it is about 10 years away for me though.

Hi All,
Finally getting some time to join this great idea for a group. I have some canoe camping experience in New York's Adirondacks, particularly in the Saint Regis Wilderness Canoe Area. The Adirondacks are a huge (over 600 million acres) area, with many different land use designations. Happily, more and more designation is and has been for Wilderness use. While not as good as the BWCA, the Saint Regis has some wonderful options which closely parallel the BWCA IMHO.
Davidm, I would recommend the book "Quiet Water Canoe Guide - New York" by J. Hayes and Alex Wilson for the Adirondacks. A map that has been invaluable is the "Adirondack Paddlers Map", I use, although other reliable sources exist, the St. Regis Canoe Outfitters in Saranac Lake as my source. They have a web store and are a reliable source for info. and rental. Hope this helps.

Boppa

Boppa, I took your advice and scheduled a trip for late august. I'll post when I get back.

Davidm,
Hope your trip went off as planned. We did have some drier weather at that time of the month to enjoy. Hoping you did.
Boppa