Just wondering if anyone has knowledge on non-resident parking fees for the Dawson Trail entry points? Would be doing a minimum stay of 7 nights 8 days? Are there any rules on campsites in the Quetico waters for first come first serve, or are reservations required?

Parking is free at Dawson (canoe launch area) with a Quetico backcountry permit. Camping? If you are talking inside the Dawson Campground, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation. If you are talking about camping in the park, reservations not required ... first come, first serve, you are even permitted to camp ANYWHERE, but it is recommended that you use an established campsite. But don't expect amenities. Beyond a probably fire ring (no grill provided) and some flatish ground for pitching a tent, campsites are not overly developed (e.g., no toilet).

There are parks where you have to plan your day to race for available campsites by early afternoon. Quetico is NOT one of those places. I've spend numerous nights in the park and have been the only one on the lake. So unless it is obvious that you are in a high traffic area (e.g., seeing lots of canoes ... a rarity), I'd recommend you plan your day around traveling until a couple of hours before dark. (I'm not a fan of setting up camp after the sun goes down.)

dd

This is exactly what I was looking for.

Parking is free at Dawson (canoe launch area) with a Quetico backcountry permit. Camping? If you are talking inside the Dawson Campground, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation. If you are talking about camping in the park, reservations not required ... first come, first serve, you are even permitted to camp ANYWHERE, but it is recommended that you use an established campsite.

Thank you so much for clarifying!

I assume your going to get a Pickerel entry permit?

First timer. So, I was thinking Baptism creek, but yes, Pickerel is close by too. Do you offer any suggestions for either? Why do you assume Pickerel lake, some of my research has suggested Baptism creek as an entry point? Would I need a shuttle from Dawson (canoe launch area) as well?

Check out this Entry Point Map. This should give you a bit of insight into what your choices are.

Reaching some EP's is more of an access issue than others. Easy drive-up access is available at French Lake/Dawson Campground (Pickerel or Baptism Creek EPs), Nym Lake (near Atikokan; actual EP is Batchewaung) and Lerome (west of Atikokan; actual EP is Sue Falls). You can also drive to Beaverhouse Lake (some distance to cover over dirt road), and you can enter via Stanton Bay, if you are Canadian or are using a Canadian Outfitter to transport you.

All others, require a bit of paddling or a boat shuttle to reach.

dd

quote Solotrip7Day: "First timer. So, I was thinking Baptism creek, but yes, Pickerel is close by too. Do you offer any suggestions for either? Why do you assume Pickerel lake, some of my research has suggested Baptism creek as an entry point? Would I need a shuttle from Dawson (canoe launch area) as well?
"

Most people put in at French Lake and then paddle into Pickerel Lake and go off in whatever direction from there as opposed to going down Baptism Creek. What route are you planning on doing?
As for parking there is a nice parking lot at French lake that is for people putting in canoes. The trail is short from the parking lot down to the sandy beach. I'd say about 20 yards long or so.

2 suggestions at French Lake: Try to start early to reduce the chance of getting windbound on Pickerel. Second, if you come out and will be headed back through Duluth, you can go east toward Thunder Bay and see Kakabeka Falls which is right on the way and worth the extra hour of drive. You can even show the ticket office your Quetico permit and entry is free, as you have already paid for an Ontario Park that day.
Here's a photo of Davkumi, OldFingers, my son and me at the falls.

BTW: If you need a comfortable place to stay that, in my opinion, is unmatched in the area (including Atikokan) for amenities and comfort (you can even get meals prepared for you), I'd suggest you check out Quetico College School. It's on Eva Lake (north side of the highway, slightly west of the entrance to Dawson Campground. I stayed here in July 2016 and I've never been so well treated. Unless you are renting a cabin-type facility, you're likely to stay in a dorm-room type setup, complete with on-suite bath. The rooms can typically accommodate one or two people. There is even a "day room" in the dorm facility with TV, fridge, microwave (etc.), plus additional lounging areas.

This facility was originally a conference center and September 2016 launched as a what you might call a college-prep school. With such a facility, you also have access to a gym (maybe shoot a few hoops), pool table, work-out room ... the list goes on-and-on.

When I return to this area, I will certainly avail myself of this gem again.

dd

quote OldFingers57: "

quote Solotrip7Day: "First timer. So, I was thinking Baptism creek, but yes, Pickerel is close by too. Do you offer any suggestions for either? Why do you assume Pickerel lake, some of my research has suggested Baptism creek as an entry point? Would I need a shuttle from Dawson (canoe launch area) as well?
"

Most people put in at French Lake and then paddle into Pickerel Lake and go off in whatever direction from there as opposed to going down Baptism Creek. What route are you planning on doing?
As for parking there is a nice parking lot at French lake that is for people putting in canoes. The trail is short from the parking lot down to the sandy beach. I'd say about 20 yards long or so. "

My idea is to park where I can without having to pay for a non-resident parking permit if possible, as Dentondoc said, it is (free at Dawson canoe launch area), but didn't say for how long parking would be allowed? I will purchase a backcountry permit on-line before hand and pick up in Dawson the morning of the launch. I assume the office opens at 8:00 am which most likely will be just in time for the head winds heading in? I can't enter without the permit. Is French lake near Dawson canoe launch? Which would be doable.

quote dentondoc: "BTW: If you need a comfortable place to stay that, in my opinion, is unmatched in the area (including Atikokan) for amenities and comfort (you can even get meals prepared for you), I'd suggest you check out Quetico College School. It's on Eva Lake (north side of the highway, slightly west of the entrance to Dawson Campground. I stayed here in July 2016 and I've never been so well treated. Unless you are renting a cabin-type facility, you're likely to stay in a dorm-room type setup, complete with on-suite bath. The rooms can typically accommodate one or two people. There is even a "day room" in the dorm facility with TV, fridge, microwave (etc.), plus additional lounging areas.

This facility was originally a conference center and September 2016 launched as a what you might call a college-prep school. With such a facility, you also have access to a gym (maybe shoot a few hoops), pool table, work-out room ... the list goes on-and-on.

When I return to this area, I will certainly avail myself of this gem again.

dd "

Sounds great, but I will most likely grab-n-go dinner. The bath house you mentioned will be a plus, though. But I never know for certain what my travel times will be. I might end up renting a room the night before my trip in a place like you mentioned above which puts me on time and refreshed from the long drive from New York through Canada, not through Minnesota.

quote Eyedocron: "2 suggestions at French Lake: Try to start early to reduce the chance of getting windbound on Pickerel. Second, if you come out and will be headed back through Duluth, you can go east toward Thunder Bay and see Kakabeka Falls which is right on the way and worth the extra hour of drive. You can even show the ticket office your Quetico permit and entry is free, as you have already paid for an Ontario Park that day.
Here's a photo of Davkumi, OldFingers, my son and me at the falls. "

Thanks!

quote : My idea is to park where I can without having to pay for a non-resident parking permit if possible, as Dentondoc said, it is (free at Dawson canoe launch area), but didn't say for how long parking would be allowed? I will purchase a backcountry permit on-line before hand and pick up in Dawson the morning of the launch. I assume the office opens at 8:00 am which most likely will be just in time for the head winds heading in? I can't enter without the permit. Is French lake near Dawson canoe launch? Which would be doable."

Your permit will be a multi-part form. You take one part with you and the other goes on the dashboard of your vehicle. The permit will indicate your entry and anticipated exit dates. Your vehicle will be good at least that long. (I've had a vehicle parked there on several occasions for 2 weeks.)

Yeah. Get your permit! I know from personal experience that you can get the Park Headquarters (in Atikokan) to issue your permit late in the afternoon (4:00ish) the day BEFORE your actual departure. I can't confirm this for the Ranger Station at Dawson, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did as well. If you can get it the day before, you can be on the water at first light and be a substantial distance down Pickerel before the typical winds pick up.

Also, the Dawson Campground area is not gated (nor are any of the other drive to EP parking lots), so you can drive in and take a look around, spot where the launch area is, walk down to the lake, etc. You just can't stay overnight without some form of permit (either on-site camping or backcountry permit).

How close is French Lake to the Dawson canoe launch? If you have an average throwing arm, you could throw a rock from the parking lot to the lake (so long as you can clear the trees between).

dd

quote dentondoc: "

quote : My idea is to park where I can without having to pay for a non-resident parking permit if possible, as Dentondoc said, it is (free at Dawson canoe launch area), but didn't say for how long parking would be allowed? I will purchase a backcountry permit on-line before hand and pick up in Dawson the morning of the launch. I assume the office opens at 8:00 am which most likely will be just in time for the head winds heading in? I can't enter without the permit. Is French lake near Dawson canoe launch? Which would be doable."

Your permit will be a multi-part form. You take one part with you and the other goes on the dashboard of your vehicle. The permit will indicate your entry and anticipated exit dates. Your vehicle will be good at least that long. (I've had a vehicle parked there on several occasions for 2 weeks.)

Yeah. Get your permit! I know from personal experience that you can get the Park Headquarters (in Atikokan) to issue your permit late in the afternoon (4:00ish) the day BEFORE your actual departure. I can't confirm this for the Ranger Station at Dawson, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did as well. If you can get it the day before, you can be on the water at first light and be a substantial distance down Pickerel before the typical winds pick up.

Also, the Dawson Campground area is not gated (nor are any of the other drive to EP parking lots), so you can drive in and take a look around, spot where the launch area is, walk down to the lake, etc. You just can't stay overnight without some form of permit (either on-site camping or backcountry permit).

How close is French Lake to the Dawson canoe launch? If you have an average throwing arm, you could throw a rock from the parking lot to the lake (so long as you can clear the trees between).

dd"

Sounds excellent! All the things I like to hear.

quote dentondoc: "BTW: If you need a comfortable place to stay that, in my opinion, is unmatched in the area (including Atikokan) for amenities and comfort (you can even get meals prepared for you), I'd suggest you check out Quetico College School. It's on Eva Lake (north side of the highway, slightly west of the entrance to Dawson Campground.
dd "

That place looks great, and the price is right. Thanks for sharing this info!

dentondoc-I booked a room at the Quetico College for my June trip. Thanks again for sharing that information.

Frenchy -

I'm sure you'll be pleased. The facility is quite impressive.

Say "Hello" to Michael (Head Master) for me if you run into him. He prepared our dinner when we arrived and shared our table as we ate. We had a wonderful conversation about the school and his plans for the future. (He also made us a marvelous breakfast the next morning.)

I believe my companion and I were lodging guests number 2 and 3 since he opened for operation.

Good luck.

dd

LATER ADDITION: Today (Wednesday), I got an generic e-mail from the school. In a reply e-mail, I let Michael know that I sent you his way, so hopefully your treatment will at least match mine.

Later

quote dentondoc: "Frenchy -

I'm sure you'll be pleased. The facility is quite impressive.

Say "Hello" to Michael (Head Master) for me if you run into him. He prepared our dinner when we arrived and shared our table as we ate. We had a wonderful conversation about the school and his plans for the future. (He also made us a marvelous breakfast the next morning.)

I believe my companion and I were lodging guests number 2 and 3 since he opened for operation.

Good luck.

dd

LATER ADDITION: Today (Wednesday), I got an generic e-mail from the school. In a reply e-mail, I let Michael know that I sent you his way, so hopefully your treatment will at least match mine.



Later"

Thanks! He has been "chatting" with me via email, and I am looking forward to meeting him. Seems very, very nice. Opting for dinner elsewhere, but I will be eating breakfast there. Should be fun!