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4keys
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On the one hand I like island sites bc the dog can be on a really long thin leash (almost invisible even) without running off. But if there is a day or 2 when we are wind bound, I’d rather be on mainland bc there is a better chance to explore.
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moray
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I love island sites but I tend to try for the nicest site on the lake regardless of the location.
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analyzer
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When my dad used to take the family to the BWCA back in the 70's, he always liked island campsites. He would make us wear life jackets, and then let us run free. He figured there was a limit as to how far we could get lost, and all he'd have to do was walk the entire island if he needed to find one of us. It also kept the dog around. I think back then, there was a story about some "toddler" or young child getting lost in Yellowstone, never to be found, and the thought of it, terrified him. So we base camped on islands. Makes no difference to me now. I like something with a good view of the lake from the fire grate.
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Freddy
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I tend to agree. My favorite sites are mostly on islands. :)
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straighthairedcurly
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I've never had an urge toward one or the other.
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Lawnchair107
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No preference for me, other than firewood tends to be easier on the mainland.
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NEIowapaddler
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All other factors being equal, do you prefer island sites or mainland ones?
I'm a sucker for island sites, myself. It's hard to articulate it, but camping on an island just feels nicer to me. Especially when it's the only site on the island. It's like you've got your very own little piece of the wilderness all to yourself while you're there.
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brp
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Islands are generally windier. So if it is hot and/or buggy, I’ll look for an island site.
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LindenTree
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If I have my dog I tend to like Island sites so he doesn't run off. Oops, forgot I'm supposed to keep him on a leash now.
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timatkn
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Yep, there is something I like about islands.
T
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Ahahn366
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I have always preferred mainland campsites, I like having the option of walking home if everything really got bad. Like that's a reality but a little bit claustrophobic so that's how I am
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sns
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Islands, but they can be problematic.
In Quetico, there are many small-island sites where your latrine options involve paddling first.
In Wabakimi & Woodland Caribou PPs, early season paddlers are discouraged from islands because of Caribou calving.
Still…islands.
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CanoeViking
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I am an island guy all the way. I love the nostalgia of it and it seems almost contradictory, but I feel safer on islands.
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Moonpath
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It depends. I have camped on some small islands and have felt a bit hemmed in, especially in Quetico. I have been on some island so big they seem like the mainland. What I look for more is a good canoe landing, good campsite with a view, and fishing possibilities from shore.
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JimmyJustice
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OP was based on all other factors being equal. If that is the case...I am an island guy all the way.
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boonie
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Not my #1 priority; nor #2, #3 . . . etc.
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Pinetree
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Moonpath: "It depends. I have camped on some small islands and have felt a bit hemmed in, especially in Quetico. I have been on some island so big they seem like the mainland. What I look for more is a good canoe landing, good campsite with a view, and fishing possibilities from shore. "
Only reason for an Island site, less bears and hope less mosquitoes.
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portagerunner
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I usually try to target campsites based on western or eastern exposures regardless of island or mainland for the sunsets and sunrises.
I also think I like the idea of island campsites more than the actual site due to commonly seeing heavy use. Not that I have data to support that thought, just observations.
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Traveler
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I love islands. Perhaps my favorite campsite of all time was a little island in northern Manitoba so small you could easily throw a rock into the lake in any direction from the middle. Just a few rods from the mainland though and a caribou walked out onto the shore to pose for photos!
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ItascaBirder
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I prefer mainland sites. Islands usually have nice views and good fishing, but they can be a little beat down and scraped clean of firewood.
Years ago, my partner and I had an island site on Ima. We day tripped out to Solitude Lake. While we were out, a nasty storm front blew in with winds exceeding 40 mph (the weather station in Ely clocked 43 mph that afternoon). All of our gear was set up on the island, so we had no choice but to cross the lake in whitecaps if we didn't want to just spend the night under the canoe in the storm. Crossing Ima that day was the most terrifying BWCA experience I've had to date.
That's the real reason I opt for mainland.
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bobbilly22
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Really depends for me but mainly islands.
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