Arnie

I moved from east central Minnesota (Twin Cities) to the iron range about a year ago. (2016) I have made many canoe trips to the boundary waters canoe area over the years, and now I live about 20 miles from it! This summer I am finding many places to paddle and camp in the Superior National Forest, just south of the BWCA, that do not require the permits or reservations. There are fire ring camp sites all over the place, provided by the U.S. National Forest Service, called dispersed camp sites. Most of these sites are on islands or lake shore and require portages to get to, just like the BWCA. These camping opportunities are very primitive, with only a fire ring, no toilets, or running water.  I love camping like this, and I am going on two night trips at least once a week so far this summer. I am new to the area, and don't know anyone yet who would like to rough it like this, so I am solo camping a lot, with my dog as the only partner. My Brother went on a two night trip and my Son & Grandson camped in a nearby State Park with me so far this summer. I have a long list of potential camp sites to check out so I will be busy until the snow flies. In the winter, I snowshoe and ice fish, as long as the temperature is above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. I found Trailspace recently from a web search as I have been updating my 20 year old camping gear and I was researching backpacks, tents etc.