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Hi group,
Well like most of you I imagine, I'm planning a spring trip for myself I'm travelling solo. Want to try an area of the park I haven't been to yet. I'll be paddling through both Happy Isle and Merchant. Thought I'd ask which one you prefer to camp at?
Thanks and Happy Trip Planning!
CC2K
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I prefer Happy Isle. It has clear water and the shoreline has more topography and contour. It's downside is that it is busier.
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Happy Isle is the prettier lake for sure, and if you have a calm day, you can see astonishingly far down into the water. That being said, I've camped on Merchant far more often than I've camped on Happy Isle. Happy Isle seems to be the preferred destination of 90% of campers, so it can be nearly fully booked while Merchant is deserted. Solitude and my pick of campsites wins the day!
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You can’t really miss with either lake. Happy Isle is the prettier lake, no debate there.Merchant still had the cormorant colony the last time I went through, so expect that if you’re out there (and it's still there).The real deciding factor in spring (for me) is sun exposure. Mornings stay cold in the shade until late — especially if it’s wet — and early‑season sunsets aren’t worth planning around. If you want morning sun, Merchant is the better bet since most sites sit on the west shore and catch it early.If scenery is the priority, pick Happy Isle. If spring warmth matters, pick Merchant.
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Camping, I agree that both are nice. Paddling... Happy Isle has always been the lake with more wind and waves for me... I assume it is just topography but the wind tends to funnel. Made for some real dodgy crossings.
Not long now! Camping season is nearly upon us!
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