Algonquin Adventures / Site Specific Backcountry Reservations?

**Posted by Shayne74** 11/05/2024 9:17 am

I saw this on a FB page for French River. Wondering if this will transfer to Algonquin as well. What are your thoughts?? Not much different than current system IMO. Pros or Cons?

upcase

**Posted by jeffreym** 11/05/2024 12:03 pm

In my opinion this is unsafe for the French River, namely on Georgian Bay and the upper French/Lake Nipissing. There is nothing comparable in Algonquin. This will encourage people to travel when it is unsafe to do so.
As well, the MNR indicates that there are sites that don't actually exist. That was always ridiculous, but seems even more problematic with site-specific reservations.

**Posted by MooseWhizzer Dave** 11/05/2024 4:49 pm

I like the unknown of what campsite I'll end up with when I go to a lake. it leaves a bit of...I'm not sure of the right word....adventure?...to a day. Kind of a randomness that I enjoy. Having said that, my wife and I got completely boned on Booth Lake in September, some people must have been off permit, and we traversed the lake for 2 hours looking for an open site but there were none, and we had to stay on a portage, which really.....we were lucky, it wasn't a bad place to put a tent, but still....incredibly annoying. I like to think site specific reservations would reduce the number of off permit campers, but in those cases when it does happen, you'd know for sure whom it is. I guess that's good, but it could lead to some pretty heated wilderness arguments.

**Posted by scoutergriz** 11/06/2024 6:45 am

this change could potentially kill people...
Unlike Algonquin, most of the French is exposed to high winds and storms off of Georgian Bay, especially in the Delta where 3' waves are not uncommon in a blow, where before you could switch to the leeward side in bad weather, or pick a more sheltered landing or site, now you'll be locked in to one that could bear the full brunt of any storm, plus you'll feel you're forced to travel in unsafe conditions because your reservation for that specific site is expired...

**Posted by swedish pimple** 11/06/2024 9:13 am

no, no and f ing no,, to this new program of number sites,,,
   with the laughable 4 person flat rate camping system,, that is a on going pilot project in several ontario parks/ waterways . these 2 changes will make algonquin park much more busy and more difficult to plan a trip,, because the status quo remains in place for now.
   perhaps algonquin will be spared of these 2 new programs,, and the m.n.r ( or what ever they call them selves now) will lay out the new trout fishing regulations. instead,, the trout opener would be the may long weekend,, for a start.
   address the bass situation like quectico park . to help the trout out .
   bass should be open when algonquin opens in the spring , with no limits . fishing barbless is also a great option to promote the release of healthy trout back to the lakes.
   the beaner counters will always win,, user fees and services charges makes the world go aorund in ontario,,
   now back to the swamp i go,, i have a white tail to harvest,, l.o.l.

Last edited by swedish pimple (11/06/2024 9:19 am)

**Posted by captainchaos2000** 11/06/2024 10:22 pm

I don't have any knowledge of camping on the French River, but I was at a different Provincial Park in May of this year that had site specific reservations. I'm not a fan of the site specific system as it sure puts pressure on you to get to your site even if the weather might be bad. I pretty much travel solo these days so it's a bit of a concern.
I also don't agree with jacking the rates to make things a 4 person flat rate camping system. I travel solo, it's just another tax in my opinion I pay enough taxes already.
I'll stick with canoeing in Algonquin it would seem. There is enough lakes there to see to keep me going for my lifetime at least.

**Posted by Shayne74** 11/07/2024 11:00 am

I never really thought of site specific reservation being dangerous but you make good points. I would just hold up regardless of where I was if I thought it was too dangerous to proceed. I too have little experience in areas outside of Algonquin so definitely more comfortable within the current system . I don't mind not knowing 100% what site we'll get and it is rewarding to find the site you're shooting for available when you get there LOL! There is little left to the imagination nowadays with trip and campsite reports available as they are. Despite finding this handy at times it does take away from the adventure a little. Conversely it's equally rewarding when you come across a diamond in the rough type of site you weren't expecting.