Algonquin Adventures / “Site Taken” Indicator

**Posted by Smellslikelinament** 3/24/2025 12:53 pm

As a courtesy to other paddlers and save them time/effort in looking for a vacancy or having to get out of their canoe to check a site that is set-back from the water, is there an acknowledged method to indicate “site taken”?

I’ve always used just a very light-weight, non emerg-coloured (usually blue seems to work okay) nylon scarf to tied to a tree in a visible spot. I’ve seen canada flags used a lot of course.

Not sure whether there is a long standing signal of which I am ignorant.

Last edited by Smellslikelinament (3/24/2025 12:56 pm)

**Posted by PaPaddler** 3/25/2025 6:11 am

I'm pretty confident there's not a standard. It's not as critical of a matter for most Algonquin sites as they have a tendency to be 'on' the water and mostly visible when inhabited...although some have a more concealed character.

Compare that to the Adirondacks' St. Regis canoe-only access area - those sites are small openings in the foliage at the shoreline and then 10-20 meters back a trail in the forest is where the site is located so there is virtually no evidence of occupation visible unless the canoe is left tied at shore. That's intentional on their part - to preserve the natural look of the shoreline when on the water and keep unsightly tents, tarps, flags and banners from being visible.

**Posted by oldboyscout** 3/25/2025 10:26 am

Typically I leave my canoe visible from the water

**Posted by Dwight** 3/25/2025 9:27 pm

On occasion, have attached a colorful dry bag to the tree with the orange camp sign. Done this because my canoe and tarp colors are not visible. Only did this a few times when the lakes are noticeably busier. Hopefully saved a few travelers from a disappointing trip to an occupied campsite.

**Posted by Smellslikelinament** 3/26/2025 9:12 am

Thanks for the feedback!

My ventures into a park are usually base camp, day trip outings which means most days my canoe is not on site to indicate occupation. In those times I thought it helpful to tether my 12 inch square bandana as an aid.

In addition my tent is green which doesn’t lend to visibility from the water to any great extent.

I agree a 4 foot windsock, banner or flag is not needed nor a great look (for me anyway).

Wondered whether there’s a “protocol” when my presence isn’t apparent.

I appreciated your replies!

Last edited by Smellslikelinament (3/26/2025 9:13 am)