Site Details
Closest Access Point: Opeongo Lake (Algonquin Park Access Point #11)
Distance to Access Point: 27 KM (1 Day with the water taxi, 2 days by canoe)
Difficulty of Travel From Access Point: Easy/Medium – lots of paddling but only one portage between the access point and campsite.
Maintenance Level: Regular
Date Visited: August 2022
This is a smaller site up a short hill on Big Crow’s eastern shore. The sign is a bit hard to see from the water, at least it was when we were there, making it easy to miss and, consequently, likely to be open. It’s also right beside site 3, which is probably a preferable spot. But if three is taken this is a decent consolation prize.
Canoe Landing: The shoreline along this site is pretty dense, with the exception of a small window that’s been cut out to access the site. The landing is covered by mid sized rocks, so it’s not the smoothest pullup. The underwater terrain is a very nice, sand beach with some rocks scattered here and there. As a result, the approach is relatively easy and free of obstacles.
Tent Sites: There are a couple of good tent areas on this site. The one pictured is just past the fire pit. Directly behind me is another, similar area. You could put at least a couple of tents here. That said, this is a smaller footprint site, so squeezing any more shelters on will make it feel crowded.
Views: The view west across Big Crow is quite nice, but mostly obstructed. Down by the water you’ve got a great sunset view, but up on the site itself the trees that grow on the hill leading up to the site get in the way. On the plus side, I would imagine those trees help cut the wind for shoulder season trips.
Notes: This site is the definition of an average backcountry site. It’s functional, checks all the boxes, and not particularly memorable. If I were setting up on Big Crow for a few nights, I might try and grab Site 3, before settling here. But if I’m staying for one night on my way along the Crow River? This would be a totally reasonable option.
Related Trip Report: Crow River Loop(ish): Proulx to Dickson and Everything in Between