Site Details
Closest Access Point: Opeongo Lake (Algonquin Park Access Point #11)
Distance to Access Point: 15 KM (2.5 hours)
Difficulty of Travel From Access Point: Easy (unless the wind is up)
Maintenance Level: Regular
Date Visited: August, 2022
This site has both pros and cons. It’s a big enough site, with a nice beach front and great views south on Opeongo. It’s also a wide open site, visible to anyone staying in or passing through the area, and there are a lot of people staying in and passing through the area. It’s certainly a viable option if you’re looking for a good place to stay, but don’t expect a ton of privacy.
Terrain: This is a flat site. It’s fronted by a wide strip of beach and rises very gently to the site proper. The site is wider than it is deep, it runs along the shoreline in both directions allowing ample useable area. Vegetation is mostly tall pines and a few low lying bushes.
Canoe Landing: Remember that wide beach I just mentioned? Can’t really ask for much more when it comes to a spot for landing your canoe. The underwater approach is free of obstacles and the beach makes for a fantastic spot to load/unload (you can also anchor a powerboat in the shallows, which I saw someone doing while we were there).
Fire Pit: The pit is near the front of the site, with a nice view out to the water. It’s exposed, so a strong onshore wind might make it a bit uncomfortable in the early and late season.
Tent Sites: The entire site is effectively a tent site. It’s level and the ground doesn’t have many bumps or roots to get in the way. Great spot for a larger group.
Swimmability: Like all the sites along this stretch, it’s very swimmable. The beach is tailor made for families or people who really like wading. One thing, the beach is mostly rock, so water shoes make for a more comfortable walk in and out.
Accessories: Visitors to this site have been busy. There’s a plywood countertop set up and another low lying table. I don’t recall seeing any benches though, which is a bit unusual.
Views: I mean, the picture kind of says it all, right? Great view south. While there are a few trees dotting the site, they more accentuate the view than obstruct it.
Notes: I liked this site. If we hadn’t been on Site 2, which is basically just a better version of this one, this would be a very reasonable second or third choice.
Related Trip Report: Opeongo Base Camp