Site Details
Closest Access Point: Shall Lake (Access # 17)
Distance to Access Point: 5 KM (1.5 hours single carrying)
Difficulty of Travel From Access Point: Easy
Maintenance Level: Regular
Date Visited: August 2023
This is a nice site in Shirley’s southeast corner. It’s fronted by a rocky beach and offers plenty of level ground on the site proper.
Terrain: This is a very flat site. Not many obstacles to navigate and plenty of useable room. There’s a slight step up from the shoreline, but other than that it’s nice and level.
Canoe Landing: The site is fronted by a wide, rocky beach. It’s very easy to pull up to, and the underwater terrain is free of obstacles.
Fire Pit: The fire pit is well built and well located. Towards the front of the site, it’s got a great view out to Shirley. My one concern would be how it would fare on a windy day. You would likely need to build up one of the walls as there isn’t much of a windbreak between the lake and the pit.
Tent Sites: There’s plenty of level ground for tents. You could fit at least a couple of medium sized shelters here, probably more.
Swimmability: This is a great site for swimming. The beach makes for easy access and the western exposure means you’re going to get some good afternoon sun as well.
Accessories: There are some well constructed benches around the fire pit, and a good sized standalone grill as well. Other than that, this is a basic site.
Views: Love this view.
Are there better sites nearby: Not really. Site 6 is fine, particularly if you have a large group. But it’s right beside the Ryan Lake portage and won’t be that private. Site 9 is small, but does have access to some cliffs, which is pretty cool.
Related Trip Report: Shirley Lake Basecamp