terry.dunn wrote:I was reading through about the camp grounds. Is there a problem that there is none open? I mean it might seem like a stupid question...
No such thing as a stupid question (even with the advent of Google).
Yes, it is possible to have camp grounds fill up. *Especially* in the busy season (July/Aug/Sep),
and on the east side of the island (Rock Harbor area). This is the only time and place I've ever found a campground full (and one of the reasons why I prefer the west side of the island).
If a campground is filled up, its not like you're hosed. You are not expected to hike back to the next campground, which could be many miles away. Instead, you're authorized to use a group campsite as overflow. We had to do this in August...in Rock Harbor. A ranger showed up and asked us why we were there, and when we told him that the Rock Harbor campground was full, he said "OK, have a nice day," and went on with his business. This is your first option, should you find a campsite full.
A second option is sharing a shelter, which is very common. Don't be afraid to find a shelter with only a couple of people in it and ask if you can bed down with them, ESPECIALLY if you're a solo hiker.
Don't sweat a campground filling up. Plan your trip accordingly. If everyone spent their time worrying if a campground was full, they'd be adding more undo stress to their planning. I would never let it even cross my mind. There's many other things to worry about than a full campground, like "did I bring enough warm clothes," "will the boat/seaplane be able to take off on my departure date," or "wow, this is a lot of rain and now this "creek" is actually a river I have to forge." These are all things I had to worry about in my time on Isle Royale. Hopefully they don't make you worry more, because the first one is completely preventable (tip: think you'll need it? JUST BRING IT,) and the other two are well beyond your control. Adapt and overcome.
