Shelter/Camp Etiquette

[HexFletch]

Ok, a new topic for this Isle Royale newbie. I've found a couple of pictures online of the shelters available at the various camps. It's hard to judge the size of the shelters from the pictures so I'm not sure how many backpackers they can accommodate. Is it common for groups to share the shelters? I will be with just my husband - if we arrive first, should we expect that others may want to share the shelter with us? I'm not bothered either way but I just want to make sure I don't violate some unwritten rule of backpacker etiquette by spreading out my gear or something. I backpacked a portion of the AT last year and it seemed like it went both ways in various places. On a related note, do most of you prefer to use the shelters or your tent? Thanks!

[Nick]

"Groups" have separate sites and don't use shelters. Shelters have stay limits, so you just can't set up in one and stay for a month. There is a chart on camps, shelters, and stay limits.

Shelters are on a "first-come; first served" basis. If you get there first, the shelter is yours. Size is about 8' x 16' so there is a lot of room. You are under no obligation to let any one in. That said, you'll often see some really tired folks schlepping into camp in a downpour (or snow storm if you are early in the year) and it's just a nice gesture to invite them to share and heat up a cup of soup for them. I've met some really interesting folks that way (either sharing my shelter or be offered a shelter).

Only downside is they have to put up with my snoring and getting up a couple times a night. If they can stand me, I can stand them.

[HexFletch]

Thanks, Nick. That's about what I expected. I guess I wasn't clear in my use of the term "groups" ... simply attempting to refer to, for instance, two people backpacking together.

And we definitely have to no plans to stay in a shelter beyond one night but it's good to know the stay limits anyway. Guess my plan to move in will have to be put on hold!

I agree - it's always a nice way to meet fellow backpackers when you can help them out or they can help you out, especially in some adverse conditions. I have no issue with that and welcome it. I just wasn't sure if it was common practice for people to squeeze in ... and also, I didn't want people to think I was a freak for offering it up as an option.

The snoring comment makes me laugh - this is my constant struggle. I am a light sleeper and my husband snores. I bring earplugs with me everywhere but it makes me sad not to be able to hear the sounds of nature. But then I suppose my husband's snoring is a sound of nature that I'm not that interested in hearing.

Anyway, much thanks for the info.

[jerry]

HexFletch, If you stay in a shelter you'll want to have a pad as the floors don't give like sand or soil. I like one that I can inflate. We were able to get six people into shelter #2 at Rock Harbor last August during the gale storm. Look forward to hearing your trip report.

[zims]

Hi Hex,
We have been to the island a few times and have used shelters more than once. I find them to be a welcome spot tototally unwind and relax to enjoy where you are at. We have let other people who come off the trail late join us in the shelter when the weather is kinda onthe rough side. There is usually 3 of us in our group and if we are lucky we find a shelter with a table already in it, great for cards or sitting around drinking hot coffee. Enjoy your trip. We have also been extremely thankful for shelters when the temps drastically drop by the shore of the lake and winds take over. We have used the tents and tarps to keep cold out just to make it thru the night. Thats where your little bungie cords and extra rope come in handy, to hang these up. Happy hiking.

[Keweenaw]

Hey Hex,

Ditto on what everyone else said - you hang your tag on the door and the shelter is yours to do with as you please. The interior campgrounds have no shelters - if you do not have a copy of the Greenstone (the Park newspaper), it has info on all the campgrounds (# of tent sites, # of shelters, fires permitted or no, stay limits), so call or write the Park and they can send you a copy. The 2011 one should be out shortly.

Bob

[Midwest Ed]

Here is a link to the NPS 2010 Greenstone magazine that Keweenaw referenced. The 2011 issue does not seem to have been posted yet.

http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/u ... e_2010.pdf

Edited for correctness

I suspect that usually most people don't need the "urging" from others to open up their temporary homes to those in need.

We've slept 8 people and their gear in a shelter without too many problems.


And speaking of snoring. . .

At Daisy Farm one in my group had his CPAP machine fail. This is a breathing aid that among other things can prevent snoring. His "normal" snoring would rival the noise threshold of a jet engine. The campground wasn't very crowded and in the middle of the night there were groups that literally picked up and moved to new shelters on the other side of the camp ground.

~Ed

[Tom]

The official campground policy is that if all sites are full upon arrival one should be prepared to move on to the next campground but that can sometimes be a daunting prospect depending on daylight and weather.

Actually, I think the 'official' policy is how it's listed in the Greenstone:

When sites are full, we ask campers to double up and share empty tent pad space.

At least that's what the rangers have always said at the LNT talk on the Windigo side, and it might have something to do with many of the camps on that side being 8-10miles apart. They really don't want backcountry camping happening without the permit.

My "personal" camp flow chart is as follows:
First fill all available sites.
In the event of camp capacity, in good weather, start maxing out the tent area pads before moving in on shelters..
In the event of rainy weather, if you have a shelter, you should offer up space if you have it. At least offer others the option of cooking/eating in a dry place, at a minimum. They can always decline.
In the event of storms and other dangerous conditions, the shelters should be viewed as "get as many in as you can" while conditions warrant.

[Midwest Ed]

Thanks for the update Tom.

I guess I should more fully read the link I just provided.

My intention was to convey a similar message as yours; that in crowded conditions it's important to be accommodating.

I edited my post in case someone might miss your correction.

[knotheadken]

Thanks for the info. This is my forth trip but I have always been with a group at group sites, this time there is only two us us and I hope to be able to try the shelters.
And we both snore!
Here is the link to the 2011 green sheet but don't read it all, save some for the boat ride! LOL

http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/u ... i-2011.pdf