Hiked It Liked It Campsite review: Scenic State Park - Canoe-in/Boat-in site B17

The campsite.

This state park is exactly as advertised... "Scenic"! And so is their canoe-in/boat-in site B17. An open grove of red pine trees has left a carpet of needles on the forest floor. With little underbrush, the breeze from the lake can sweep through the campsite and then quietly whistle through the giant pines. The site feels expansive as it sits on a gradual slope that makes its way to Sandwick Lake.


I had been to the park as a kid and remembered the amazing hiking on the Chase Point penensula. So early in my marriage I decided this might be a good park to visit with my new bride and our beagle pup Baxter. As any newly married couple does when searching for a campsite, we started scouring park maps to find the most secluded campsite they offered. ;p

The parks website says this about the 5 canoe-in campsites found along the lake: "These sites can be accessed from Coon and Sandwick lakes. Four of these sites can also be accessed on foot, about a 2 to 2 1/2-mile hike from parking area. These are secluded, rustic sites. Wilderness toilets only." Site B17 is .2 miles from the next campsite. (B16).

Campsite access.

We opted to boat in with our small fishing boat and enough gear to last several days. We camped fairly comfortably at the time... we had far more gear than we needed. The park does have a main boat landing, but if you ask, (Wink-wink) the park manager might just let you put your boat in directly across from the campsite at the park utility boat access!

Side note on the lake... I don't know what the lake is best known for, but we had great luck catching Black Crappies.

Campsite amenities.

Site included a picnic table, fire ring. (Can't remember if there was a bear locker.) The tent pad was fantastic. (Deep bed of pine needles.)

The park amenities include: Park office, interpretive exhibit, historic site, gift shop, rentals, firewood, etc...

Summary.

• Beautiful, open, breezy campsite in grove of tall Red Pine trees. • • Quiet and rustic.
• Access to lake and water.
• Fantastic hiking, paddling and fishing nearby.
• Great campsite for extended stay.
• Park ranger/managers were extremely helpful.

by Dain Erickson

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