Backcountry Campsite #78

Very nice site to camp on the lake away from civilization. We paddled from Tsali boat launch, a solid 8 miles. In a slow canoe and a stop for lunch we took almost 4 hours. We spent two nights towards the end of October, 2020 - so the lake was not at all busy with motor traffic. The lake level was 26 feet below full pool, a short walk up the packed sand bank to the site. There are actually two spots to camp on the island, one in the center and one at the South end. The South site is very small, one or two tents. We had 4 tents and two hammocks at the central site. There was minimal trash present from campers, some washed up junk from the lake itself. We brought firewood, but you can collect a good amount of driftwood if you have to. The Lakeshore Trail is a very short paddle away from this island, it goes right along the North shore of Fontana, so you can take a good hike while you're there.

Overall a pretty good experience. We paddled in from Fontana Village Resort Marina, about an 8 mile trip, as the park staff said this was the most secure place to leave a vehicle parked (free parking with a $5 per boat launch fee). Make sure to check the wind conditions if you will be paddling in. The marina offers a shuttle service if the weather will not cooperate.nThere is a lot of motorboat traffic on the lake if that matters to you either way. If the water level is low, it is a pretty good climb up to the campsite. They have a suspension system set up for your food so nothing steals your pic-a-nic basket. Driftwood is plentiful for the campfire.nBeautiful scenery. Good fishing around a couple of streams that feed the lake nearby. And, as usual, a bit of trash left by previous campers.