I have been paddling the Boundary Waters and Quetico for years, with a recent interest in doing more hiking. I took a day to explore the Border Route Trail on the gunflint trail. It seems like most campsites on the trail are also used by canoeists. I also noticed there are very few hike in only sites. In the 11 miles I hiked I didn't see one. I am curious what the condition of these sites are, as I am think of doing over night hiking. I am also wondering if anyone has an idea why there aren't more hike in sites. My major concern is coming up to that campsite on a lake at the end of a day and finding it occupied. While on the topic I found it unnerving to have the trail go right through campsites, especially the occupied ones. Everyone at the sites seemed fine with my presence at the time, but I don't know how I would react to a stranger appearing at 9am. Any thoughts on any of this would be great.
Thanks

The only thing I can think of at the moment would be to make your own campsite off the trail aways(ala pma style)in order to avoid people walking through your site. I totally agree..I would not like people coming through my campsite at anytime, and I would be fearful to leave camp...for fear of thieves.

I hiked from McFarland to South Lake in April & May of 2004. I hiked then specifically to avoid canoeists. IMO the reasons for the sharing of sites are the FS likes to service the camps from the water (would you like to carry a fire grate in your backpack and the availability of drinking water at the camp). Also it's not the BW Hiking Area Wilderness.
Just about all the hike designated campsites are pretty second class. Quite often they're at the top of pretty steep hills, keeps the canoeists out but a real bear for getting water. On Rose Lake the trail passes within feet of both the fire grates. The western site designated as hiking was probably made after the blowdown so the FS would not be far from their work.
You can always camp in any area. You need to be 150 feet from any trail, portage or existing campsite. Pretty hard to do with a tent. And you can't have a campfire.
The areas around South Lake & Rose are probably the best for overnight trips. Going in on the Caribou Rock Trail there is a very pretty "decommissioned" site at the top of the Stairway Portage but you can no longer camp there. Continue on to the ones on Rose Lake and come out around Daniels the next day. You will be about 5 miles from your car but you may be able to arrange a shuttle with Clearwater Outfitters. Going the other way you go toward South Lake but again you also come out some distance from your car.

We had the Border Trail go right through the middle of our campsite on Daniels. We had only one family come through on a day hike from Clearwater but the Rangers decided to show up at our site at the same time as the hikers. So much for peace and quiet. License and permit checks all around plus a full out and out inspection of our campsite and latrine! Got a lecture on cigg butts in the fire pit.
Maybe the Kek is a better alternative.