We are going in to South Hegman (EP 77) and I am a little concerned about the lack of available camp sites. We will have 2 adults and 4 girls ranging in age from 9 to 12 so I'm thinking we will need to double portage. It looks like if we can't get one of the 3 camp sites on South Hegman, we will have a half mile portage to get to the next lake to the east to Little Bass where there are 3 more camp sites. If those 3 camp sites are taken we will need to portage back to S. Hegman and then go north through Trease to Angleworm which is another 1.5 mile portage. Based on this we could be looking at close to 8 miles of portaging if we are unlucky. I have 2 questions:

1. How likely is it that all 3 camp sites on S. Hegman and Little Bass will be taken?

2. Assuming we do have to go all the way up to Angleworm how early do we need to get to the entry point in order to get to Angleworm before dark?

I know these are tough questions to answer but for any of you experienced people I would sure appreciate your best guess.

Thanks.

I will just say to try to get there as early as you comfortably can. If the sites are occupied, it may be worth your time to politely ask people if they are staying there that night in case they were going to pack up and leave later in the day. If I had to guess, I would say that you have a pretty good chance of securing one of the spots on Hegman - but don't count on it - it is good that you are thinking of a backup plan.

When are you going? I know the last week in July and first two weeks in August can get busy. Still, I don't recall all those campsites being full. I don't recall all the sites on Hegman being full. I suppose it could during those peak weeks, but I think most folks go there for a day trip.

It's good you're thinking about it, but I'd be surprized if one of those six weren't open.

For your second question, I don't know, but I would think with the kids it wouldn't be an option.

We're going in on August 10. I'm hoping by going in on Thursday instead of Friday it won't be too busy yet - but I guess we'll find out. Thanks for your help.

Get an early start-try to hit the entry point portage before 7 am if possible.

When you get to Hegman grab a campsite if one is available and then go exploring after you set up camp. Then you will know you have nothing to worry about. If you make camp before noon you should find an open campsite.