Question in regards to Crotch lake campsites. Can you drive to the cluster of sites on Crotch lake? Where exaxtly is the Launch? Jeffrys map show is halfway between Farm and Crotch.
Thanks Mike

I don't think you can drive to any sites on Crotch L. I stayed on the two sites closest to the narrows to Shall L, and no sight of a road anywhere.

The launch is just to the right of the '7' on the '17' on Jeffrey's map. The road continues onwards with a bridge going over those narrows between Farm and Crotch lakes, but this is not public-use, only logging. Just before those narrows you'll find a parking lot on your left, permit office on your right.

The drive in on Major lake road is long and gravelly. You'll be tempted to speed but just be careful. Some of the corners are tight, and there's a fair bit of truck traffic.

Hi Mike

Back in the 'old days', there used to be a bridge at the west end of the narrows between Crotch and Shall Lakes. The rock foundations can still be seen on either shore of the narrows. The road used to go directly to that cluster of campsites on the east shore of Crotch Lake. Older Canoe Route maps show a large cluster of interior campsites, while more recent ones show that their number has been reduced to only the shoreline ones.

Didn't anyone ever wonder why the name "Shall Lake" was used to describe the access point which is actually now located between Farm and Crotch Lakes? Just bureaucrats trying to maintain continuity of records for the "same" access point with a changed location! Never mind the confusion its caused to campers over the past years!

Gee, I'm starting to really feel like an old goat, having to tell young pups about "the way it used to be". LOL.

Barry Bridgeford
http://www.AlgonquinAdventures.com
http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Thanks, Barry thats exactly why I was asking