Comments on: Adventure Is Being Planned Out Of Existence

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:06:59 +0000

I believe the underlying issue is that there are now way more people living in Ontario who want to camp in the backcountry and there has been no increase in backcountry infrastructure or provincial parks. For the not reserve in advance system to work – you need a lower ratio of people to sites..

But – the opposite has happened – Since the 1990s many parks scattered across the province have been closed or become ‘non-operational’ parks – deemed not feasible for maintenance. This includes not maintaining portages or backcountry sites. With the increased uptick in camping and outdoor pursuits and the increase in population it strikes me as crazy that so many parks and canoe routes that were maintained in the 80s (when the population was much smaller) no longer have maintained portages. In my mind this is a political problem – people voting for candidates who prioritize tax cuts over open spaces.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:58:02 +0000

Here’s a solution to this silly problem. Have your partner plan the route, book the sites, and not tell you anything. Then you will feel like your trip is more wild and exciting while also using the absolutely necessary (in some parks)reservation systems. Also the motel wasn’t full because of the reservation system, it was full because it was busy same as all these parks with similar systems. Adapt to the changing world or continue complaining while it burns.

By: martin feuchtwanger

martin feuchtwanger — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 03:12:35 +0000

This is a test. My earlier comment got deleted or ignored!

By: martin feuchtwanger

martin feuchtwanger — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 03:01:12 +0000

Surely this is all a function of increasing population and increasing desire to go camping and limited camping resources.

What would be your solution?

By: William Woodcleft

William Woodcleft — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:04:54 +0000

Fortunately a backcountry primitive campsite in most of New York’s Adirondack Park doesn’t require a reservation or a permit – it is first-come, first-served. I hope that never changes (at least not in my lifetime). Yes, when it’s peak season, at the most popular canoe camping destinations, there is a possibility of not getting a site or the one you planned on getting, but if you’re going to the most popular locations in peak season, you should expect that flexibility on your part is needed. That being said, in my 50+ years of camping in the Adirondacks I have never had a problem finding a site. Plus, in many (but not all) locations, you have the option to go 150 feet back from a road, trail or body of water and camp. Obviously, this type of camping requires some care, consideration and adjustments to limit your impact, but it’s good to know you have that option if needed. So there’s still “adventure” in backcountry camping in the Adirondacks; just try to avoid the most popular spots in peak season and have a backup plan or alternate location if that parking lot is overflowing and the put-in is a mob scene.

By: Hank

Hank — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:46:21 +0000

Absolutely spot on observation. Too many people who do not take care of nature ruin adventure travel. When adventure paddling, adhering to a strict schedule defeats some of the spirit of adventure.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:31:28 +0000

I too was surprised when I first paddled the Sylvania Wilderness in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and learned during trek planning that campsites were by reservation only. I realized then that not all wilderness areas are created equal, and Sylvania definitely wasn’t Boundary Waters. But I found a solution — I just won’t go to those places.

For me, there are plenty enough places I can go and the relatively minor irritation of the world changing around me is worth the corresponding satisfaction of seeing increasing numbers of people experiencing nature. Yes, it was odd watching a couple with their six- and eight-year-olds strolling past my Sylvania campsite with their picnic basket. But that a family can paddle into the wild, sleep in in the mornings, and meander to their next campsite in time for dinner knowing that it will be there for them is pretty cool.