McCraney Lake – Campsite #9

This is the northernmost campsite on the east side of McCraney Lake. The accessibility of the canoe landing is good. The shore is rocky and it is only a step or two up to the campsite. There’s enough space for one canoe to land/put-in at a time due to the shallow shore. There is plenty of space for canoes to be securely stacked a couple of steps into the site, though not very visibly. The fire pit is big, deep, and solidly constructed. It is built higher facing the water to act as a wind break, and lower on the opposite side to make it easier to feed and manage the fire. There are two small grills that are in good condition. The main area is very flat and clear. There are several large, flat and impressively level rocks that can serve as tables and/or seating. However, they’re a little short to be good tables and the layout doesn’t serve well to use them as seating. There isn’t enough space to use the rocks as both tables and seating for a group of six. We found ourselves standing most of the time and taking turns sitting down. An additional wood/log bench is needed. The shore consists of small pebbles on sand with a shallow, gradual drop off. There are a few rocks that can almost act as stepping stones to the “tanning rock” that is large enough for one person to lie on or a few to sit and put their feet in the water. The water is clear and weed-free with little to no current. There is little to no easily accessible dead wood available near the site. The trees that look dead still had new growth on them. To find decent-sized firewood, you have to travel more inland/down shore. There are two tent spots that are flat, root and stone free, with good drainage. Both sites can fit two tents side-by-side. Due to a large, partially downed tree, the area that could have held a third tent was no longer safe. The thunder box is in excellent condition and looked recently built. Looking towards the south end of the lake, the site offers a nice view of the north island between two points.