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Bring an electric outboard and strap onto a makeshift raft. Great fishing! Been coming here since 1954 as a kid with a 2.5HP Hiawatha outboard - still have it. Camping can be tight but road keeps flatlanders away. Don't forget to go over Pugatory to the other lakes and Granite Creek with a fly rod. Stop by Smith Mtn lookout for a great view on the way in or out. Continue over to Jackley Mtn and upper Rapid River drainage - another fly rod area!
Long dusty access road is too rocky and should be smoothed out. No TP in the outhouse. Nobody around to talk to. The hike up to Purgatory Saddle was straight up and the birds make fun of you if you have to stop and rest. Trees and thunderstorm clouds blocked any good views and the hailstones hurt! Too many rocks in general. Don't expect much, a real dud.
Beautiful area. It's a small campground, but luckily there are some primitive camping spots around the lake as well. BTW, the last 6 miles of the access road is pretty rugged, high clearance vehicle is recommended..
