Banadad Lake offers difficult access from only two directions and as a result typically finds itself devoid of campers on any given night. At the most I would imagine two of these sites being occupied on any night throughout the open water season, meaning you can pretty much guarantee an open spot here any time of year. With that being said there are probably only two campsites on the lake you would want to find yourself at anytime of year. From the east access is from entry point #49 Skipper and Portage Lake which starts with either a 320 r portage off of Poplar Lake, or a 32 r and 230 r portage in from Iron and Portage Lakes, neither of which are very easy. From the west most people would use a Cross Bay Lake entry permit and travel through Long Island and up through Cave, Ross and Sebeka Lakes. Between Long Island and Banadad Lakes you will not find any campsites and medium length, rougher than average portages. As you can see neither of these access options offer quick and easy access, and as a result the lake has a very remote feel. The DNR lake report only quotes Northern Pike, Whitefish and Burbot as being netted but I have definitely caught Smallmouth Bass on the lake. Mediocre fishing a couple of nice sites and solitude are what you will find on this beautifully wild feeling lake.
Campsite #1
This is by far the nicest campsite on the lake, with a Quetico-esque feel of solitude and light use combined with being nicely perched on an island. It has an okay landing, but the climb up the hill to the actual site is a little rough and tumble. The layout at the top of the hill is completely worth it as you have plenty of space for tents, hammocks and a fire grate area that looks out over the lake that is most likely all yours. I always suggest checking to see if this campsite is available first.
Tent Pads: 2+ | Landing: C- | Fire Grate Area: A | Overall: B+
Campsite #2
If you really want to “get away” then this is the campsite for you. Tucked back in an out of the way bay this rustic campsite will truly feel like you are out in the bush. On the map this looks like it would be an all but abandoned campsite, but surprisingly it looks to get some moderate use. It has nothing noteworthy about its landing, firegrate area or tent pads, but I think in the case of this campsite that is a good thing.
Tent Pads: 2 | Landing: C- | Fire Grate Area: C- | Overall: C-
Campsite #3
This is another really cool island campsite on the lake, and one of the more unique sites in the area. While it may only offer a couple of small tent pads and slim hammock pickings the firegrate area which is out on a tiny little point right on the water is exceptional and almost completely makes up for the sleeping options. The firegrate area is right out on the water but the tent pads and decent sized trees for setting up for hammocks are a ways back in the woods which might make for a buggy time. A small but reasonable landing is off to the side of the site as well.
Tent Pads: 1+ | Landing: B- | Fire Grate Area: A | Overall: B
Campsite #4
This small sloping site is about halfway down the lake on the north shore. The only thing this spot really has going for is its landing, which is nice and gradual with good footing for loading and unloading. After that your left with a feeling of vertigo as everything slopes down towards the lake and only one small flat tent pad that looked prone to flooding could be found on the way to the latrine. Every other site on Banadad is better than this one.
Tent Pads: 1 | Landing: B | Fire Grate Area: C- | Overall: D+
