Strangers camping on our lot

[michelle]

I purchased a trail cam this spring to capture photos of wildlife that go through our lot at camp and basically to leave out there all summer for this purpose. I bring my laptop to camp to check it out every time we go. So far, no photos of any wildlife, but was quite surprised to see pics of ppl camping on our lot. They were obviously tenting there overnight as the photos are timestamped and in the photos, you can see them moving an old table I keep outside to use down at the beach. The camera was in plain view and they mostly kept their faces averted from the camera. The table was returned to where they got it and we would never have known they were there if it wasn't for the camera.
This isn't the first time this has happened, also happened a couple of years ago, where we pulled in at 2 am and actually had two tents on our lot. No one came out of the tents to talk to us and basically, we just went into our camp, locked all doors and slept upstairs, a little uneasy, not knowing who, or how many ppl were there. Turns out there were about 10 ppl in these tents, they got up at the break of dawn, and quietly packed up their gear and left in 3 canoes off our beach.
Anyone else have this happen to them? We have had our camp for 10 years now and never had anything stolen.

[Dog]

I've never met a paddler that had bad intentions. These people appear to be no different and just looking for a place to crash after a long days paddle. How do you know they didn't go up to the cabin and at least knock to ask for permission to camp overnight (I always do if I beach somewhere)... I would bet they did as well because no one wants woken up with a shotgun in their face for trespassing.

It sounds like you're annoyed or frustrated by this happening.... so do you have signs posted? No Trespassing. No overnight camping by paddlers permitted. Cabin protected by Guns. Property monitored by cameras, smile!

I mean there a bunch of signs you could post that would make potential paddlers uneasy to beach and use a piece of land to pitch a tent. The other option is to welcome them and post signage and designate a spot for them to campout....

At the end of the day, isn't paddling through Kipawa the essence of the place? the roots? It's on my bucket list to paddle the lake and watershed one day... along with thru hiking the Appalachian Trail amongst others....

I hope you get the resolution your desire.

[michelle]

I will admit that, initially, I was a little annoyed. Probably more worried about break ins as we do hear about them now and again. Thought about  putting signs up as well, but as nothing was vandalized, we've decided against it and to just leave things as they are.... and hope that the people that are stopping by, are , as you say, just someone looking for a place to rest.

[Dog]

Your concerns and annoyance are understandable. You likely paid a lot for your camp (or it was inherited through family) and why should someone else get to enjoy it for free, right?

Being a paddler and having been on a few overnight trips.... when trying to locate a camping spot (if it's not picked out beforehand), I always look for a few things as I float along my route (all of which are based on convenience)

1) an easy place to beach (so I don't have to get too wet or climb too much beaching my canoe and getting ashore
2) a flat piece of ground I can pitch a tent. no one want to sleep on small sharp rocks or large tree roots. Grass or a field is prime
3) a place I could make a campfire safely (being near the woods with some underbrush i can pick from makes this easy)
4) a nice westward view is icing on the cake to catch the sunset...

if you're property has these, you're likely a paddler's wet dream as an overnight camping spot.

If you're looking to keep paddler's away I'd post signs and let them know they're not welcome. Even if I spot the above 4, if it had signs, I wouldn't stay there, even if no one was around. Not worth the risk. lots of land out there... especially on kipawa, it's a large lake.

[michelle]

Well,we didn't pay a lot for our camp but  have worked so very hard at making improvements and it's come a very long way in 10 years. It's my favorite place in the world to be....hands down. We just purchased a boat in the last couple of years, had to, my poor hubby was getting tired of coming to camp to work all the time so this forces us to relax and fish. 
hmmm I must say that out of the four things you mention that you look for, 3 of those four apply to our lot....lol. We face east, beautiful sunrises. I think that we also happen to be along a canoe route...see canoes going by all the time.
We probably get guests more often than I know of, but like I said, as long as nothing is damaged or vandalized, we will leave well enough alone.... and hope for the best.

[crunchie]

Michelle, I really feel for you.  We bought our cottage to be able to say that it's our privacy place.  If I wanted a place so anyone could come and go as they please, I would have rented a lot on a campground with a trailer.  People are not welcome to come and spend the night and pitch their tent on our lot without permission, we shouldn't have to post signs explaining this, it's common sense.  The same rules apply in the city as in the wild.  When you plan your excursion, you need to know where you can stop and rest, not just squat anywhere that's convenient.
Now I'm not talking about strong winds, hurricane situations and the like, that's different and I'd welcome anyone in that situation. 
In fact,  some paddlers once came up on our property and wanted to go for some strolling, crossing our lot.  Apparently, the outfitter that they were staying at told them that it was ok.  Well we spoke to the outfitter and told him that if he was willing to share his earnings with us then it would be ok, never saw anyone else after that.
Long story short folks, respect the property and privacy when you see a cottage, that means the people that own it have worked hard for it.

[michelle]

Where is your camp located Crunchie? On Lake Kipawa as well?

[rhinoboy]

Michelle, I really feel for you.  We bought our cottage to be able to say that it's our privacy place.  If I wanted a place so anyone could come and go as they please, I would have rented a lot on a campground with a trailer.  People are not welcome to come and spend the night and pitch their tent on our lot without permission, we shouldn't have to post signs explaining this, it's common sense.  The same rules apply in the city as in the wild.  When you plan your excursion, you need to know where you can stop and rest, not just squat anywhere that's convenient.
Now I'm not talking about strong winds, hurricane situations and the like, that's different and I'd welcome anyone in that situation. 
In fact,  some paddlers once came up on our property and wanted to go for some strolling, crossing our lot.  Apparently, the outfitter that they were staying at told them that it was ok.  Well we spoke to the outfitter and told him that if he was willing to share his earnings with us then it would be ok, never saw anyone else after that.
Long story short folks, respect the property and privacy when you see a cottage, that means the people that own it have worked hard for it.

I could not agree with the above more.  Michelle, don't feel bad for being annoyed, I would as well.  As crunchie points out, you bought the place for you, not everyone else.

Dog, as you point out, Kipawa is an ENORMOUS lake, i've been on it my entire life.  Before I could afford a boat or cottage, I paddled and camped.  The lake is so big there are millions of spots.  If they want all the amenities of a camp site, or cottage lot, then they should pay for it.  Storms or bad situations are a whole other story, I've helped many people in need over the years, that's besides the point. 

I'm sorry you're going through this, it's not right, period.  Take care.

[NortonJoe]

Well, I understand all of the comments and guess I'd agree Michelle that as long as there is no damage (or mess) there's no real harm...

[T-Bone]

As stated, I'd post a sign along the lines of "Private Property - No Trespassing". I'd also put in small print below that; "We are apt to arrive at our property anytime between 12AM and 11:59PM on any given day. All articles of property found on OUR property will become the eminent domain of the landowners immediately upon our arrival." I'm fairly confident there is a law that supports that. That should keep any squatters away.

Yeah....I know...it's a bit hard-line for the Kipawa bush, but it is your property, and it seems that your position is that it's not open for squatters.

[puckster_guy]

TG I haven't had that problem...Yet. I don't know how I'd deal with it.

[Dog]

I've been thinking about how I'd feel about this if I was ever lucky enough to have a cabin on a lake somewhere, someday....

I'd designate an area for overnight paddlers to tent, near the water (away from the cabin) using small signs and stakes. I'd find a way to have a guestbook at the area (even if something as simple as a fallen tree they could carve into or a book in a waterproof ziplock bag). I feel like it would provide some neat history and character to the property for the region over generations.

I'd also post no trespassing and private property signs outside the cabin and mount some fake or trail cameras facing the cabin exterior on nearby tress and monitoring the paddler tent area.

I realize being a paddler gives me a different perspective on this topic and it probably isn't popular on this forum. I respect what others have said, different strokes for different folks as they saying goes.

[Oarin]

Hi Michelle, like what was stated, an emergency like bad weather is a different story. I remember 20 some years ago Capt. Guy and I were in the Gouin Res. when a horrible thunder storm came on suddenly. We were in a 14 ft. aluminum   boat with a 9.9 motor and a LONG way from camp. Luckily there was a camp close by. Go figure, we were miles from anywhere, anyways, it seems the camps there are left unlocked just for that reason. Someone told me it was a requirement. If you've ever been to the Gouin it's not a large lake with an easy to follow shore line. There are dozens of channels that make for a long ride home. Your post reminded me of that trip. My 2 cents for you, if there are other places to camp nearby I'd post your property. if not I'd post a sign telling what your "Guests" should and shouldn't do. Oarin.

[michelle]

Thank you all for your replies.....got some good ideas here. Going to camp this weekend, should be pretty frosty.

[crunchie]

Michelle, sorry for the late reply, been moose hunting and getting ready for winter.  Yes my cottage is on lake Kipawa.