Bear island hangout September 18th 19th and 20th on percey priest lake

**mrjaw14** · 08-12-2015, 08:51

for me the choice was easy. I have a bomb-proof 80 lb kayak and I carry a lot of gear, so being able to unload the kayak and all my gear right at a mooring and not have to carry anything more than a few feet was the way to go. Now the lot says for boat trailers only, but they'll let you park there if you're kayaking out to bear island. Just tell them at the pay booth you're camping on bear island and they'll write that on a post it note you place on your dash so they know why the vehicle is there.

**Rain Man** · 08-12-2015, 10:05

Originally Posted by barbermike

Thanks for the info Mr Jaw. I didn't know about the beach parking or boat ramp on that side of the peninsula. Glad to know there is some gated parking. I've always used the small Anderson public use area parking on the North side of the peninsula. But didn't really care to leave my car there.

I've put in both places several times. I think Mr. Jaw's map shows another place, closer to that camp site right between Bear and Raccoon Islands. But that might require going right through the roped-off beach?

The place we usually park and put in is just a little farther to the west. It would add a few hundred more feet to the paddle, but (I think) a shorter haul from the parking lot and fewer upset sunbathers, swimmers, and life guards. Here's a map I have posted in the past. Not sure if it clarifies or just ... muddies the water (pun intended).

**mrjaw14** · 08-12-2015, 12:27

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I've put in both places several times. I think Mr. Jaw's map shows another place, closer to that camp site right between Bear and Raccoon Islands. But that might require going right through the roped-off beach?

yes and no. The way the parking areas are fanned out, it's really no further to put in outside the roped off swimming area shown in this image, which may actually be what you're talking about. Although I've witnessed people just going up and over the rope, which I would not advocate doing
beach.JPG

**adough** · 08-25-2015, 16:31

What's the deal with camping there? I plan on camping Friday night of this week and bear island sounds like a great option. Are camping spots here limited and is it difficult to get a spot? I'm hoping I can make it out for the group hang as well! Thanks.

**Turtle2** · 08-26-2015, 19:21

Stealthman and I plan to be there.

**B-Square** · 08-27-2015, 20:36

Hey Guys, I'm new to forums and for that matter Backpacking. My goal is to go ultralight and have started looking into hammocks. I would like to come and out to your hang just to see the different options and how it could fit into my gear.

Would it be alright for me to just kayak in one of these days to see your set ups?

**barbermike** · 08-27-2015, 20:41

Originally Posted by B-Square

Hey Guys, I'm new to forums and for that matter Backpacking. My goal is to go ultralight and have started looking into hammocks. I would like to come and out to your hang just to see the different options and how it could fit into my gear.

Would it be alright for me to just kayak in one of these days to see your set ups?

Hey, I'm not sure if I'll be at the hang yet. If you're interested in ultralight backpacking with a hammock send me a PM we can chat about it. I am currently at ~7.5 lbs base pack weight before clothing. That's after adding back a pound for comfort. I'm in the middle Tennesse area and if I can find time would be happy to show you some stuff.

**Rain Man** · 08-28-2015, 09:03

Originally Posted by B-Square

Would it be alright for me to just kayak in one of these days to see your set ups?

Absolutely.

**neo** · 09-13-2015, 08:09

we are now less than a week away from the september bear island hangout

neo

**hangnout** · 09-13-2015, 17:21

I am planning on being there Saturday night. A couple of us are starting on the Stones River Friday and plan to camp south of Hobson Pike Bridge that night.

See you sometime Saturday.