WoW Joe! You be da devil. The thought would have never crossed my mind. I like it though. Don't think I could do it myself but I like it a lot. Welcome BTW!

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FWIW - I never defined the time of day beyond saying the next lake was decent and doable. All next lakes require some effort. One campsite on it means a large group could be noisy and probably not bother anyone. Not that large groups are all noisy.... Let's say it's mid to late afternoon in June. Plenty of daylight left to hit the next lake, set up camp and have a leisurely dinner before going out for the evening.

If the situation were reversed and you were leading the big group, do you think anyone in your group might be be miffed that the solo took the better site? Would there be a discussion about it in your group? And yes you told them which site you hoped might be open and why plus you understood the possibility that both sites might be taken. Heck, You're group may have even been aiming for the next lake all along!

Maybe this is just the Q paddler in me but here's a little different twist on campsite selection etiquette - if there is such a thing. Shouldn't it be obvious to the large group that someone who is solo IS solo because they desire solitude if not quiet? If reasonably possible, and the scenario described is, wouldn't you simply move on so the solo (or ANY other group) could have the area to themselves?

Basically I wouldn't choose a camp within sight and earshot of any other occupied site unless I seriously had to. I'd appreciate the same courtesy and I certainly would never set anchor and fish in front of anyone else's campsite. I at least hope I'm not in the minority with that.