Fall Lake

Superior National Forest

Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities.

Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border.

This lake has some sites that can be reserved and some that are first-come, first-served. Many sites at Fall Lake are made to accommodate RVs including pull-through sites. Trees provide privacy between most campsites. The facility is very accessible.

A store, canoe rentals, firewood and ice are available at the facility, and a campground host is on-site during the season.

Need to Know

• Be aware: the northern portion of Fall Lake near the campground is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where motorboat users are required to possess a valid wilderness permit and motor size is restricted to 25 horsepower or less; day use requires a self-issued permit; permit information

• All reservable sites, except 26, 33 and 41 (tent-only) have electric hookups; sites 5, 10, 15, 16, 18 and 62 have 20, 30 and 50 amp service available

• One towed vehicle per single camping unit will be allowed for no extra charge if it can be parked completely on the surfaced area and does not create a safety hazard. Examples of towed vehicles include a boat trailer or a car towed by a motor home. Two motorcycles are considered one vehicle.
• $8/night fee will be collected for extra vehicles.

• Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

• Reservations for single campsites can be made 6 months in advance . Reservations for group sites can be made 12 months in advance.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant.

Nearby Attractions

Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine.

By far the most popular nearby attraction is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.

Recreation

Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.

Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill.

Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas.

There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.

Contact Information

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KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT 1393 HIGHWAY 169 ELY MN 55731

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT: 218-365-7600, CONCESSIONAIRE (SUMMER): 218-365-2963

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Fall Lake is located in Northeast MN, 100 miles North of Duluth MN. From Duluth, MN, take Highway 53 north for 50 miles to Virginia, MN. Take Highway 169 northeast for 50 miles to Ely, Minnesota, travel an addition 6.5 miles to County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road). Travel north on County Road 182 for 2 miles.

Available Campsites

• Site 029, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 020, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 022, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 039, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 059, Loop NORL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 011, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 060, Loop NORL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 046, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 005, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 056, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 013, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 040, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 036, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 027, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 054, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 028, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 014, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 041, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site GS2, Loop Woodlands, Type Group Standard Electric
• Site 053, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 057, Loop NORL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 062, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 006, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 050, Loop NORL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 044, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 010, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 043, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 033, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop LAKE, Type Tent Only Electric
• Site 023, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 048, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 038, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 025, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 012, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site GS1, Loop Voyageurs, Type Group Standard Electric
• Site 009, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 055, Loop NORL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 042, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 047, Loop NORL, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 063, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 051, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 034, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 058, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 018, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 052, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 003, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 032, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 045, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 035, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 002, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 024, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 049, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 061, Loop NORL, Type Standard Electric
• Site 016, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 008, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric
• Site 030, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 037, Loop LAKE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 017, Loop BASS, Type Standard Electric

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