South Kawishiwi River
South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings of up to 35 people.
The campground offers individual campsites and one group picnic area that can be reserved for day use. Sites are spacious, private, well-maintained and shaded. Visitors will find vault toilets, drinking water and trash bins within the facility. Firewood is available for purchase.
Notifications and Alerts
- Full fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves and charcoal grills.
Need to Know
- Traveling within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness requires a permit; day use requires a self-issued permit; overnight use requires a permit from the quota system.
- Beach and picnic areas open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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.
Two vehicles per site. RV or trailer counts as first vehicle.
- $7/night fee will be collected for extra vehicles.
The South Kawishiwi River Campground holds a pavilion for rent (site 33) that can accommodate up to 25 people. The site also has an outdoor cooking area with a large grill and two picnic tables. See site 33 for more information.
- Off-road and all-terrain vehicles not allowed during camping season.
- During the walk-in season please contact the Superior National Forest for information.
- Click here to learn more about Superior National Forest.
- 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.
Natural Features
The scenic Kawishiwi River boasts clear, cold and calm waters lined with boreal forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in Superior National Forest, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. The campground lies in a mixed aspen, birch and conifer forest.
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.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.
Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Additional sites of interest
Recreation
Canoeing is a main attraction. The Kawishiwi River provides access to Birch Lake to the south and the Boundary Waters to the north. When traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness, a permit is required.
Canoe rentals are available by contacting the host.
Closer to shore, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the campground's grassy beach, hiking the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail or trying their luck at fishing for northern pike, perch and walleye. A boat ramp is located on-site.
View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
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
From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.
Available Campsites
- Site 001, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 026, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 019, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 024, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 014, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 007, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 012, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 002, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 006, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 025, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 005, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 030, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 021, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 029, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 027, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 004, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 003, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 011, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 016, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 009, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 018, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 028, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 031, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Electric
- Site 017, Loop SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER , Type Standard Nonelectric
