Fall Lake Campground

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential Northwoods camping experience, a blend of natural beauty with convenient amenities, Fall Lake Campground near Ely, MN, stands out as a premier destination. Nestled within the majestic Superior National Forest and on the edge of the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campground offers a perfect balance for families, RV enthusiasts, and tent campers alike. Unlike the more primitive backcountry sites, Fall Lake Campground provides a comfortable base from which to explore the vast wilderness, offering many of the conveniences that make for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor getaway. This article will guide you through the allure of Fall Lake Campground, highlighting its prime location, the array of services it offers, its distinctive features, and why it remains a beloved choice for local adventurers looking to immerse themselves in Minnesota’s breathtaking natural landscapes.

Fall Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a meticulously maintained recreational area designed to enhance your connection with nature without sacrificing essential comforts. It has garnered a reputation for its cleanliness and well-managed facilities, often praised by visitors as a "clean, beautiful, wonderful" place with "perfect" camping sites. Situated on the shores of Fall Lake, which partially extends into the BWCAW, the campground offers both tranquil lake views and direct access to wilderness adventures. Whether you’re looking to cast a line, paddle a canoe into pristine waters, enjoy a swim on a warm summer day, or simply relax by a campfire under a canopy of pines, Fall Lake Campground provides the ideal setting. Its blend of accessibility to the charming town of Ely and its proximity to true wilderness makes it an attractive option for a wide range of Minnesotans, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families looking to introduce their children to the joys of camping.

Fall Lake Campground is conveniently located at Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it approximately 6.5 miles east of the town of Ely, a vibrant hub in Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, renowned as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The proximity to Ely is a significant advantage, allowing campers easy access to supplies, restaurants, and local attractions such as the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, offering a blend of wilderness immersion and town conveniences.

Access to Fall Lake Campground is straightforward by vehicle. From Duluth, one would typically take Highway 53 North to Virginia, MN, then Highway 169 Northeast for about 50 miles to Ely. From Ely, travel an additional 6.5 miles on County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road) directly to the campground. The roads within the campground are paved and well-maintained, ensuring smooth navigation for both cars and RVs. The location on Fall Lake is particularly noteworthy because while a portion of the lake lies within the BWCAW (requiring permits for entry), the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, providing diverse water recreation opportunities right from the campground's doorstep. This dual access makes Fall Lake Campground an ideal base for those wishing to experience both the developed comforts of a campground and the wild beauty of the Boundary Waters.

Fall Lake Campground distinguishes itself by offering a range of services and amenities that enhance the comfort and convenience of its campers, setting it apart from more primitive sites. These services are regularly praised by visitors for their cleanliness and quality.

• Clean and Modern Restrooms & Showers: A frequently highlighted service, multiple reviews praise the "clean bathrooms and showers." New shower houses have been added, providing hot water and a comfortable experience, often with lock codes for exclusive camper use.

• Electrical Hookups: A significant majority of the 64 campsites offer electric hookups (30 and 50 amp available), accommodating RVs and trailers up to 52 feet, which is unusual for many National Forest campgrounds. This provides convenience for powering recreational vehicles and charging devices.

• Potable Water: Electric-powered faucets are available for drinking water, including at the check-in station and near the boat launch area. While there isn't a dump station on-site, a convenient dump station is available at the Chamber of Commerce information office in Ely.

• On-Site Concessionaire/Store: The campground operates with a concessionaire on-site, offering essential camping supplies, firewood, and canoe rentals. This provides convenient access to necessities without needing to leave the campground.

• Boat Ramp and Canoe Landing: Direct access to Fall Lake is provided via a well-maintained boat ramp and a dedicated canoe landing, making it easy for campers to launch their watercraft. Day permits for BWCAW entry from Fall Lake are also available on-site.

• Friendly Campground Hosts: Numerous reviews commend the "friendly and helpful staff" and "volunteer hosts" who do a "great job at keeping sites clean between groups" and are available to assist campers.

• Playground and Swimming Beach: The campground features a designated swimming beach and a playground, making it particularly family-friendly and providing recreational options for children.

• Accessible Facilities: Many campsites and all shower buildings are accessible, and all sites have accessible picnic tables, ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors with diverse needs.

• Waste Disposal: Containers are provided for waste disposal, encouraging proper waste management within the campground.

• Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground maintains a high standard of cleanliness for campsites, restrooms, and shower facilities, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable stay.

• Spacious and Private Campsites: Reviewers frequently highlight the "perfect size" and "nicely spaced" campsites, noting that they are "far enough for privacy and the 'northwoods' feel." Many sites are also "wooded and secluded," offering a genuine sense of privacy.

• Direct Lake Access with Diverse Recreation: Being on Fall Lake provides immediate access to swimming, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), and fishing. The lake is known for walleye fishing, and the campground offers canoe rentals for those wishing to explore further.

• Gateway to BWCAW: Fall Lake serves as a direct entry point (Entry Point #24) into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campers can obtain day-use permits on-site for non-motorized BWCAW exploration, making it an excellent base for experiencing the protected wilderness.

• Family-Friendly Environment: With a dedicated swimming beach, playground, and generally quiet atmosphere (especially during quiet hours), the campground is highly suitable for families with children, offering safe and engaging activities.

• Proximity to Ely: The short drive to Ely allows campers to easily visit the town's unique shops, restaurants, and world-class attractions like the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center, enriching the camping experience with cultural and educational opportunities.

• Beautiful Northwoods Setting: The campground is "nestled among pine, aspen, and fir trees," providing ample shade and the authentic feel of Minnesota's boreal forest, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer, loons, and various bird species.

• Variety of Site Types: With 64 campsites, including both standard electric and tent-only non-electric options, plus two group sites, Fall Lake Campground offers a range of choices to suit different camping preferences and group sizes.

Address: Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (218) 365-2963 (Concessionaire, typically May – October)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-365-2963

For reservations, please visit Recreation.gov.

For general inquiries about the Superior National Forest or the BWCAW, you may contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District at (218) 365-7600.

For Minnesotans, Fall Lake Campground offers an ideal blend of comfortable camping and genuine Northwoods adventure, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for a local getaway. It strikes a perfect balance, providing the essential amenities that enhance a family camping trip – such as clean, modern restrooms with showers, electrical hookups for RVs, and a well-maintained swimming beach and playground – while still delivering the immersive natural experience that defines Minnesota's wilderness. This combination means that residents can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without necessarily having to rough it, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of campers, including those with younger children or those who prefer more creature comforts.

The campground's strategic location on Fall Lake is a significant draw. It provides direct access to water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating on a lake that offers both open areas for motorboats and direct entry into the serene, motor-restricted Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This dual access allows locals to choose their adventure level, from relaxed lakeside enjoyment to more adventurous paddling deeper into the wilderness. Furthermore, its close proximity to the charming town of Ely means that essential supplies, unique local shops, and educational attractions like the International Wolf Center are just a short drive away, enriching the camping experience with convenient town excursions. Fall Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of Minnesota's outdoor recreation – it's clean, beautiful, well-managed, and serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse natural wonders of the region. For Minnesotans, it's not just a campground; it’s a cherished annual tradition for many, offering consistent quality and unforgettable memories in the heart of their beloved Northwoods.

Fall Lake Campground

Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA