Fenske Lake Campground

For Minnesotans yearning to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw, untouched beauty of the Northwoods, Fenske Lake Campground near Ely, MN, offers an experience that captures the essence of wilderness camping. This is not a bustling, amenity-heavy resort, but rather a cherished rustic campground within the Superior National Forest, designed for those who find solace in simplicity and the quiet grandeur of nature. As many visitors attest, it's a place where the "no's" – no electric, no showers, no cell service – become part of its undeniable charm, allowing for a profound connection with the outdoors.

Fenske Lake Campground is a destination that prioritizes spaciousness and privacy. Campers frequently highlight the "large campsite" and "spacious campsites," noting that even if pictures don't do them justice, the reality is a pleasant surprise. Site #8, for example, is described as having "plenty of space for a medium sized camper up top if needed to as well" and being "very private." This commitment to providing ample room between sites ensures a peaceful and secluded experience, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest without feeling crowded.

The appeal of Fenske Lake extends beyond just the campsites themselves. Situated on the shores of 130-acre Fenske Lake, the campground offers direct access to a scenic body of water surrounded by dense hardwood and pine forests. For anglers, Fenske Lake provides opportunities for bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish. There's an accessible fishing pier and a boat ramp, making it easy to launch a canoe or kayak and explore the lake's quiet coves. The campground also serves as a popular base camp for those looking to explore deeper into the Superior National Forest and even the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), making it a strategic starting point for extended paddling or hiking adventures.

While Fenske Lake Campground embraces its rustic nature, it doesn't compromise on essential comforts. The "vault toilets were clean and well maintained," a consistent point of praise from campers, ensuring a respectable level of sanitation in a wilderness setting. Potable drinking water is available, though one reviewer noted the "water set-up" might take a bit longer to fill up a tank compared to state parks – a minor inconvenience for the overall experience. The presence of a campground host, often described as "incredibly nice" and "attentive," adds a layer of support and local insight, ensuring guests feel welcome and informed.

Activities at Fenske Lake are centered around its natural environment. A short, 1-mile nature trail within the campground offers a pleasant walk for families and children, allowing for exploration and wildlife viewing. The grassy beach provides a spot for swimming, and the entire area is rich with opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and observing the abundant birds and wildlife, including loons and bald eagles. It's a place that encourages a slower pace, a chance to reconnect with the simple joys of outdoor living – building a campfire, listening to the sounds of nature, and appreciating the vastness of Minnesota's wilderness.

For those who truly seek an escape from modern distractions, Fenske Lake Campground is a perfect match. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is truly more, especially when it comes to experiencing the unspoiled beauty of Northern Minnesota. The ability to book a second trip after a first visit, despite (or perhaps because of) its rustic nature, speaks volumes about the deep satisfaction campers find here.

Fenske Lake Campground is located at 2229 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it approximately 10 miles northwest of the wilderness gateway town of Ely, Minnesota, deep within the Superior National Forest. The Echo Trail (County Road 116) is a scenic byway that leads into a more remote area of the forest, providing access to numerous lakes and wilderness entry points.

Access to Fenske Lake Campground is via paved and well-maintained roads from Ely. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through beautiful forest landscapes. While the campground is designed to be rustic, its accessibility by vehicle makes it a convenient option for a wide range of campers, including those with medium-sized campers or RVs (though larger RVs may find sites challenging). The campground's proximity to Ely means that essential supplies, outfitters, and additional dining options are just a short drive away, balancing remote wilderness with practical convenience. The boat ramp on Fenske Lake provides easy water access for canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats, allowing campers to explore the lake and its connected waters.

• Campsites: 16 sites available, including tent-only and sites that can accommodate RVs and trailers (up to 20-80 feet depending on site, though most do not accommodate large RVs).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground.
• Potable Drinking Water: Available, though the setup may require patience for filling large tanks.
• Fire Grates: Each campsite typically includes a fire grate for cooking and campfires.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table.
• Boat Ramp: Gravel boat ramp available for launching small boats, canoes, and kayaks onto Fenske Lake.
• Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier for shore angling.
• Nature Trail: A short, 1-mile nature trail for easy hikes within the campground area.
• Grassy Beach: A designated area for swimming on Fenske Lake.
• Reservations: Sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov.
• Camp Host: On-site camp hosts provide assistance and maintain the campground.

Note what is NOT offered: There are no electric hookups, no showers, no office on-site, and typically no Verizon cellular service within the campground itself, reinforcing its rustic, off-grid nature.

• Rustic Wilderness Experience: Offers a true escape into the wild, free from typical modern amenities, promoting peace and quiet.
• Spacious & Private Campsites: Campers consistently praise the large, secluded sites that offer ample room.
• Beautiful Lake Setting: Overlooks 130-acre Fenske Lake, surrounded by dense hardwood and pine forests.
• Excellent Fishing: Opportunities for bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish on Fenske Lake.
• Boundary Waters Gateway: Popular as a base camp for exploring the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest canoe circle routes.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Facilities are well-maintained despite their rustic nature.
• Nature Trail & Swimming Beach: On-site recreational opportunities for all ages.
• Accessible Fishing Pier: Provides easy access for shore fishing.
• Abundant Wildlife: Opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, including loons and bald eagles.
• Camp Host Presence: Friendly and helpful hosts enhance the camping experience.
• Tent-Friendly: Ideal for tent camping, with some walk-in sites available for added seclusion.
• No Crowds or Noise: A tranquil environment for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.

Address: 2229 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Kawishiwi Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-365-7600

For reservations, visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

For local information, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service.

For Minnesotans, Fenske Lake Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it's a coveted return to the basics of wilderness living, a perfect match for those who truly appreciate the raw beauty of our state's northern reaches. Its suitability for locals lies precisely in what it lacks – electricity, showers, cell service – which translates into the profound quiet and natural immersion that many Minnesotans seek when escaping the daily grind. This rustic charm resonates deeply with the state's outdoor culture, offering a genuine "unplugged" experience that allows for true relaxation and reconnection with nature.

The "spacious and private campsites" are a significant draw for locals, providing ample room to spread out and enjoy the solitude, a luxury often hard to find in more developed campgrounds. The fact that the vault toilets are consistently praised for being "clean and well maintained" speaks to a level of care that Minnesotans expect, even in a primitive setting. Access to Fenske Lake itself for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, combined with the campground's strategic location as a base for exploring the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters, makes it an ideal spot for those who live for outdoor recreation. Locals can easily embark on day trips to explore pristine lakes or challenging hiking trails, returning to a peaceful campsite at the end of the day.

Furthermore, the presence of a dedicated nature trail, a grassy beach, and an accessible fishing pier ensures there are activities for all ages, catering to local families looking for a wholesome outdoor adventure. The understanding that "this minor inconvenience isn’t enough to dock a star" when discussing the water setup reflects the Minnesotan willingness to embrace a few small trade-offs for the reward of an authentic wilderness experience. Ultimately, Fenske Lake Campground offers Minnesotans an accessible yet deeply wild retreat, a place to refresh their spirits, challenge their outdoor skills, and create cherished memories in the heart of their beloved Northwoods.

Fenske Lake Campground

2229 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA