Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

For Minnesotans drawn to the allure of the Northwoods, Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground in Ely, MN, presents a unique and practical option. While it might not be the sprawling resort-style campground with all the bells and whistles, its true value lies in its strategic location and the rustic charm it offers. This campground serves as a highly convenient gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), making it an ideal choice for those embarking on or returning from a backcountry adventure, or simply looking for a quiet, natural setting for a night or two.

Nestled within the Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is designed for the genuine outdoor enthusiast. It embraces simplicity, focusing on providing essential facilities amidst a beautiful, natural environment. Unlike some larger, more developed campgrounds, Kawishiwi Lake offers a more intimate and less commercialized camping experience, which many Minnesotans cherish when escaping to the wild.

Visitors frequently highlight its primary benefit: unparalleled access to the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point into the BWCAW. This makes it a popular overnight stop for canoeists and kayakers preparing for their wilderness journey or recuperating after one. Even for those not venturing deep into the Boundary Waters, the campground provides a serene lakeside setting perfect for relaxing, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature in a beautiful birch stand. Its "rustic" designation means fewer amenities, but in turn, it offers a more authentic and less crowded experience, appealing to those who prefer a simpler form of camping closer to true wilderness.

The campground features a limited number of sites, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, adding to its unpretentious appeal. While the sites are described as small and "closed in," they are noted to be flat and offer individual water access, a highly desirable feature for paddlers. This direct lake access means you can easily launch your canoe or kayak right from your campsite, a convenience often hard to find.

Location and Accessibility

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is situated in Ely, MN 55731, USA, deep within the Superior National Forest. This puts it squarely in the heart of Minnesota's iconic Northwoods, a region synonymous with pristine lakes, dense forests, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its location is particularly significant as it sits directly at the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point #37 for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Access to the campground is by vehicle, usually via well-maintained forest roads. While it's considered a rustic campground, meaning no paved sites or hookups, it is designed for ease of access for those driving in. The entry point itself has a sizable parking lot, which, as noted by visitors, can be quite busy due to the high traffic of BWCA users. This indicates its popularity as a staging area for wilderness trips. To reach the campground from Ely, visitors would typically follow County Roads that lead into the national forest. It's always advisable to check current road conditions, especially during spring thaw or after heavy rains, as forest roads can sometimes be impacted.

For those planning to enter the BWCAW from this location, it's important to remember that a permit is required for any use of Kawishiwi Lake, as the lake itself is part of the BWCAW boundary. Day-use permits are available at a kiosk at the access point, and overnight permits for deeper BWCA trips must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. The campground's convenience for BWCA access cannot be overstated; it allows campers to arrive the night before a wilderness trip, organize their gear, and get an early start on their paddling adventure without a long drive on the morning of their permit.

Services Offered

As a "rustic" campground, Kawishiwi Lake focuses on providing basic, essential services while maintaining a natural, low-impact environment.

• Campsites: Five first-come, first-served campsites are available. These sites are described as flat and have enough room for a tent, hammock, and one vehicle. While not designed for large RVs, smaller RVs or trailers (under 21 feet) may be accommodated.
• Vault Toilet: A single vault toilet (outhouse) is provided for sanitation needs. Reviews mention these are surprisingly well-maintained, even decorated, and include hand sanitizer.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing for contained campfires (visitors should always check for fire restrictions before lighting a fire). Some fire pits include a grill rack.
• Lake Access: Every campsite boasts its own direct water access, making it incredibly convenient for canoeists and kayakers to launch and land their boats.
• Parking: A large parking lot is available near the entry point, accommodating vehicles for both campground users and those heading into the BWCAW. Each campsite has space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle.
• Non-Potable Water: There is no potable water available at the campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter, boil, or chemically treat water from the lake before consumption.

Features / Highlights

• Direct BWCAW Entry Point Access: This is arguably the most significant highlight. The campground serves as the primary basecamp for those entering the Boundary Waters at Kawishiwi Lake (Entry Point #37), making it incredibly convenient for pre- and post-trip stays.
• Individual Water Access for Canoes/Kayaks: A rare and highly prized feature, allowing paddlers to launch directly from their campsite.
• Quiet and Natural Setting: Despite being an entry point, many visitors note its peaceful atmosphere, as most traffic is passing through quickly. It's set in a lovely birch stand, offering a serene natural backdrop.
• First-Come, First-Served: While this means no reservations, it appeals to spontaneous adventurers and offers a more laid-back approach to finding a site.
• Well-Maintained Rustic Facilities: The vault toilet is often singled out for being clean and well-kept, a pleasant surprise for a rustic site.
• Potential for "Best Canoe Campsite Ever": A unique point mentioned by a reviewer is a highly regarded canoe campsite with a rare southwest-facing beach located approximately 200 yards east (right) of the landing, offering an exceptional BWCA experience nearby.
• Swimming Opportunities: Unlike many Northwoods lakes with rocky shores, Kawishiwi Lake at the campground has a gradual, sandy slope, providing opportunities for swimming (at your own risk, as there are no designated areas or lifeguards).

Contact Information

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. Direct contact for the campground itself is not typically available due to its rustic, unstaffed nature. However, for inquiries regarding the campground, conditions, or permits for the BWCAW, you can contact the relevant Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

The primary contact for this area is the Tofte Ranger District, which oversees the Kawishiwi Lake entry point.

Address: Tofte Ranger District, 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Phone: (218) 663-8060

Mobile Phone: +1 218-663-8060 (This phone number connects to the Tofte Ranger District office, which manages the area including Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground.)

For the most up-to-date information on fees, permits (especially for BWCA access), and current conditions, it's always best to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest or contact the Tofte Ranger District directly.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is uniquely suitable for Minnesotans, particularly those who cherish our state's profound connection to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As locals, we understand and appreciate the immense value of accessible wilderness experiences, and this campground perfectly delivers on that front. It serves as an incredibly practical and serene basecamp for embarking on, or winding down from, a BWCA adventure.

For many Minnesotans, a trip into the Boundary Waters is an annual pilgrimage, and having a reliable, rustic campground like Kawishiwi Lake at an entry point simplifies logistics immensely. No more frantic early morning drives to reach the entry point; you can arrive the day before, settle into a basic but comfortable site, organize your gear, and wake up refreshed, ready to paddle into the wilderness. This convenience significantly enhances the overall BWCA experience, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable start or end to your trip.

Beyond its utility as an entry point staging ground, Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground itself offers a quintessential Minnesota Northwoods experience. The limited number of first-come, first-served sites ensures a more intimate atmosphere compared to larger, often crowded, state parks. The direct water access from each site is a standout feature for paddlers, allowing you to seamlessly transition from land to lake. This connection to the water, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the birch and pine forests, resonates deeply with our state's identity as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

Moreover, the "rustic" nature of the campground, with its well-maintained vault toilet and fire rings, encourages a simpler, more authentic form of camping that many Minnesotans prefer. It's a place to unplug, listen to the sounds of loons on the lake, and connect with nature without excessive distractions. While it may not offer all the modern amenities, its very simplicity is its strength, appealing to those who seek genuine outdoor immersion. For locals, Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a strategic, serene, and deeply authentic piece of Minnesota's natural heritage, providing an invaluable resource for enjoying our state's most cherished wilderness.

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

Ely, MN 55731, USA