South Kawishiwi River Campground

For Minnesota locals with a love for the serene beauty of the Northwoods and a passion for paddling, fishing, and genuine wilderness experiences, the South Kawishiwi River Campground near Ely, MN, stands as an exceptional destination. Nestled within the vast Superior National Forest, this campground offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with the tranquil Kawishiwi River as your immediate playground and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) just a paddle away. It’s a place where the sounds of loons and rustling leaves replace city noise, offering a truly refreshing escape. Combining well-maintained facilities with breathtaking natural surroundings, South Kawishiwi River Campground provides a quintessential Minnesota outdoor adventure that feels both remote and welcoming.

The positive feedback from visitors consistently highlights the campground's appeal. One camper enthusiastically noted it's a "Great campground that is well-maintained. Perfect little beach and boat launch. We loved our stay!" This speaks to the care put into the facilities and the enjoyable waterfront access. The emphasis on cleanliness is another recurring theme, with one review stating, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen, campsite was clean also." While wildlife, including bears, is a natural part of this wilderness setting and requires proper precautions (as one camper noted, leading them to "sleep in my car" for peace of mind, though proper food storage is key), the overall experience is one of peace and natural beauty. For those seeking quiet RV spots along the river, it's a popular choice, indicating the quality of available sites even if they are often reserved due to demand. The accessible boat landing, pictured by a reviewer, truly emphasizes the gateway it provides to extensive water exploration.

South Kawishiwi River Campground is strategically located at Forest 183 Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This address places it approximately 10 miles south of the charming and renowned wilderness hub of Ely, Minnesota. For Minnesota residents, particularly those in the northern and central regions, the drive to this tranquil escape is relatively straightforward and scenic. From Ely, you'll travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior, then turn left onto the campground road (Forest 183 Rd). This well-marked route leads you directly into the heart of the Superior National Forest, immediately setting the tone for a wilderness experience. Its proximity to Ely is a significant advantage, as the town provides convenient access to outfitters, supplies, dining options, and attractions like the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center, ensuring you have everything you need while still enjoying the feeling of being "really in the woods." This ideal balance of natural seclusion and nearby amenities makes it highly accessible for a memorable Minnesota camping trip.

South Kawishiwi River Campground, managed by the USDA Forest Service and its concessionaire, offers a range of services designed to facilitate a comfortable and authentic camping experience in a natural setting. The focus is on essential amenities that support outdoor activities.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers 31 individual campsites, with many featuring electric hookups (typically 30/20/15 amp) for RVs and pop-up campers. Sites are generally spacious, private, and shaded.

• Non-Electric Sites: A number of rustic non-electric sites are also available for those preferring a more traditional tent camping experience.

• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained and notably clean vault toilets are available throughout the campground, praised by visitors for their upkeep.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available from solar-powered, electric, or hand-pump wells within the facility, ensuring access to fresh water.

• Trash Bins: Conveniently located trash receptacles are provided for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.

• Boat Launch: A shallow boat landing on the Kawishiwi River is available, spacious enough for unloading various watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and small boats.

• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is typically available for purchase from the campground host, ensuring campers have access to local, safe firewood for campfires.

• Group Day Use Area/Pavilion: A historic log pavilion, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933, is available for day use or rental, providing a sheltered area for groups of up to 35 people, complete with an outdoor cooking area and picnic tables.

• Campground Host: A friendly and helpful campground host is typically on-site (often at site 13 or near the pavilion) to assist campers and manage the facility.

The South Kawishiwi River Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to Northern Minnesota's unique wilderness.

• Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW): The Kawishiwi River, accessible directly from the campground, serves as an entry point (EP 32) to the non-motorized section of the BWCAW, offering unparalleled opportunities for extended wilderness canoe trips (permits required).

• Excellent Paddling Opportunities: Even for those not venturing into the BWCAW, the Kawishiwi River itself provides "many different bends and hidden gems" for kayaking and canoeing, offering "beautiful views" and a calm, clear paddling experience.

• Beautiful Swimming Beach: A "perfect little beach" or "grassy beach" is available for campers to enjoy swimming and cooling off, providing a lovely spot for families.

• Abundant Fishing: The Kawishiwi River and nearby Birch Lake offer excellent fishing opportunities for species like northern pike, perch, and walleye.

• Hiking Trail: A scenic 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail winds through the woods, allowing campers to explore the local ecosystem and enjoy nature walks.

• Spacious, Private, and Shaded Sites: Campsites are noted for being "spacious, private, well-maintained and shaded," with "lots of privacy between camp site," creating a comfortable and secluded feel.

• Wildlife Viewing: Being in Superior National Forest, wildlife abounds, including moose, bear, bald eagles, and loons, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife observation.

• Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Pavilion: The beautifully constructed log pavilion adds historical charm and provides a versatile space for gatherings.

• Proximity to Ely: The short drive to Ely means easy access to shops, restaurants, and wilderness outfitters for all your needs, blending wilderness immersion with convenient amenities.

• Responsible Wildlife Management: The presence of bear warnings reinforces the truly wild nature of the area, prompting campers to practice responsible food storage, which is part of embracing the wilderness experience.

To plan your adventure at South Kawishiwi River Campground or to obtain the most up-to-date information regarding reservations and availability, please use the following contact details.

Address: Forest 183 Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (218) 735-8831 (Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-735-8831

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for desirable riverfront or electric sites, through Recreation.gov, which is the primary booking portal for this USDA Forest Service campground. Additionally, check the Superior National Forest website for any alerts, warnings, or specific guidelines related to camping in the area, particularly regarding bear activity and food storage requirements.

South Kawishiwi River Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Minnesota locals seeking an authentic and immersive wilderness camping experience without sacrificing essential comforts. Its location within the Superior National Forest, just a stone's throw from Ely, provides immediate access to some of Minnesota's most iconic natural landscapes and the revered Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For residents who cherish kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, the direct access to the Kawishiwi River and its connection to Birch Lake and the BWCAW is an undeniable draw, offering endless hours of water-based exploration. The campground's commitment to cleanliness, especially in its vault toilets, ensures a more pleasant stay, a detail highly appreciated by campers. The spacious, shaded, and private sites allow for true relaxation and a feeling of being genuinely "in the woods," while the presence of a friendly camp host adds a layer of support and welcome. Even with the necessary precautions for wildlife, the opportunity to see moose, bear, and bald eagles in their natural habitat truly enhances the wilderness appeal. Whether you're a family looking for a memorable summer vacation, an angler seeking prime fishing spots, or a paddler ready to explore the vastness of the BWCAW, South Kawishiwi River Campground offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for any Minnesota outdoor enthusiast.

South Kawishiwi River Campground

Forest 183 Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA