Superior Forest Lodge and Campground

For Minnesotans who cherish both the rugged beauty of the Northwoods and the comfort of well-maintained facilities, Superior Forest Lodge and Campground in Ely presents an ideal camping destination. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a true haven that strikes a perfect balance between modern convenience and the raw, natural splendor of Minnesota's iconic wilderness. Imagine a day spent exploring pristine forests or paddling across clear lakes, followed by a comfortable evening at a private, spacious campsite with access to clean, hot showers. This blend of amenities and untouched nature is precisely what makes Superior Forest Lodge and Campground a favored spot for local adventurers.

Nestled close to the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campground serves as an excellent basecamp for those venturing into the wilderness or simply looking to enjoy the vast recreational opportunities that the Ely area offers. From its friendly hosts to its well-thought-out site layouts, Superior Forest Lodge and Campground is designed to make your Northwoods escape as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a fishing trip, or a tranquil retreat, this campground promises an experience that truly embodies the spirit of Minnesota's great outdoors.

Superior Forest Lodge and Campground is conveniently located near Ely, MN 55731, USA. While the specific address provided (Ely, MN 55731) is a general area, the campground is often associated with Fall Lake. It is situated about 8 miles outside of the quaint town of Ely, which serves as a popular gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

To reach the campground, visitors typically take well-maintained paved roads, eventually transitioning to gravel Forest Service roads as they approach the area. Being "a pretty good haul from Ely," as some visitors describe it, contributes to the limited traffic in and out of the campground, enhancing its peaceful atmosphere. Despite its secluded feel, the proximity to Ely means campers have access to supplies, groceries, and souvenir shops if needed, although it's always wise to come prepared, as things can be "a little spendy" in town. The campground's location on Fall Lake also provides direct water access, which is a significant advantage for paddlers and anglers. The blend of remote wilderness access with a relatively easy drive from the nearby town makes Superior Forest Lodge and Campground both accessible and deeply immersive.

Superior Forest Lodge and Campground offers a robust array of services and amenities that cater to a wide range of campers, from those seeking full hookups to more traditional tent campers.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features a mix of electric and primitive campsites. Many electric sites are well-spaced and offer a blend of modern convenience with a natural setting. Sites vary widely in size and layout, with many being large, clean, and capable of accommodating RVs up to 25 feet or more, with plenty of room for tents as well.

• Well-Maintained Bathrooms and Showers: A significant highlight consistently praised by visitors are the "well maintained shower/bathrooms" and "clean, hot showers." These modern facilities are a welcome comfort after a day of outdoor activities.

• On-Site Store: For forgotten essentials or last-minute needs, an on-site store is available, providing convenience and potentially saving a trip into Ely. Some reviews mention it having "anything you may have forgot to pack plus some camp necessities."

• Canoe Rentals: The campground offers canoe rentals, providing easy access to the lakes and nearby Boundary Waters for paddling adventures.

• Water Tank Fill-Up: While there is no dump station on-site (the closest is in Ely), there is a spigot available for campers to fill their RV's water tanks.

• Firewood and Ice for Sale: For added convenience, firewood and ice are typically available for purchase at the campground.

• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite generally comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, facilitating comfortable outdoor dining and campfires.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground is welcoming to pets, though they must be registered, leashed at all times outdoors, and not left unattended.

• Perfect Blend of Modern and Rustic: Visitors consistently laud the campground for its "perfect combo of modern and rustic." It offers the comforts of electric sites, clean showers, and an on-site store, all while being immersed in a wooded, wild environment with abundant wildlife and stunning sunsets.

• Spacious and Private Sites: Many campsites are described as "heavily wooded and secluded," with "plenty of space" and "privacy from the next neighbor." Reviewers highlight "unique & roomy layouts" for many sites, offering a sense of personal space even during busy periods.

• Direct BWCAW Entry Point Access: Located on Fall Lake, the campground provides a direct entry point into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This means you can "launch your canoe and paddle across the lake and you are in the Boundary Waters," making it an ideal base for extended wilderness trips.

• Friendly and Helpful Campground Hosts: Numerous reviews emphasize the exceptional hospitality of the campground hosts, describing them as "incredibly nice," "super nice," and genuinely invested in the grounds and enjoying their work. They are often available to provide tips and local information.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Fall Lake and the surrounding waterways offer great fishing. Visitors report catching "a lot of Northern and Small Mouth just north of the boat ramp," indicating productive waters for anglers.

• Beautiful Natural Setting: The campground is set amidst gorgeous Northwoods scenery, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the serene sounds of nature. The "gorgeous sunsets" are a recurring highlight.

• On-Site Beach: The presence of a "very neat & clean" beach within the campground offers a convenient spot for swimming and lakeside relaxation.

• Good Cell Service (for some carriers): While remote, some users report good cell service (e.g., AT&T with 2 bars, fast internet), which can be a valuable feature for those needing to stay connected.

Address: Superior Forest Lodge and Campground, Ely, MN 55731, USA (commonly associated with Fall Lake)

Phone: While specific contact numbers for this particular campground may not be widely publicized or might change with management, as a general guide for the area, inquiries about Superior National Forest campgrounds and local information near Ely can often be directed to:

• Kawishiwi Ranger District (Superior National Forest): 218-365-7600

• Superior National Forest Headquarters: 218-626-4300

Website: For the most accurate information, including potential reservation systems, current rates, and specific directions, it's always best to check directly with the campground if a specific website is available, or look for listings on recreation.gov or similar camping platforms under "Fall Lake Campground Superior National Forest" or similar names, as "Superior Forest Lodge and Campground" seems to be a common descriptive phrase rather than a strict official name, leading to some variations in online listings.

For Minnesotans, Superior Forest Lodge and Campground near Ely truly embodies the best of what our state's outdoor offerings have to provide. It presents a remarkable blend of accessibility and true wilderness immersion, making it perfectly suited for locals seeking either a comfortable family getaway or a launching point for serious wilderness adventures. The convenience of modern amenities like clean bathrooms, hot showers, and electric sites means you don't have to fully rough it to enjoy the Northwoods, making it an appealing choice for a broader range of campers.

Crucially, its location directly on Fall Lake and serving as an entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is an unparalleled asset. For Minnesotans who dream of paddling the BWCA, this campground offers an ideal pre- or post-trip base, complete with canoe rentals and easy access. The spacious, private, and heavily wooded campsites ensure a peaceful retreat, even during busier times, fostering that cherished sense of solitude. Add to this the welcoming and genuinely helpful campground hosts, the excellent fishing, and the stunning natural beauty, and it's clear why many locals consider this a new favorite. Superior Forest Lodge and Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience that allows Minnesotans to deeply connect with, and fully enjoy, the natural heritage that makes our state so special.

Superior Forest Lodge and Campground

Ely, MN 55731, USA