Campgrounds near Ely, Iowa provide diverse options for outdoor recreation with several established facilities in the surrounding area. Lake Macbride State Park, located within a short drive of Ely, offers both modern and primitive campgrounds with accommodations for tents and RVs. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground, situated along the Cedar River, provides additional developed camping options including cabins and glamping facilities. The region includes a mix of county and state-managed properties with various levels of amenities, from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 50-amp electrical service, shower facilities, and sanitary dump stations.
Most developed campgrounds in the Ely area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. "Very nice campground. Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place," noted one visitor about Palisades-Kepler State Park. Access to most campgrounds requires driving on paved roads, though some primitive sites may have rougher approaches. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and occasional thunderstorms. Winter camping is limited, with only select campgrounds like West Overlook Campground operating year-round, though with reduced services.
Campers frequently mention the water recreation opportunities as highlights of the area. The Cedar River and Lake Macbride provide fishing, boating, and paddling options adjacent to several campgrounds. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating receives positive reviews for its lakeside location and social atmosphere. A camper described it as "definitely the most fun place I've stayed over the years. They have great food at the bar that's on the water." Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some visitors noting that Lake Macbride sites can feel crowded on weekends due to their proximity. Hiking trails are available at several locations, particularly at Palisades-Kepler State Park, which features scenic bluff overlooks. Many campgrounds offer mixed-use facilities that accommodate various camping styles, from tent-only areas to full-service RV hookups, allowing visitors to choose their preferred camping experience.
$14 - $260 / night
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
$26 - $38 / night
"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"Close access to boating and town"
$22 - $28 / night
"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
$20 / night
"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
$14 - $25 / night
"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
"This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."
$18 - $80 / night
"Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."
"Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."
$23 - $33 / night
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
"The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."
"Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."
$25 - $42 / night
"Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."
"Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"
$45 - $65 / night
"Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and"
"Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped"
ScoutOverall had a great experience. The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced.
GuideWe had a great two day weekend at this park. Small and quiet. Mix of RVs and tents. We stayed on one of the 4 primitive sites but there are several with electric hookups. Bathrooms were decent and have running water for showers(cold) which felt amazing after our 2.5 miles hike. The trails were beautiful and be sure to check out the Ice Cave and Horse Thief Cave!
TravelerBeautiful location for peace and quiet, but close enough to get back on the road. Good sized sites with electric - dump and water near the entrance. Excellents paths to explore and many clean showers(6).
ScoutVery friendly and clean! The bathrooms and showers are very nice. We enjoyed our short stay and will be back.
TravelerMy family and I had the opportunity to go to Yogi bears jealous Jellystone national Park and we had so much fun. We went during their Christmas in July program. We stayed for five nights 6 days and barely paid a thing camping in a tent. Mini golf water wars snowball fights rentals of golf carts that are cheap cabins on site Santa came to visit games to play and borrow at each campsite arts and crafts laser tag and so much more. Prices were fair for food and snacks. They have cabins available to rent. I hope to bring my friend and her family this year because it's going to be so much fun! Hope to see you there someday!
GuideBeautiful campsite! Plenty of scenery to take in. Has many great spots for fishing on the banks as well as a boat ramp with plenty of parking and a fish cleaning station. Nice hiking trails. Campsites were clean and well maintained. The only issue we had and it probably doesn’t happen often, but the restrooms were out of service and we couldn’t get ahold of a ranger to get them fixed for the weekend so if you had to number 1 that was doable number 2 was dicey. I’m sure they have had them fixed since we left
TravelerA variety of types of spots. We stayed in a truck bed in the "Tent C" spot. We were the only ones there, but it would accommodate up to at least four different tent spots. We had a great view of the lake and it was really quiet the night we stayed.
ScoutVery clean, hookups in great shape, everything is brand new. Lots of cement. But missing the charm of a more established campground.
ScoutNice new clean great wi fi with Verizon
Camping areas around Ely, Iowa sit within the gently rolling landscape of eastern Iowa where elevations range between 730-850 feet above sea level. The Cedar River and several reservoirs create water-focused recreation options within a 15-mile radius. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs typically reaching 80-90°F during July and August.
Hiking on varied terrain: F.W. Kent Park offers a scenic lake loop approximately two miles in length. "Beautiful park, spacious campsite, $20 for electric hookups. Love this park!!" reports one camper at F.W. Kent Park. The park combines forest, prairie, and wetland habitats with well-maintained pathways suitable for beginners and experienced hikers.
Fossil exploration: Visit the Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Overlook Campground, exposed during the 1993 flood. The geological site displays fossils from 375 million years ago. A camper notes, "This recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993."
Water activities: Multiple boat launches provide access for fishing and paddling. "We have great food at the bar that's on the water called bobbers. They have boat rental, firewood, propane, etc," explains a visitor at Scales Pointe Camping and Boating. Rentals typically cost $20-50 depending on watercraft type and rental duration.
Cycling opportunities: Wanatee Park connects to regional bike paths. "The best thing about this campground is it's access to the squaw creek man bike single track. The sites are nice, and easy access to town if you forgot stuff," mentions one reviewer about Wanatee Park.
Affordable camping options: Non-electric primitive sites at Lake Macbride State Park cost as little as $9-11 per night. A camper reports, "Clean sites right on the lake.. Peaceful nights with other friends & other campers.. Good place to launch kayaks from.. We had cell service.. Free firewood for campers was a plus!!! $9.00/night!!!" The primitive campground provides basic amenities with significant cost savings.
Accessibility to cultural attractions: Amana Colonies are within 20 minutes of several campgrounds. "We used our bikes and biked around the colonies. Place was clean, showers and bathroom great. We were there after Labor Day and had section to our selves," shares a camper at Amana RV Park & Event Center. The seven historic villages offer German-inspired dining and crafts.
Lakeside camping views: Many campgrounds offer direct water access and views. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," notes a visitor about West Overlook Campground. Some waterfront sites fill quickly during summer weekends and require reservations 2-3 months in advance.
Modern facilities: Despite rural locations, many campgrounds offer clean bathrooms and modern amenities. "Nice campground. Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place," says one reviewer about Palisades-Kepler State Park.
Seasonal water level changes: The Cedar River and reservoir levels fluctuate significantly. In drought conditions, some boat ramps may become unusable. After heavy rainfall, flooding can impact low-lying campsites at West Overlook and Sugar Bottom campgrounds.
Campground size variations: Site spacing differs dramatically between locations. "This campground has two campgrounds. The modern side on the north end of the park with full hookups, and the primitive side on the south side of the park with no electricity or water hookups," explains a camper at Lake Macbride State Park. Some areas allow more separation and privacy than others.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "Reservations are a must," notes one camper about West Overlook Campground. Holiday weekends often sell out 3-4 months in advance, with some campgrounds requiring minimum stays.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. "Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). We were one and done on what we thought might be a more difficult back-in, but there was enough level ditch in front to allow an easy swing," reports a visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature modern play areas. "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it's never a far walk and the shower house was really nice," shares a visitor about Wanatee Park.
Swimming beaches: Sugar Bottom Campground offers a designated swimming area with beach access. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," notes one visitor.
Educational opportunities: The Raptor Center near Lake Macbride provides wildlife education programs. "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors," reports a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Kent Park offers excellent wildlife spotting with minimal light pollution. One visitor shares: "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. It is a very nice campground located right on the lake. Most sites are shady and fairly good sized."
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds offer sewer connections or dump stations. "Dump station, drinking water, filling station, trash dumpsters and fish cleaning station are on the right just before the campground entrance," explains a visitor about West Overlook Campground.
Electric service variations: Amperages vary between campgrounds. "We stayed at site 48 and it's a perfect spot just off the lake with great views. Only drawback is it's kinda of a walk from a bathroom and the beach but that is more than ok to deal with...with a pop up," mentions a Sugar Bottom camper.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate big rigs better than others. "Spacious, quiet, calm...The locale is beautiful, just on the lake. All of the internal roads are paved and the spaces are nicely paved or graveled. The sites are spacious and angled for ease of backing into," notes a West Overlook visitor.
Winter camping limitations: Most campgrounds reduce services during winter months. "Winter camping is limited, with only select campgrounds operating year-round, though with reduced services," explains a park representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Ely, MN for families?
Ely offers several family-friendly campgrounds with amenities perfect for kids. Fall Lake Campground provides spacious sites, playgrounds, and easy water access for swimming and fishing. Families also love Bear Head Lake State Park for its clean beaches, hiking trails suitable for all ages, and educational ranger programs during summer months. Both locations offer a mix of wooded and lakeside sites, clean facilities, and activities that keep children entertained while providing the authentic Boundary Waters experience that makes Ely famous.
What amenities are available at Ely, MN camping areas?
Ely camping areas offer varying levels of amenities depending on the location. Fenske Lake Campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Many campgrounds in the area feature boat launches, swimming beaches, and hiking trails. For those wanting more comforts, Whispering Pines Campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, and flush toilets. Most Ely campgrounds balance wilderness experience with necessary facilities, though cell service is typically limited. Campers seeking full hookups should look to private campgrounds closer to town, while those heading into the Boundary Waters will find minimal facilities at entry point campgrounds.
How much does camping near Ely, Minnesota typically cost?
Camping costs around Ely vary by location and amenities. National Forest campgrounds like Birch Lake Campground typically charge $14-22 per night for standard non-electric sites. State Park campgrounds, such as Bear Head Lake State Park, range from $15-35 per night, with electric sites at the higher end. Private campgrounds may charge $25-45+ depending on hookups and amenities. For Boundary Waters trips, you'll need a BWCA permit ($16 reservation fee plus $16-$32 per group depending on the season), with designated entry point campsites included in this fee. Most campgrounds also charge additional fees for extra vehicles, firewood, and dump station use.
Is tent camping available year-round in Ely, Minnesota?
Tent camping in Ely is primarily seasonal, with most campgrounds operating from May through September or early October. South Kawishiwi River Campground typically closes after the fall color season. During winter months, nearly all developed campgrounds close due to extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers through backcountry permits in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but requires specialized cold-weather gear and wilderness skills. Always check with the Superior National Forest office in Ely for current conditions and seasonal closures before planning a winter camping trip.
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