Fishing and paddling opportunities draw campers to Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites, which operates from May through October in the Superior National Forest. The US Forest Service manages this established campground that accommodates RVs up to 66 feet with water hookups available at some sites. Rates range from $21 to $95 per night, with both reservable and first-come, first-served options.
The forested setting provides privacy between sites, with many campers noting how trees screen individual areas from the road. Kara B. found "hiking trails right out of the campsite" and noted the campground stays "quiet except for the nature sounds - frogs, owls, loons at night." Several miles of gravel road lead to the lake access, keeping boat traffic minimal. The well water has an off smell and discolored appearance according to some visitors, so bringing your own drinking water proves wise.
Sites spread out across both forested and open terrain near the lake. Campers can fish for northern pike from shore or launch canoes and kayaks for exploring the water. The campground allows pets and campfires, with pit toilets and hand sanitizer stations available. For those planning extended stays in the region, camping near Ely provides additional options about 10 miles north. Book reservations in advance during peak summer months, as weekend availability becomes limited.
Description
Overview
Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing, boating and other recreational activities.
Recreation
Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular on Birch Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramp or try their luck from shore to catch northern pike, perch, crappie and walleye. There are no horsepower limitations for boats on the lake. The shoreline is inviting for campers interested in canoeing. Families also enjoy berry picking during the summer and early fall months. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Facilities
The campground features shaded campsites, each with a picnic table, tent pad and campfire ring with grill. Campsites are organized into two loops, all near the water and well-separated by dense forest. The north loop also has a group site to accommodate up to 45 people with eight back-in parking spurs and an open play area. The south loop has two camper cabins. These cabins are two room cabins with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds) in the back bedroom, and a main area with a table, chairs, and futon in the front room. The cabins sleep up to 6 persons and offer the indoor/outdoor camping experience with a front porch. A heater is provided for those cooler Minnesota nights. Please note: guests must supply their own linens and supplies; no electricity, water or indoor kitchen. Vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water are provided, and firewood is available for purchase.
Natural Features
Birch Lake covers 7,628 acres and is one of a series of lakes in the area. The campground lies in aspen and birch forest. Birds and wildlife are abundant. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is comprised of 3-million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways. Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBirch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites is located in Minnesota near Ely
Directions
From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 8 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior, until Forest Road 429 (Little Lake Road). Turn right on Forest Road 429 and continue 4 miles to the campground entrance road. Turn left onto the campground road and continue 1 mile to the campground.
Address
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT
1393 HIGHWAY 169
Ely, MN 55731
Coordinates
47.7569444 N
91.7836111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 47 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 50 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 4 hrs 4 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 4 hrs 4 min from Eau Claire, WI
