## Overview

 Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. 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. 
## Recreation

 Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View [recreation guides and maps][1] of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Kids love the campground\'s swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill. Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center\'s display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas. There\'s no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely\'s July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.
## Facilities

 This lake has some sites that can be reserved and some that are first-come, first-served. Many sites at Fall Lake are made to accommodate RVs including pull-through sites. Trees provide privacy between most campsites. The facility is very accessible. A store, canoe rentals, firewood and ice are available at the facility, and a campground host is on-site during the season.
## Natural Features

 The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine. By far the most popular nearby attraction is the [Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness][2]. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. 

[1]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5202373
[2]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5202169

Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground

We stayed at site 41, which can be reserved ahead, but is tent-only, no electricity. It is a neat site with several steps leading down to it from the parking area, then another staircase leading right to the lake/boat launch.

The sites at this campground are very clean, well maintained, large and wooded. Overall, the area was quiet, except we could hear people launching their boats starting at around 5:30am. The hosts work hard to make sure the facilities are clean and everyone is happy.

We would definitely stay here again.

Excellent wooded campground

The campground was very nice and clean! Our campsite was spacious and hidden from the road. The bathrooms do have a lock on them so make sure you get the code from the host! There was a little beach and playground for kids. Lots of places to go for a walk and close to town! 

Peaceful Time

Exceptionally maintained campsites with well wooded sites. Raised cement fire pits, level tent pads, and large sites for campers and RVs. Many of the lake-side sites are nestled into the hillside with stairs going down to the water. The Fall Lake campground is very well managed and has clean shower/toilet buildings, and a store with firewood, canoe rentals, and other miscellaneous items. If there is one drawback, it is that this campground is a popular place for RVs and large campers. For those tent campers wishing to get away and have some solace, it can be busy and noisy at times - depending on who your closest neighbors are. Overall, I give it four stars because we had an RV near us with screaming children that dampened our experience. I would give it five stars due to the beautiful location, the access to the north woods/BWCA, and the care that is taken to keep it maintained.

Beautiful setting on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

This is the best campground I’ve been too as far as privacy and site layout. Trees are between each site. Lake front campsites are actually lakefront! The bathrooms are super clean and the shower actually felt like a “personal” shower. However I would be concerned with shower availability if campground was full, 3 showers per loop (one in men’s, one in women’s, one in unisex/family bathroom). My only “complaint” if that’s what you want to call it was the heat in the bathrooms was already turned off and it was still 28 degrees at night. Made showering pretty chilly with the cold air in the bathroom. Actually ended up using the family bathroom since it was smaller and shower warmed the air some. 

Great, Private sites 

Very well maintained campground, close to Ely. Fun beach and play area for the kids. The sites are clean and secluded with privacy all around. Kawishiwi Falls Trail is nearby and a short rewarding hike. My family loved this campground, we will definitely go back.

Awesome Site

Campsites are more private than many other campgrounds. There are two loops, very nice facilities with flush toilets and showers. Several of the lake side sites are non reservable sites.
Great place to do Day trips from. 

Peaceful and beautiful 

The campground is ideal...has plenty of sites to choose from. Some are reservable and others are not, and yes there will be a line at the office in the morning. The ideal sites are the waterfront sites as you don't have to rack your boat every day. You can leave your boat down by the rocks and walk up the stairs to your site. I stayed in site 23...it was right on the corner before the beach parking lot. The parking are was below the tent pad and fire ring. This was the case in many sites. The camper sits below the fire ring and any extra tents you might need. Talked to many people here who stay for a week but actually only use it as a base camp while they are out in the boundary waters. One couple I met said they stay for 2 weeks (the max) and canoe for a couple days then come back for a shower and resupply then go out again. The campground is super clean....and the hosts (which are numerous) are very good at what they do. This might be the most welcoming campground in the United States. 

  

It is nicely located near ely so if you need something you get can get back into town pretty easily...or if you just want Custard...I'd recommend. The town certainly goes dormant in the winter months, but in the summer months it is full of people. 

  

The fishing, boating, and paddling here give you plenty of options. It is right on the border of the boundary waters so you will need to get a permit. Day permits for non motorized are free and can be done at the camp check in or via paper at the boat landing area. The camp store is only open certain hours so if they are closed just go to the boat landing to get the permit filled out.

Perfect Entry Point to Boundary Waters

Like most campgrounds some sights are better then other but we scored a good one this time! The cement fire pit ring up on top with a picnic table and room for chairs the tent pad is a hard pack of sand and pebbles so better then the usually gravel site. The mixture of trees surrounding are beautiful. Great vibes at this campground. Nice new bathroom facilities you do need a code to open the door so make sure you grab that! Definitely worth the stay if your visiting up this way. Plus the proximity to Fall Lake is outstanding. Beautiful campground 10/10 recommend 

Amazing campsite

We always look for rec.gov sites with the national Park Pass for seniors it's inexpensive &amp; usually they are nice. We stayed in Site #63 with electric hook up. When you enter the park where the office/small store is that's where you fill with water. Our site was big with a picnic table, fire pit &amp; a path to the lake. Our friends camped in site # 62 it was big yet had a weird tree stump in a bad place. They marked it with a night light and a flag. 

The boat ramp was near the loop we were in so very easy access to the water. You can keep you boat or kayak next to the boat ramp. We kayaked out to the Boundry Waters Canoe Area and fished. We stopped &amp; looked at several boat in campsites that are booked through Fall lake CG they are really nice and private. There are lots of lakes to pick &amp; choose from for kayaking and boating. Clean restrooms, nice hot showers. The sites are cleaned and raked the campground is well maintained. They sell Ice &amp; wood and a few small items in the store/office. 

The best sites are #63, 62, (10 is a pull through)   for Campers or tents and nice walk in sites #26 has a private beach, 59, 6029,35 are waterfront walk in sites.

There  is no dump station you drive into Ely it's at the Ely Chamber of Commerce (6 miles away) for a donation. There are free brochures here too and coupon books. Only other downfall was the camphost is across from site 63 and they start early. It's quiet till they come back about 7:30 am (were still sleeping) &amp; back in their golf cart. Beep, Beep you know what I mean. I wanted to say something but they left for a week so it was quiet early mornings. They should make them a little pull through path for the cart. 

This campground was so quiet, great sites, most have a path to the lake and they have great hike in sites too. There's lots of parking at the parking lot for boaters &amp; hikers. The swim beach is at the end of the park and it has a playground in front of it. 

It was so interesting to watch boats portage going from one lake to another. People canoe &amp; boat to the Canadian border from there. We didn't catch many fish it was warmer than normal the bite was off. Got a few small Northern Pikes and a small bass. We did see a big Eagles nest with several Eagles, saw loons, deer and other birds. 

We walked the path behind our site to the water &amp; would swim &amp; float on floats in the lake. Great way to relax &amp; cool off. We took cocktails &amp; just floated &amp; enjoyed. 

The town of Ely is about 6 miles away it's a small town with a lot of canoe outfitters, fishing shops, liquor stores, some eats &amp; by far the best Ice cream I ever had from Northern Expressions. The line can be out the door &amp; down the street it's that good. There was a few places to eat we didn't like the Chinese place at all Oriental Orchid it was the worst we ever had. It took a 1/2 hour to get our food we called it in got there in 30 min. and it was at least 30 more once we arrived. We went to the International Wolf center spent a few hours there it was just ok. We did see a few wolves and learned a little.  

The Northern Market makes their own sausage it's good we stocked up on different ones. Nice little grocery store there is a Zups grocery store too. 

We did eat at the Grand Lodge it was good. It's probably 8 miles from the campground.

Great campground, nice sites, boat ramp, water access and swim beach

Nice national forest campground that seems well run, has sites with decent privacy and nice bathrooms.

Sites vary a lot in size and some are quite unlevel so luck of the draw on whether your rig can fit, but worth trying. 

I'd you have a Class B, B+, or small C, try to snag Site 42. It's around the curve from other sites on the loop and has great privacy. Parking spot is down a small hill from your picnic table and fire ring but the parking is quite level. 

Bathrooms only have one shower per gender but work well and have good hot water. 

You can get water here but note there is no RV dump station.

Lake is on the smaller side and seemed peaceful the one day we were here. Decent boat ramp for access  Swimming beach isn't much but works if you want it to. 

Overall a nice tucked away campground in the forest with a lake, a short paved biking/hiking trial, decent amenities and friendly staff. 

Plus it's only about 8 miles from Ely if you need provisions. 

Nice tucked away campground

Enjoyed so much extended our stay. Canoeing &amp; hiking; if want to go beyond Fall Lake into BWCAW you can get day permit at boat landing at no cost. Instructions on permit form.  Sites are all nice and private;some with access to lake. Clean bathrooms and showers. Pleasant and friendly hosts. There's NOT a dump station at park; unable to find the one recommended in Ely.

Fall Lake in SNF

This is our second time camping here, the first time being in June a few years ago. Fall camping is a different ballgame! The colors are beautiful, the campground is quieter (at least during the week) and this particular campground is more like a state park than the other more rustic campgrounds that the Forest Service runs in the area. There are several loops of campsites, totaling 64 sites,  plus two group camp centers, so there are a lot of options. Although many sites are set up for RV's, there are numerous tent-only campites, and they are some of the nicest. While you can reserve some of the sites on line ahea of time, the majority of sites are actually First Come/ First Served, and you have no way of knowing if any are actually available before you get there. We arrived early on a Friday afternoon in September, and there were only a handful of sites left--and withon a half hour, severl more folks came in and all the sites were taken. The campground has a boat access, fishing areas, playground, beach, numerous side trails accessing the lake in quiet places, a campground store, and paved as well as forest trails. A plus is that they have added several new bathroom and showers houses throughout the campground, so there is plenty of access, plus they are beautifully clean. There is just a short drive into Ely for shops and cafes, or out of town to access hiking trails or lakes and rivers at the edge of the Boundary Waters. Highly recommnded!

Fantastic in Fall!

This campground is fantastic! It’s really away from it all! We were very happy with our campsite, #17. We didn’t really have anyone next us on either side. There was plenty of space , trees &amp; privacy from the next neighbor. The site was large , very very clean &amp; neat &amp; had the cleanest fire pit we’ve seen in a long time! We had our camper at the site , it’s about 25ft &amp; there was more than enough room . There was even a little nook that a tent could’ve easily set up camp too!  We stayed over the 4th of July weekend &amp; it wasn’t rowdy at all. There’s a beach within the campground that was also very neat &amp; clean . People going back &amp; forth to the beach was about the only foot traffic we encountered near our site but it was totally manageable &amp; we had plenty of privacy. We walked around the grounds &amp; many of the sites have unique &amp; roomy layouts. This is one of the only campgrounds we’ve been to lately that has a lot of sites we would’ve been content staying in. And we’re very picky about privacy. The hosts are also incredibly nice!! You can tell they truly have a vested interest in the grounds &amp; actually enjoy what they do! They’re around if you need anything without being intrusive. The  campground is about 8 miles outside of the cute little town of Ely. There’s now much else supply wise except venturing into Ely.  Plenty of souvenirs for the tourist in you &amp; a few spots for groceries. But be warned, it gets a little spendy so come prepared! There are also many other state parks &amp; lakes nearby to explore if you’re looking for a day trip.  Mosquitos at our site were definitely hanging out but oddly they left us alone. 

Really get away ! 

The Fall Lake Campground is one of the most beautiful in the north woods. Sites are heavily wooded and secluded from the other sites. The campground is a pretty good haul from Ely so you don't have a lot of traffic in and out of the campground. Fall Lake is an entry to the BWCAW so all you have to do is launch your canoe and paddle accross the lake and you are in the Boundary Waters. I have caught a lot of Northern and Small Mouth just north of the boat ramp.