Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is located near Ely, MN, surrounded by forested terrain and numerous lakes. The area experiences temperatures ranging from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering opportunities for canoeing and hiking.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Kawishiwi Lake is a lovely campground in a birch stand on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It provides an excellent campsite for people entering or exiting the BWCAW via the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point. The BWCAW boundary is the shore of the lake, so motors are not allowed on the lake and if you plan on putting a canoe in the water at all, you will need a day use permit available at a kiosk at the access point.
Fee Info
No fee - but a day use pass (available at the put in) is for NON MOTORIZED craft only if you are fishing. Motorized craft are not allowed.
Location
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is located in Minnesota
Directions
This is at the end of a 14ish mile road outside of Tofte. Please watch for the well marked directional signs. From MN 61 in Tofte: Drive north on Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) about 18 miles. Turn left on Co 3, which may be labeled as Co 33. After 8 miles, at the county border (not labeled), Cook County 3 will become Lake County 7. Follow Co 7 an additional 2 miles. Turn right from Co 7 onto FR 354. Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is at the end of FR 354.
Coordinates
47.839 N
91.1036 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground needs a permit.