Free Camping Collection
Established Camping
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground
About
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Definitely not fancy, but good location for entry/exit into the BWCA
This camp is not likely to win awards for "wide open spaces" or "fancy and pretty", but it does have all you need for an overnight camp. The spaces do seem a bit cramped, and perhaps are more aimed at fisherman (or, as the other reviewer said - great quick overnight for someone entering or exiting the BWCA on Kawishiwi Lake entry point).
Each did appear to have a fire ring, but they are close together and lots of brush could potentially mean lots of mosquitoes.
Even thought the sites appear to be "numbered" they are FREE. No reservations or payments needed. You do need a day pass (at the put in next to the campground) if you are going to fish on the lake.
There is no potable water, so come prepared with jugs you bring, or a filter system. There is a vault style outhouse. You need to pack out your trash.
If all you want is quick access to the lake, a very pretty view (some sites have lake views) and a free place to drop your tent, then this would work!
Beautiful Rustic
There is an entry point to the BWCA next door. Paddlers coming out after multi day trips had some good stories to tell. I have always enjoyed staying here and taking day trips into the BWCAW.
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