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Established Camping

South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area

South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area, near Ely, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With its wooded sites that offer a good amount of privacy, it’s perfect for families or groups wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits at each site, making it easy to gather around for meals or evening campfires. Visitors have noted the nice beach area with actual sand, which is a rarity, and a swimming spot that’s free of weeds. As one camper mentioned, “The sites are super nice and private,” which really adds to the overall experience.

If you’re into kayaking, you’ll appreciate the convenience of some sites being right on the water. There’s also a boat launch that’s easy to navigate, so you can get your watercraft in and out without a hassle. For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby, though be prepared for some mosquitoes during the warmer months.

The campground is close to Ely, so if you need supplies or want to explore the local area, you’re just a short drive away. With affordable rates and a peaceful atmosphere, South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area is a solid choice for your next camping adventure.

Description

National Forest

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. ACTIVITIES Camping: Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines. Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage. Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use. Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers. Fishing Recreational Vehicles: Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs; however, all five of the sites at Kawishiwi Lake are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV. Swimming: Unlike many northcountry lakes with shores of rocks and boulders, the shore of Kawishiwi at the campground is a gradual slope which provides swimming opportunities. There is no designated swimming area or lifeguards, and swimming is at your own risk.

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Location

South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

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

47.81555627 N
91.73139928 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2020

Gem

What a nice little surprise! We were traveling down from the Boundary Waters and needed a little respite and this fit the perfect relaxing place. The sites are super nice and private. We also liked the size of the sites as they gave us plenty of space to be away from the action. The sites are wooded and give you loads of privacy. Some of the sites are right on the water and super convenient for us with a kayak. I prefer #26. 

It also has a nice beach area that is not just "beach" by name...there is actually sand and a place to swim without being tangled in weeds. The boat launch was pretty easy to get in and out of as well for any type of watercraft. 

Its location being right off the highway was ideal for us. It is also fairly close to the boundary waters. Some hiking trails are there but the mosquitos were pretty prevalent. The sites all have great views so you can't go wrong.

Site22
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Scott M., July 13, 2020
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Scott M., July 13, 2020
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Scott M., July 13, 2020
  • (19) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2020

Amazing campground

Site 15. Small set of steps brought you up to a magical place. The site was large enough for two tents. The fire pit has a grill rack attached to it. Private sites. Pit toilets, before you decide against this campground because of pit toilets, don’t let them scare you away! On a busy 4th of July weekend they never smelled bad. They were decorated so cute! You read that right decorated. Hand sanitizer inside and outside for extra safety. Close to Ely so you can head to town to get supplies if needed. Best 4th weekend ever for my family!!

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2018

Quiet, lovely and had a beautiful swimming lake

Quiet and full of trees, it's a great place to drop for the night. We didn't have a camper, but there was room for one. If you don't have a camper, you could actually fit several tents in the space where a camper would be parked. Ours, site #18, had a few steps that led to the picnic table and fire ring. Up there, we found another tent pad. That would have been the ideal spot for a tent (level and under trees), but we'd already set up at the bottom of the stairs.

The fire ring was next to the table, almost too close, but not a problem. There were, however, lots and lots of mosquitoes (end of June). There was also a mamma bear and 2 cubs there, but they didn't bother us at all.

The bathrooms were the nicest vault toilets that we've seen. Glad air freshener and everything!

Although we didn't swim, they had a very lovely area in the lake that was sectioned off for swimming. It also appeared as though they had canoes for free use as well. They also had firewood for sale, but it was $7 for a bundle. That seemed very steep to me.

Typical cost for a state forest campground in MN (cheaper, by far, than state park camps) and it was $15 for the night for a non electric site. Electric (30 amp) was $19 and electric (50 amp) was $21.There was also a $7 charge for extra vehicles at the site.

Site18
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Amy G., June 25, 2018
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Amy G., June 25, 2018
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Amy G., June 25, 2018
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

Quaint and small

Beautiful sites withe plenty of room of a few to back in a small camper. Lake access with all sites. Picnic tables and fire pits. This is a remote and quiet place to be. Tented here after a week in the BWCA. I would go here again as the sites are situated so you have privacy from other sites.

Site3
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2015

Kawishiwi Lodge

If you're looking for a great lodge experience before or after heading into the BWCA this is the spot.

  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Anna M., April 17, 2015
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area by Anna M., April 17, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area has 30 amp electric hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area?

    South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 100 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is fair.