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Established Camping

South Kawishiwi River

South Kawishiwi River, near Ely, Minnesota, is a charming campground tucked away in the Superior National Forest, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With spacious sites that offer a mix of electric hookups and rustic charm, it’s an ideal spot for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including well-kept vault toilets and a friendly camp host who’s always ready to help. Visitors rave about the lovely beach area with a designated swimming spot and a boat launch that’s great for canoes and small boats. As one camper noted, “There’s also a lovely beach with designated swimming area and a boat launch for small boats, canoes and kayaks.”

For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a mile-long trail winding through the woods, offering a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the area. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a great choice for families and small groups looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Ely is just a short drive away, providing easy access to local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, South Kawishiwi River offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Description

National Forest

Superior National Forest

Overview

South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings of up to 35 people.

Recreation

Canoeing is a main attraction. The Kawishiwi River provides access to Birch Lake to the south and the Boundary Waters to the north. When traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness, a permit is required. Canoe rentals are available by contacting the host.Closer to shore, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the campground's grassy beach, hiking the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail or trying their luck at fishing for northern pike, perch and walleye. A boat ramp is located on-site.View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.

Natural Features

The scenic Kawishiwi River boasts clear, cold and calm waters lined with boreal forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in Superior National Forest, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. The campground lies in a mixed aspen, birch and conifer forest. 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.

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. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Additional sites of interest

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Location

South Kawishiwi River is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.

Address

KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT 1393 HIGHWAY 169
Ely, MN 55731

Coordinates

47.8155556 N
91.7313889 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2021

Great find near Ely, MN

We wanted to visit the North American Bear Center so looked for nearby camping. The South Kawishiwi campground is a lovely forest service campground with 30 amp electric in many of its large sites. There are spotless vault toilets, a dumpster, aluminum recycling and a very friendly camp host. Cell service is variable…sometimes fast but occasionally very slow.

There’s also a lovely beach with designated swimming area and a boat launch for small boats, canoes and kayaks.

Site6
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2020

Nice Forest Campground By The Lake

I spent two nights at site #13 which was an electric site with my RV. There is a mile-long hiking trail in the park which is a plus. It was raining and was windy so I didn't get to enjoy it much but what I noticed that it is overrun with mice during the night. They kept me up getting in and running around. I put traps out during the night and I caught 6!!! I never caught six in one place during one night ever. I was talking to the neighbor and she said she also had mice in her rig. The park needs more owls :)

Anyways, it is a nice park, and I can see that it is lots of fun when the weather is nice, you can kayak, canoe on the lake, and kids can run around. I just didn't have the best experience there.

Site13
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

On the Open Road to Kawishiwi

Dyrt Ranger Review of Banner and Oak Products at the South Kawishiwi Campground

Campground Review: My husband and his motorcycle buddies love riding on backroads and scenic byways in our state and National Forests in northern Minnesota. The MN State Highway 1 winds through the tall pines of the Chippewa National Forest, to the Bear Island state forest, and the Superior National Forest all the way east to Lake Superior. A nice weekend ride on this route includes a nice campout at the National Forest Service’s South Kawishiwi campground just off Highway 1 between Ely and Isabella. The campground is a typical rustic Forest Service campground, no hookups or plug-ins for RVs though many of the campsites would have room for a camper. All of the sites are great for tent camping, with large sheltered campsites in the pines, picnic tables and great fire rings with grill. There are water pumps for drinking water, and but the bathroom facilities are outhouses. One of the best features of this campground is the waterfront, with a nice beach and picnic area and a good boatlaunch for canoes and fishing boats. The campground is quiet and peaceful and well maintained. You can hike or boat in the area, and its an easy trip into Ely if you need supplies or want to visit the nature centers in town. Well recommended for families and small groups, accessible for motorcycles, cars, trailers and campers who want a quiet and simple camping experience.

Product review: As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I sometimes have the chance to review camping gear and related outdoor products. This review is for Banner and Oak gear, specifically their outdoor tshirts https://bannerandoak.com/collections/shirtsand their camping mugs https://bannerandoak.com/collections/gear-we-love/products/steel-camper-mug-white . My husband tried out these products on his recent camping trip with his motorcycle buddies, and he lived both of them. Our mess kit includes the standard flat sierra cups, which are fine for your instant oatmeal in the morning, but not great for coffee. The Banner and Oak mugs are enameled stainless steel, sturdy enough to be crammed into a tight pack and large enough to hold a good stiff morning coffee—and the “Freedom to Explore” motto on it is great! But most of all, he LOVED the shirts, and said they were the softest he has ever worn, whether hanging around the campsite or, more importantly, under his motorcycle jacket when he is on the road. He felt it was soft and comfy—yes, by comparison, softer even than our little pug dog, which is saying a lot— and its lightweight, and breathes well in addition to preventing chafing under his jacket. He’s a fan! He doesnt usually pay much attention to his tshirts, but Banner and Oaks are remarkable and he will surely be buying more. Its a plus that they are made in the US too!

  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Janet R., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Janet R., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Janet R., August 28, 2019
  • (14) View All
Reviewed May. 18, 2017

Small quiet campground

I have only stayed here for a night but The sites are spacious and secluded so privacy was never an issue. And the bathrooms seemed to be well kept. I enjoyed the campground though because of how secluded it was from traffic and all the tourism. Also it was close to Ely wich if you haven't been you must. It's a cutie little town with lots of attractions, shops, and restraunts to check out.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Conor P., May 18, 2017
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Conor P., May 18, 2017
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Conor P., May 18, 2017
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2016

Beautiful Little Gem

I camped at the South Kawishiwi River campground last weekend. The sites were clean and private. The campground had the feel of a being out in the wilderness with the convenience of being close to Ely. I loved camping at South Kawishiwi and will recommend it to my friends.

  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Eleta D., September 15, 2016
  • Review photo of South Kawishiwi River by Eleta D., September 15, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at South Kawishiwi River?

    Camping at South Kawishiwi River can cost between $150.00 and $162.00 depending on the site.

  • Does South Kawishiwi River have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, South Kawishiwi River has 50 amp electric hookups.

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

    South Kawishiwi River allows vehicles up to 107 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at South Kawishiwi River?

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

  • Does South Kawishiwi River have wifi?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at South Kawishiwi River?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at South Kawishiwi River?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at South Kawishiwi River. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at South Kawishiwi River, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at South Kawishiwi River?

    There are 33 campsites at South Kawishiwi River and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts