Best Campgrounds near Ely, MN

Camping near Ely, Minnesota, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures and serene natural beauty. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails around Ely, including those at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful park overall and love the proximity from Ely and Lake Vermillion."
• Fishing: The waters around Baptism River Campground are great for fishing. A reviewer said, "The campground has plenty of sites to see in the area. Plenty of hiking opportunities trails are rough so pulling a wagon with kids is tough but possible."
• Canoeing: Explore the Boundary Waters from Fall Lake Campground. One visitor noted, "The campground is a pretty good haul from Ely so you don't have a lot of traffic in and out of the campground."

What campers like:

• Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground. A review highlighted, "All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy."
• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. One reviewer at Temperance River State Park Campground said, "The pit toilets were clean and did not smell, and the shower house was so clean and nice it felt like home."
• Scenic Views: The stunning views are a big hit. A camper at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground remarked, "The campsite was clean and well taken care of. My daughter and I tented it. It was so much fun!"

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground warned, "The hike to get to this campsite was rough... there was an unfortunate amount of black flies and mosquitoes."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Trail's End Campground, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "Some sites have great views of Lake Superior! Showers are in the upper campground."
• Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Attempted to camp here 2 years before, in Sept 2021, but the campground was crowded and booked."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. One family at Burlington Bay Campground appreciated, "Clean showers and located close to Two Harbors."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Baptism River Campground said, "The park has excellent mountain bike course and is linked to the paved Gitchie-gumi bike trail."
• Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to bring bug spray. A visitor at Temperance River State Park Campground advised, "The mosquitos were pretty bad when I was here in June, so be prepared with insect repellant."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: RVers should be mindful of site sizes. A camper at Fall Lake Campground mentioned, "Be mindful of your camping equipment and the size of the sites - it varies widely."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Baptism River Campground. One reviewer noted, "Variety of sites. Some with electric and some without electric."
• Dump Stations: Some campgrounds lack dump stations, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground reminded, "Only bummer is the lack of dump/fill station onsite."

Camping near Ely, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!