The Ely region receives 30-33 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F by day and 50-60°F at night. Elevated at approximately 1,400 feet, the area features dense coniferous forest interspersed with over 5,000 lakes and ponds. Campsites often require advance reservations during peak summer months, with many locations transitioning to first-come-first-served status after Labor Day.
What to do
Paddle boundary waters entries: Fall Lake Campground serves as an ideal base for day trips into the BWCA. "You can rent a canoe at the office which also includes the permit you need to go into the boundary waters," notes Gina G., who visits regularly. The campground's proximity to entry points makes it convenient for both experienced paddlers and beginners.
Mine tours and history: Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers unique underground experiences. "Soudan mine tours were awesome. Travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s," reports Sara P. The tour provides an educational alternative during inclement weather with temperatures remaining constant year-round below ground.
Wildlife centers: Bear Head Lake State Park puts visitors within easy driving distance of wildlife education centers. "Close to downtown Ely (but the town turns into a ghost town during off season, a lot of businesses and restaurants will close), international bear center, international wolf center, dorothy molter museum," explains Gina G., highlighting the seasonal nature of area attractions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area offers campsites with considerable separation. "The sites are spacious and secluded so privacy was never an issue," reports Conor P. The campground maintains a buffer of native vegetation between most sites, reducing noise and creating a more isolated wilderness experience.
Accessible fishing opportunities: Silver Rapids Lodge provides waterfront sites with direct fishing access. "Most sites back up to the water and some have docks behind them and there is water & electric," reports B M. who observed fellow campers catching walleye directly from their sites. This setup eliminates the need to transport gear to separate fishing locations.
Clean facilities: Fenske Lake Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its rustic setting. "Bathrooms were well kept and tidy," notes Conor P. The campground features vault toilets with hand sanitizer stations placed outside for additional convenience, addressing a common concern with more remote camping locations.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Storm damage has affected several campgrounds in the region. At Fenske Lake, "the campground sustained a lot of damage from a windstorm not long ago, and the recovery has been slow. Many of the tall old pines are gone now, so most of the campsites are no longer secluded from each other," explains Janet R. Always check current conditions when booking.
Wildlife encounters: Bear Head Lake State Park offers regular wildlife viewing opportunities. "Best part was a quiet Sunday morning watching a deer drink from the lake while we were out there," reports Tegan C. Bear activity requires proper food storage, with metal lockers available at many campgrounds.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. Lake Vermilion-Soudan stands out with "top rate" cell service, according to Joanna B., who notes, "If you are looking for a state park campground to work remotely, this would be a great choice." Other campgrounds offer minimal or spotty coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Birch Lake Campground offers water recreation suitable for children. "The lake was gorgeous with little boat traffic as well," reports Zack H., highlighting safer swimming conditions for families. Many sites are positioned with view of swimming areas, allowing parents to monitor children while at camp.
Playground access: Fall Lake Campground includes playground facilities for younger visitors. "The campground was very nice and clean! Our campsite was spacious and hidden from the road. There was a little beach and playground for kids," writes Kara H. The playground equipment is centrally located near the beach area.
Climbing opportunities: Lake Vermilion-Soudan features natural rock formations that entertain children. "We stayed at site 312E with an awesome rock structure the kids had a blast climbing on," notes Sara P. These natural features provide activity options when families need breaks from water activities.
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area offers powered sites for RV campers. "I spent two nights at site #13 which was an electric site with my RV," mentions SmallRVLifestyle V., though adding a caution about mice being active at night. The electric sites accommodate mid-sized RVs with moderate leveling required.
Dump station locations: Facilities for waste disposal require planning. "There is a water fill-up station by the camp office and a dump station in town at the Chamber of Commerce," notes Nancy W. regarding Fall Lake accommodations. The Ely visitor center provides a dump station for $5 per use, serving multiple campgrounds in the area.
Site surfaces: Canoe Country Campground provides developed sites suitable for RVs. "Offers showers and a restroom. Has a fire pit and grate," reports Josh M. Sites feature level gravel pads that remain stable during rain, though the campground lacks sewer hookups at individual sites.
