For those who want to get away from civilization for a weekend, but still want the comforts of home, consider renting a cabin for your Ely camping trip. Find the best information on cabins near Ely, including photos, reviews, and tips. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Minnesota cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
$16 - $22 / night
$35 / night
Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing, boating and other recreational activities.
Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular on Birch Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramp or try their luck from shore to catch northern pike, perch, crappie and walleye. There are no horsepower limitations for boats on the lake. The shoreline is inviting for campers interested in canoeing. Families also enjoy berry picking during the summer and early fall months. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Birch Lake covers 7,628 acres and is one of a series of lakes in the area. The campground lies in aspen and birch forest. Birds and wildlife are abundant. 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.
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.
$19 - $89 / night
Located just 4 miles outside of Ely (on the edge of the Boundary Waters), Silver Rapids is located on a vast private peninsula with water on three sides, allowing for some of the best fishing around. You can discover the waterway amongst the 20 miles of open shoreline on any of the four lakes to which you’ll have access.
The Tomahawk snowmobile trail is located right outside the lodge. Spend the day snowmobiling and exploring the local trails. Come back to enjoy a nice dinner and relax in our Hearthside Lounge. Cross country ski on our private groomed trails. Try your luck ice fishing right outside your cabin. We have plenty to do to occupy your time.
Clean, lakeside cabins, motel suites, or camp sites
Full bar and restaurant
Fire pits and charcoal grills available with cabins
Docks with electrical hook-up
Private hiking/cross country ski trails
Pet Friendly
Access to Snowmobiling & ATV Trails
On site live bait
Lake maps
Gift shop
Fish cleaning house
Waterfront gas pumps
Dry/split firewood
Shower house
Full RV hook up
Wireless Internet available in the lodge
$40 / night
There is a separate listing for the "campground". This is for the CABINS.
Eight camper cabins with heat, electricity, Wi-Fi; available year-round. Two are wheelchair accessible; accessible showers and flush toilets nearby. No pets. Each cabin sleeps 6; with either 3 full bunks, or two full and two twin bunks. Outdoor food prep counter, campfire ring and table.
$90 / night
In season camping runs from April to September, with reservations available. Off season camping is first-come-first-served at a discounted rate
Sawbill Lake Campground has immediate access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a beautiful, peaceful and wild natural feature of Minnesota's Superior National Forest. The campground acts as a convenient base camp for exploring the nearby wilderness. 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. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famed Boundary Waters.
This facility draws canoe enthusiasts who seek a quiet and convenient area from which to access the surrounding wilderness. Day and overnight use of the Boundary Waters requires a permit. The campground concessionaire, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, provides a one-stop shop for canoeists of all levels within walking distance of the campground. Canoe rentals, permits and guided canoe trips are available. Campers who wish to spend time relaxing at the campground can fish for northern pike and bass; hike, bike, picnic and attend educational programs. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Sawbill Lake is nestled in a thick pine forest that gives campsites excellent privacy. Birds and wildlife are abundant, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. Wildflowers add bright colors to the landscape in warmer months. The campground sits on a hill above Sawbill Lake. The 765-acre lake is within the Boundary Waters.
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters maintains a store with showers, laundry, fishing licenses, bait and tackle, ice, grocery and convenience items, canoe and camping gear, rentals and a pay telephone. Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 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
$10 - $20 / night
Eighteen Lake Rustic Campground provides three campsites and a picnic area under red pines on the shore of Eighteen Lake. A trail around the lake and a carry down boat access make this a wonderful spot to spend a weekend in the woods.
We offer a chance to discover the North Country. Explore the area on an ATV, a snowmobile, snowshoes or on foot and return to the warmth of a cozy fire in our lodge. Wildhurst is a private lodge and campground tucked into 40 acres of wilderness located in the Sawtooth Mountains. Bears, moose and grouse are common sightings along the many trails and creeks that surround Wildhurst. With direct access to the ATV/snowmobile trails, the adventure is endless.
Each campsite is located in a private, rustic setting with fire rings and picnic tables. Four RV sites with 40 amp and water, dry lodge rooms and soon to be added Yurts! Our log cabins are rustic with electric, propane heat, mini fridge, microwave and screened porches with a log swing overlooking Wildhurst Creek. All sites and rooms come with 24/7 access to the shower rooms.
Traveler
The owners were very nice and helpful, as well as the staff. Very clean. A beautiful spot! Fishing on Pelican lake is great. The fishing dock is accessible ( I rode my mobility scooter out there with no difficulty) and they have boats available so you can get out on the. lake. We spent a lot of time in the pool and hot tub and enjoyed the nightly campfire. We ordered a pizza and it was delivered to to out camper by a nice young man! Paddle boat and kayaks are free for guests as well as many other amenities and activities the children will enjoy. We brought our rv but they also have some beautiful cabins. I just wish we had more time to enjoy all the resort offers. Next time! We also enjoyed the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. Its only 15 miles away. A wonderful place to view the bears! Don’t miss it! We loved our stay at Aspen. It’s our new vacation destination!
Guide
Campsite was good size and relatively private in the non electric area. Beautiful park overall and love the proximity from Ely and Lake Vermillion. I did find bear scat near our site so be sure to practice proper bear safety precautions.
LegendBear Head Lake State Park is just south of the Boundary Waters, and shares a comparable wilderness element. The shoreline is beautiful and very fun to explore by kayak.
Campground features: Cabin rentals, tent sites, and RV sites. The campground is open in fall & winter. The campsites are private, well shaded, and level. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, group sites, and electric are also available.
Hiking at Bear Head Lake State Park
Fishing at Bear Head State Park
Bass, northerns, walleye, panfish, and trout can be caught at this State Park. Many people fish from the fishing dock or shoreline. Panfish are all over the lake and most likely the first ones biting. Good walleye fishing after 6pm.
Other activities:
Boat rentals, cross country ski trail (groomed), snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails.
Guide
We stayed here last June with our large family. My bf and I stayed 2 nights in a cabin and tent camped 2 nights on a camp site. This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten. Silver Rapids Lodge itself has a bar/restaurant right by campground along with many other amenities. Many cabins to choose from from 4-6 ppl all the way up to a 24 person cabin!! Good fishing and lots of areas to do so without a boat, if you don’t have a boat and would like to rent one SRL offers boat rentals. Small swimming area and play place for kids. Pet friendly, clean, and nice hosts.
Legend
Lake Vermilion is a large multi-purpose recreational lake at the edge of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness. It is a very popular lake for fishermen, but until now there was no State Park campground available on its shores. This is a new state park campground, which just had its Grand Opening in June 2018. It is located on land adjacent to the historic Soudan Mine state park, which was a park for history tours and day use only until the park expanded and developed this campground for campers interested in lake recreation, especially a fishing-oriented vacation. With the exception of a handful or remote hike-in and boat-in dispersed campsites which are currently free of charge, the majority of campsites are drive-in and have electric hook-ups. There are also three group campsites, one hike-in with simpler facilities perfect for scout troups etc, and two others with both tent and RV sites and picnic shelters and their own bath houses.
For tent campers, the sites are large but newly cleared so still a bit rough. For RV campers or fishermen with boats and trailers, there is ample room for your vehicle and trailer. All of the sites are carved out of the woods and, though near the lake, are not within viewing distance of it. You do have to drive a bit to get to the boat landing, but it isnt far and has a great brand new ramp and docks. If you want a place to camp that is conveniently located for fishing Lake Vermilion, this is it. It is also a good place to camp if you want to bike on the Mesabi Bike trail, which goes through the park and runs from Ely to Grand Rapids. BWCA trippers will also find this to be a convenient stopove the night before or after a BWCA trip, and no doubt the brand new bathrooms and showers will be very welcome. There are a sporadic park naturalist programs here, but fewer than a lot of other state parks. There are a lot of activities and things to do in the nearby town of Ely though, https://www.ely.org/ and basic supplies located next door to the park in the village of Soudan. A visit to the historic Soudan Mine in the west of the park is quite an experience too.
Note: I visited in mid June, just as summer campers were coming to try out the park. Apparently a big wind storm camp through at the end of June causing some treefall and damage to some areas of the park. check here for updates:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00285#homepage
LegendBear Head Lake is an established, full service state park that has something for everyone. There are a variety of camping opportunities, from camper cabins to guesthouse to tent campsites with lake access to RV sites. Though you have to hike to the beach, the beach is really lovely and has boat rental. There is an extensive network of trails for both hiking and cross country skiing, with a really great indoor Trail Center that serves as winter warming house, indoor meeting place for rainy days, and classroom for park naturalist events. The lake is great for boating, fishing and paddling. though part of the lake shore is privately owned, the lake is quiet and peaceful overall, nestled in tall pines with easy access to the town of Ely if desired. The vicinity is known for bears and is part of a long term bear research study; visit the American Bear Center nearby if interested! https://www.bear.org/website/
RangerStayed at a camper cabin- had the park to ourselves! Absolutely gorgeous. The drive off the main highway is a few miles, so you really end up out in the wilderness! We also appreciated that this park doesn’t allow hunting so you know you are safe during that season.
The campground is along a series of winding lakes, with multiple access points to the water. Very spaced out and easy access to vaulted toilets and water. A couple of different fishing piers and docks right near the campground itself. Has electric and non-electric sites. Definitely impressed with the campground itself. Very pretty no matter where you camp.
Park has:
- fishing pier
- hiking trails
- fish cleaning building
- stocked backcountry fishing lakes
- canoe rental
- a trail center with a community fire ring and comfy chairs
- dump station
- RV sanitation station
- camper cabins
- group camp
- swimming beach
- trailer access
- watercraft and backpack sites
We enjoyed night walks and star gazing- we decided it was the best stars we had ever seen! Even saw shooting stars. Cooked some great meals, and enjoyed the hiking club walk through the woods to some super-secret small lakes.
Checked out the group site- so cool. Right on the water with a personal dock and toilets.
This park is truly in the wilderness, felt like actually being in the Boundary Waters! Crystal clear water, thick gorgeous forests, and an amazing sky.
Head into Ely, maybe 20 mins, if you need supplies or a break from the woods. Also can access the BWCAW there too.
We appreciated that this park is open year-round, but can’t wait to go back in the summer!
Traveler
We stayed at Wildhurst about 20 years ago and had a great time, even got to see an mini-air show overhead with USAF F-16s out of Duluth doing maneuvers overhead. So, when the State Forest campgrounds were closed last spring for storm cleanup, we decided to take a cabin there. Not going back. The new owners are trying; I'll give them that. They're friendly, the little restaurant isn't bad, but the latrines (outhouses) really need to be rebuilt. I mean REALLY. Lime on the toilet seat. Early in the season and the biffys by our cabin were horrible smelling, (And I DO understand that they are open toilets. I was the ranger in a state forest campground for 26 years and had to clean weekly and pump out every year 12 of them.) and if the wind was wrong, we could smell it in our cabin. Cabins were smallish, but comparable to a state park camper cabin, they need updates, paint, roofing, and leveling the floors.
Wildhurst has potential. I wish it was as good as it used to be,
Legend
Stayed in a cabin for some winter glamping! Gonna have to make this a yearly thing for sure! I love this area of the state...and the mine area sure is something else in the winter time after a large snow accumulation. So thankful my friend invited me on this trip! Dagwaagin cabin
LegendPETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK BUT NOT THE CABINS - see below for details.
This part of the state park is very new! These cabins are a fairly new addition and aimed to cater to those that love winter outings but want warmth and electronic lifelines.
We stayed in "Ning" cabin which is an abbreviation of the actual name. All cabins have native Ojibwe names. It was there last on the loop and right next to a short trail. A vault toilet is about 30 feet away.
This campground had wifi throughout the campground and cabins. This let me work while we were there with my computer without issues. It's easy to log into (open your browser and the option will pop up, or search for it in your wifi network options).
Firewood - this is a super cool policy. You can't bring your own wood, but you can pay $10/day for a permit that you hand at your site. They have a "shed" with pre-split wood that's dry and ready for the campfire. You can burn what you need daily and put the rest back before you leave. This is not meant to "burn it all" but it allows you to have a fire, stay warm, have fun and not run out of wood. Great price considering the amount many places charge for a dinky little bundle that lasts about an hour. You also can't take it home, so just be smart about the process and it's a great option for everyone!
The inside of the cabin was wow! Electricity outlets were plenty (in all the bunks - as well as lights in all bunks). Hard floors, a vacuum for when you were done, shelves for gear and food, baseboard heaters, A/C in summer, big windows, ceiling fan, rug to wipe your boots, lots of coathangers.
Outside a small deck and picnic table, food prep station with an outlet - very cool! Fire ring was down a set of stairs near the woods.
Please note: PETS are allowed in the park, but NOT in the cabins and NOT on the deck of the cabin. Pretty steep fees if they find this happening.
Also...you have to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags or sheets/blanket).
Nice perk - there is an indoor showerhouse with bathrooms, hot water and potable drinking water station so you don't have to sacrifice in the winter!
Overall great stay for $90 - quieter than a hotel for sure!
LegendCamper cabins are nice. They have bunk type beds. The beds on bottom are FULL size (can sleep 2 each) and the ones on top are singles. So 6 could sleep here. There was a little table, electric heat and a small screened in porch. An outhouse style bathroom is close by. Easy lake access...it seemed pretty quiet. Nice way to "camp" if the weather is cold. Picnic tables and fire pits outside the cabin. Nice!
GuideGreat campground! Drove out far for Labor Day weekend hoping we could find a last minute campground. Luckily a few people cancelled their reservations so we found one out here. Had awesome sites, ATV/UTV trails, a bar, a playground, and rentable cabins. Sites are secluded and pretty private. Campground also has clean bathrooms. Toilets are by the sites but are vaults but then by the bar there are two bathrooms with showers and flushing toilets that are open 24/7. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Felt very welcome here even tho I’m from Green Bay haha
LegendWe visited some people staying here in the campground we were at fall lake. The Lodge is across the street with lots of amenities. The lodge has a shower house, bar/ Lounge, restaurant, boat and canoe rentals, game room, free Wifi, a playground, bait & tackle, a private swim beach and laundry facility. The laundry facility is near the other campground and suites I like the campground across the street better. Good homemade Pizzas! This area is beautiful. I gave it a 3 star rating because we like privacy, a little more wooded surroundings and you can hear traffic but it's not a very busy road.
Across the street from the lodge is the campground, boat ramp & small toilet rooms a little primitive. Better to be self contained in this part of the campground. Most sites back up to the water and some have docks behind them and there is water & electric. Some have a little shade. There isn't much privacy and there isn't a lot of room between them but a great view. You can fish from you campsite they had caught some Walleye. There are several lakes here you choose from if you boat, canoe or kayak. I would say my camper is bigger than it is to make sure you get a little larger spot. The ones across from the toilet rooms can be tight backing in having enough room to get in take that into consideration when booking.
I believe they use the dump station in Ely at the visitor center they have a dump you can use for #5.00. Ely is a small town it has a lot of canoe outfitters, 2 grocery stores, a few places to eat, gas stations, hardware stores, some gift shops, so come prepared there isn't a Walmart or anything near there.
By far the best ice cream we ever ate. It's called Northern Expressions I had the caramel collision, the malts were good too. The line can be all the way down the side of the building but the wait is worth it.
Lots of lakes in the area, Fall lake is close by which is nice for Kayaking, canoeing or boating. It's part of the BWCA. Nice campground there too.
GuideQuiet campground with a short walk to the lake. RV and tent camping had separate areas. Restrooms and showers were clean. Close to Ely.
TravelerI would like to say this park is very tranquil. Great sites and nice fishing!
Tower and Ely are near to get bait or items if needed.
Our most visited favorite park!
LegendStopped here on the way to the Boundary Waters. A lot of the campground was closed and there was some rough weather, but still had a great time. At the campground you can do some hiking and also some water sports.
The Campground Beach...not too much of a beach as it is a shallow spot, but it is still perfect for families to lounge in on a hot day. There are lots of shade trees to relax under if you like so that is nice.
The Hiking...I hiked all the hikes and I can honestly say there are some good sites to see. I would recommend Blueberry Lake and Becky Lake hike. It is a mixture of rolling grass and rocky terrain. I did it in the rain so mosquitos were not as bad and was able to pass by the back country sites as well. You are mostly covered under the pine forest but you do get to glance some of the views. The hiking club hike (Norberg) isn't too bad, but it is very heavily trafficked. I saw more nature on the backcountry hike than the hiking club.
The water...some good look nooks to get into in the east and north bays. The actual lake itself is pretty windy and made kayaking difficult. I would say it would be a great paddle on a calm day or early morning. Caught several pikes and many bass. There are also loads of panfish. The shallows have crystal clear water so it is nice to just sneak up on the pan fish to see them.
The campground...I was in site 43 and it was pretty nice and secluded. The DNR had blocked off over half the sites due to the Covid. They also had the bathrooms closed along with the fish cleaning shanty. The cabins were opening up on the 1st for families. The sites that are back to back with the other loop (59-73 and 26-39) don't have much privacy at the back of their sites. Most sites have simple pathways to the sites on either side, but mines was pretty secluded and a good location. The sites along the water (51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58) all have pathways down to the water and some docks to hold boats over. It was a nice campground and there really is a lot to do. The sunset are great and the big field by the campground cabin was a great place to put a blanket and watch the sun set behind the trees.
TravelerThe campground is nice. The sites are very private which I enjoyed. Had boat rentals available to go out on the beautiful lake.
Guide
The campground is very quiet but the fall scenery is beautiful. The trees are blazing in color. Clean campsites with plenty to do. Hiking, bicycling, fishing etc. The city of Ely is close for supplies and grocery shopping. Two large grocery stores. Friendly people throughout this town. Will camp here again.
Scoutthis state park was very well maintained and clean. A storm passed through a few days before I camped there and crews had already cleared all of the roads and hiking trails. A great family friendly park with a swimming beach, boat rentals, and trails.
GuideFriendly campground! Nice restaurant on site. Seems to cater to the side by side...ATV crowd. Lots to see and do in the area. Take a drive over to Ely..cute town. Visit the old Irin mine! We had a God stay...but sites are tight for larger rigs. Gravel road in is rough so go slow. Did not try bath house or public facilities.
TravelerThis was a wonderful stay. Very family friendly with a lot to do! There are modern facilities in the drive in campground, nothing fancy but they got the job done. We stayed mid-week and the park was busy but not overly full. You can rent kayaks, canoes, etc. at the park office of a decent price. Lots of critters to see and hear. Ely is a short drive down the road. We will definitely be coming back to this campground.
Guide
Sawbill is one of our favorite campgrounds! We've stayed here numerous times and never had a bad visit. This was our first time at site #49. It is a very nice site with plenty of room. We usually do a day canoe rental when we visit and the staff at the outfitters are wonderful. Very nice and helpful - again never a bad experience!
ScoutNo joke, this was our family’s first camping trip. We have five kids 10 and under. The sites were clean and large. Some are larger than others. Ours was about 15 feet from the next site but that was through trees.
Plenty of drinking water and bathrooms. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit with a grate.
The outfitters on site are amazing. Kind and helpful. They have pay showers and all the rentals you need.
We did a day trip and had a blast.
GuidePerfect little campground (and outfitters) right in the lake. Great for those who still want a few amenities.
It’s a dry campground. Water at the outfitters. Vault toilets (clean and nice!) throughout. Water spigots in the campground. Dump station next to the outfitters. Outfitters have basic necessities and gear. Canoe rentals too. Campground is right in sawbill lake. Lord of portages nearby. Amazing place!
Sites are spaced out. Shaded. Most can accommodate trailers. Some are better for tents only. Our 34’ and 37’ fit perfect with plenty of room. Fire pits and tables in each one.
Highly recommend. It’s a wonderful place to camp!
BWCA entry point.
TravelerWe stayed at site 312E, pull through site which made it convenient with the boat. We tent camp and it had a nice flat grassy spot for the tent with ample room for the screened in shelter. (+’s)
(-‘s)
We didn’t do any biking but should bring the bikes next time as the paths look good.
I see this campground more for RV and non-kid groups.
GuideSites are large and well spaced. Free wifi, several pit toilets along with a new shower/restroom building. No playground or beach. Our kids mainly played at the campsite or rode their bikes around the loop by the sites in the 400s.
In my opinion the sites in the 400s were the most shaded (though none were heavily shaded) and had more grass. Our friends stayed in #402 and their site was similar but with more boulders on the site perimeter. Neither site had good trees for hammocks.
Firewood was a good deal - all you could use for $6/day.
There is a boat launch near the campground as well as a day use area in the park (need to drive there). The day use area is beautiful and you can walk down to the lake, fish, or picnic.
In Ely both the Wolf Center and the Bear Center are great places to visit. If you can only visit one I would recommend the Bear Center as you get to see the animals more up close and the guided tour is very informative.
Guidenew campground in last couple years. facilities are well maintained and the sites are nice and big. we stayed at 314E with our friends at 312E. their site was by far the best, with an awesome rock structure the kids had a blast climbing on.
plusses: main bathrooms and showers are very clean and new. water in sinks is warm. Soudan Mine tour was awesome! travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s. hike to overlook we saw a large white tailed deer 20 yds away. the view was amazing and only 3 miles round trip from the campground. pay $6 per day for all the fIrewood you use, vs prIce per sack. paved path was awesome for running or biking. drove to Ely for the day and went to the International Wolf Center - fun to see the wolves up close.
opps: no trash cans in vault toilets makes it difficult at that time of the month. long walk to the lake from campsites. wish there were sites on or closer to the lake. our kids wanted to fish or swim.
Cabin camping near Ely, Minnesota offers a serene escape into nature, with cozy accommodations and stunning landscapes that make for an unforgettable experience.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ely, MN is Bear Head Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 39 reviews.
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