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Best Cabin Camping near Ely, MN

108 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cabins near Ely offer rustic to modern accommodations with varying amenities based on location. Bear Head Lake State Park provides cabins in a wooded setting with access to hiking trails and fishing. Canoe Country Campground and Cabins features electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. "We 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," notes one visitor. Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park also provides cabin rentals with picnic tables, toilets, and trash service.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are available depending on location. Silver Rapids Lodge offers accommodations ranging from small 4-6 person units to larger cabins sleeping up to 24 people. Most locations require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months from May through September. Pet policies vary significantly between properties, with some cabins being pet-friendly while others, like Lake Vermillion-Soudan cabins, prohibit pets entirely. A camper wrote, "The campground is very quiet but the fall scenery is beautiful. Clean campsites with plenty to do. Hiking, bicycling, fishing etc."

Most cabins include basic furniture but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities range from primitive fire rings with grates to more equipped setups with refrigerators. Firewood is available for purchase at many locations including Bear Head Lake State Park and Silver Rapids Lodge. Ely provides convenient access to supplies with two large grocery stores. According to one visitor, "The city of Ely is close for supplies and grocery shopping. Two large grocery stores. Friendly people throughout this town." Williams and Hall Outfitters and several other cabin providers maintain small markets for basic provisions, though selection is limited.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Ely, Minnesota (20)

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Recent Cabin Photos near Ely, MN

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Cabin Reviews near Ely, MN

108 Reviews of 20 Ely Campgrounds

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2017

    Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    Boundary Waters Bound

    Camper 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!

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2018

    Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    Secluded in the Northwoods

    Bear 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

    • Bear Head Lake State Park Trail is a moderate 3.2 mile trail. This hike is a loop route. Dogs are allowed but only on leash.
    • Norberg Lake Trail is a easy 1.5 mile trail. It is a trail for all skill levels and dogs are allowed but only on leash. Mostly wooded.
    • Blueberry Lake Trail is a easy 4.5 mile trail. Longer than the other listed trails. It is an out and back hike that is mostly wooded. Dogs are allowed on leash.
    • Becky Lake Trail is a easy 2.7 mile hike. Beck Lake is a loop hike that is mostly wooded. Dogs are allowed on leash.

    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.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2022

    Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park Cabins — Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

    Cabins are very modern and full of modern amenities

    PETS 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!

  • Carrie C.
    May. 18, 2021

    Silver Rapids Lodge

    Ely, Mn

    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.

  • TyAnn J.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Fisherman's Point City Campground

    Ranger Review: GRAND TRUNK PARASHEET BEACH BLANKET at Fisherman’s Point Campground Hoyt Lakes, MN

    Campground Review:

    ****This campground is located on beautiful Whitewater Lake in Hoyt Lakes, MN. The fall colors are absolutely gorgeous right now, and my pictures don’t even come close to doing them justice!! We have lived just 5 miles down the road from this campground for over 20 years, and regret not camping here sooner!! This campground is very family and pet friendly with so many activities to choose from. We spent the bulk of our time hiking the paved trails, and fishing the lake. You can reserve a spot online at http://www.fishermanspointmn.com/ , or it’s a first come first served campground. There were plenty of spots available when we camped there, but recommend reserving during the busy summer months.

    There are 93 spacious and wooded sites divided into separate loops. If you are driving a bigger RV or 5th Wheel some corners can be tight, but they are currently upgrading and widening the traffic areas. Some of the campsites are right on the waterfront which was nice for mooring our boat close to us. They have some 50/30/20 amp spots, but none of the spots are a full hook up with dump capabilities. The campground hosts were super friendly and the showerhouses/restrooms were super clean and smelled freshJ There is no bringing in outside wood for campfires, but they have a nice little general store where you can purchase bundles. Each spot comes with a nice picnic table and a fire ring. One of the things we liked most is the shelters and grill pits they have right on the lakeshore. They have 2 separate boat ramp areas so there is no congestion or waiting in line to get in the water, and the fish cleaning house is just a few steps off the boat ramp. Quiet hours are from 11:00pm to 7:00am, but we noticed there is no enforcement of that rule, hence the 4 Star rating.

    ...................................................

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the privilege of receiving products to test from time to time. I tested the PARASHEET Beach Blanket from Grand Trunk. https://www.grandtrunk.com/collections/goods-for-the-campsite/products/parasheet-beach-blanket-new-colors Navigating their website is easy and very user friendly!! The thing I appreciated the most is that they are in constant contact with you from the minute you place the order to when it arrives on your doorstep. The shipping time is super speedy from this company!! All items were packed well, and they included a free can cozy and decal sticker (it went on our 5th Wheel!!)

    When I took Parasheet, my first thought was that I would not have used the word blanket in the description, it is so much more!! (on their website they use the sentence “The Best Beach Blanket Ever.” With that being said, the parachute nylon fabric is very lightweight, but super durable. This sheet is a packing/carrying dream!! They have a nice variety of colors available, and I ordered the Parasheet in the color Berry Bronzed. The contrast between the deep blue/tan colors is absolutely stunning!! The one feature I liked right away is that the sheet has it’s own drawcorded carrying/storage bag for easy packing and storing. We had a chance to take the sheet out on a windy day, and the sand pockets helped keep it in place while we staked it down. There are an endless amount of uses for this sheet while camping, and at home too!! (my son of course tested and gave a “thumbs up” on the Superman cape tryout lol) The parasheet stood up very well on different types of terrain (we tested sand, gravel rock, and pine needles) Overall, I think the Grand Trunk Parasheet is well priced at $39.99, and would recommend it to all!!

  • Brady J.
    Oct. 24, 2023

    Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    Classic Northwoods camping/hiking

    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.

  • HollyRose M.
    Dec. 1, 2020

    Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    Feels Like Wilderness

    Stayed 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!

  • Evan G.
    Jul. 8, 2021

    Wildhurst Campgrounds

    Quiet, convenient, and friendly

    A great campsite just a few minutes from the main highway up the coast of lake superior. There's a bar with a kitchen where you check in to the campsite filled with friendly people, games, and great food. But enough about that, the campsite itself is very private with a spot to park you car, and you are surrounded by trees and bushes for each individual campsite. A fire pit and picnic table can be found at each site. There is potable water, showers, and an outhouse. Ice, firewood, and limited camping supplies are available for purchase at the bar.

  • Duncan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2022

    Cabin O' Pines Resort

    Very Pretty Place On Pelican Lake

    A really nice place with lots of fun stuff do to right in the campground including a beach and boat ramp on Pelican Lake. There is a nice playground area for kids. The place caters mostly to seasonal folks more than overnight roadies. I stumbled on it by accident when I was heading to Voyageurs NP but just wanted to get off the road for the night.

     Some of the seasonal sites have extensive decking and screened porches. The sites for the temp folks had full hookups but were gravel that was not well maintained and not level. The bathrooms were ok, maybe a C+. There was no soap at the men’s bathroom sink. There are only six daily/weekly RV/tent sites.  The rest are seasonal rentals.  It got 4 stars instead of 3 because it is so pretty and peaceful.

Guide to Ely

Cabin camping near Ely, Minnesota offers extensive options within the Superior National Forest region at elevations ranging from 1,300-1,700 feet. The area experiences cold winters with temperatures frequently dropping below zero, while summer temperatures average 75°F with occasional rainfall. Most Ely cabin rentals cluster around the numerous lakes that dot the region, with peak season running June through August.

What to do

Fishing from your site: At Silver Rapids Lodge, lakeside campsites provide easy fishing access. "You can fish from your campsite they had caught some Walleye. There are several lakes here you choose from if you boat, canoe or kayak," notes one visitor. Many sites include docks directly behind them.

Underground mine tours: The historic Soudan Mine tours at Lake Vermilion-Soudan offer a unique underground experience. "Soudan Mine tours were awesome! travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s," explains a camper. Tours run daily from Memorial Day through September.

Wildlife centers: Within a 20-minute drive from most Ely cabin rentals are wildlife education facilities. "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," shares one camper.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Bear Head Lake State Park Campground offers well-designed camping areas. "Sites are good sizes and a good distance from each other. Great for families. Very picturesque, provides perfect 'up north' experience with fishing, canoeing, hiking, all amongst the tall pines!" writes one visitor.

Modern cabin amenities: Cabins at Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park include unexpected comforts. "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," explains a satisfied guest.

Winter access: Many cabin rentals near Ely remain open year-round. "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," remarks one winter visitor.

What you should know

Firewood policies: Many cabins have specific firewood arrangements. At Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park Cabins, "You can't bring your own wood, but you can pay $10/day for a permit that you hang 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."

Pet restrictions: Rules vary significantly between properties. "PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK BUT NOT THE CABINS... NOT on the deck of the cabin. Pretty steep fees if they find this happening," warns a Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park Cabins guest.

Bedding requirements: Birch Lake Campground and most cabin facilities require guests to bring their own linens. "You have to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags or sheets/blanket)," notes one camper. Most cabins provide mattresses but no bedding supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Fisherman's Point City Campground offers dedicated spaces for children. "Great campground! Owners are super great and helpful, beautiful campsite and nice paved path for biking!!! Great for the family," writes a visitor. The campground includes playgrounds and lake access points.

Bunk configurations: Bear Head Lake State Park cabins accommodate various family sizes. "Camper 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."

Natural playground features: Several campgrounds incorporate natural elements for climbing. One camper at Lake Vermillion-Soudan notes, "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."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Most cabin and RV campgrounds near Ely offer partial hookups only. At Fisherman's Point City Campground, "The only bad thing is no water hook ups." Most have electric service but limited water connections.

Dump station locations: Ely has several dump stations for RV waste. "I believe they use the dump station in Ely at the visitor center they have a dump you can use for $5.00," notes a Silver Rapids Lodge visitor. Call ahead to confirm current availability and pricing.

Site terrain: Gravel pads predominate at many campgrounds. "Sites leaning towards more of an rv type of site with the gravel and lots of large rocks in the ground but an amazing location," explains a Bear Head Lake State Park camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Ely, MN?

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 41 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Ely, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Ely, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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