Ely, Minnesota sits in the Superior National Forest at an elevation of 1,430 feet, characterized by heavily forested terrain and over 5,000 lakes and streams within the surrounding area. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while winter temperatures can drop below -30°F, requiring different camping preparations depending on season. Most campgrounds near Ely operate seasonally from May through October with limited winter camping options.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fenske Lake Campground provides access to multiple lakes ideal for catching a variety of fish species. "The pier [is] for fishing or if you want to go swim too. 15 minutes from Ely and 15 from Lake Mudro entry point for BWACW. Great location!" according to one camper at Fenske Lake Campground.
Boundary Waters access: Several campgrounds serve as gateways to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. At Silver Rapids Lodge, "This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten."
Hiking trails: The region offers multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. One visitor to Bear Head Lake State Park Campground notes, "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."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers value the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. At Headquarters RV Park, "We were greeted happily when we arrived and directed to our spot which was a spacious, level gravel pad with a well maintained picnic table and fire ring. We had a lot of privacy with the trees surrounding the site."
Waterfront access: Lakeside camping is highly rated by visitors. As one camper at South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area observed, "The sites are not necessarily private but better then a lot of the campsites in national forests. Hiking trails, places to ride a bike, boating without the engines."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility quality. A visitor to Bear Head Lake State Park Campground commented, "Lovely state park. Quiet and clean. Non electric sites were pretty private with trees and bushes between sites."
What you should know
Storm damage: Some campgrounds have experienced weather-related changes. At Fenske Lake Campground, a visitor reported, "Unfortunately, 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."
Limited amenities: Not all rv campgrounds near Ely offer full facilities. At Headquarters RV Park, "Beautiful place. Full hookups. No bathrooms or showers."
Seasonal considerations: Weather can significantly impact camping experiences. A visitor to West 40 RV Park noted, "Went over Labor Day. Owners were great and really helpful. Close to the off road vehicle park."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming spots. A camper at Silver Rapids Lodge mentioned, "Small swimming area and play place for kids. Pet friendly, clean, and nice hosts."
Ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities for children. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground features seasonal interpretive programs.
Family-friendly sites: Certain campgrounds cater specifically to families. A visitor to Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground shared, "We've camped all over the midwest and this may be the best campground we've ever stayed in. Very clean bathrooms, nice beach for swimming, very friendly staff in the office, a small camp store, and huge campsites that are spread out."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers should note site conditions. At South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area, a camper observed, "This is a very nice campground with access to the boundary waters. I lucked into a first come site with electric and took it for the weekend."
Water access: Many rv campgrounds in Ely, Minnesota require planning for water needs. As one camper noted at Headquarters RV Park, "We only stayed here two nights for a quick trip into Voyageurs National Park. If I would have known AT&T would have been so fast and reliable, we would have easily stayed here a week to work."
Group camping options: Some locations accommodate multiple RVs together. According to a Fall Lake Campground visitor, "The park has two group camp areas that are ideal for multiple campers and are very private. They have their own bathhouse, pavilion, large grassy common area, grills, and water access."
