The Superior National Forest around Winton, Minnesota provides primitive camping options with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. Located at the edge of the Canadian Shield, the region features exposed granite outcroppings and shallow soil that creates distinctive camping terrain. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during the day, cooling to 50-60°F at night even in July.
What to do
Paddling and portaging: Fall Lake serves as an entry point to the Boundary Waters with rental options at the campground. "You can rent a canoe at the office which also includes the permit you need to go into the boundary waters," notes a camper at Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground.
Fishing from shoreline: Sites at South Kawishiwi River offer direct water access. "Most sites back up to the water and some have docks behind them... You can fish from your campsite they had caught some Walleye," explains a reviewer at Silver Rapids Lodge.
Hiking nearby trails: The Bass Lake trails offer more scenic routes than some campground trails. "More interesting trails are located about 15 minutes away at Bass Lake which are longer and more scenic with water access," mentions a Fall Lake camper.
Visit local attractions: The area has educational centers for wildlife education. "Don't miss the International Wolf Center, the North American Bear Center and the Dorothy Molter Museum. All are really interesting and definitely worth the price of admission," recommends a visitor to Fall Lake.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer seclusion despite popularity. "The campground has well spaced, well foliaged camping spaces. Great for both tent and RV Camping," reports a reviewer at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground.
Waterfront access: Direct lake access ranks high for satisfaction. A camper at Fenske Lake Campground explains, "We had a site along the lake! It was absolutely gorgeous, can't remember which site but we had to walk down a few stairs to our site which was positioned among some trees with a giant rock you could climb out on with a PERFECT view of the lake!"
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights provide excellent astronomical viewing. "We had a great site and loved listening to the loons and owls each night, with spectacular starry skies overhead," shares a Fall Lake visitor.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high sanitation standards. "The bathrooms are immaculately clean as well. Plenty of options for hiking or getting on the lake and it is close to more attractions in Ely!" notes a camper at Fenske Lake Campground.
What you should know
First-come availability varies: Weekends fill quickly but midweek offers better chances. "During mid week it was pretty busy," reports a visitor to South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area.
Storm damage affects some areas: Recent years have seen windstorm impacts. "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," explains a Fenske Lake camper.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have discolored water. "The well water available had a bit of an off smell and came out a little more yellow/brown than I prefer so I did not use it," notes a visitor at Birch Lake Campground.
Wildlife presence: Bears are active in the area. "There was also a mamma bear and 2 cubs there, but they didn't bother us at all," mentions a camper at South Kawishiwi.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for designated swimming areas with amenities. "There was a little beach and playground for kids. Lots of places to go for a walk and close to town!" shares a visitor at Lake Vermillion - Soudan Mine State Park Campsites.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. "Soudan Mine tours were awesome... Within reasonable driving distance to Ely which has the wolf center, shopping, etc," explains a Lake Vermillion camper.
Playground availability: Not all campgrounds have play equipment. "No playground or beach. Our kids mainly played at the campsite or rode their bikes around the loop by the sites in the 400s," notes another Lake Vermillion visitor.
Boulder exploration: Natural features provide play areas. "Our site had a great combination of open area for wind flow and sun and shade to put our tent in... We had a few big rocks on the border of our campsite that our kids played on," mention campers at Lake Vermillion.
Tips from RVers
Dump station location: Plan for waste disposal off-site. "There is a water fill-up station by the camp office and a dump station in town at the Chamber of Commerce," advises a Fall Lake camper.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate RVs better than others. "We camped at site #39... While we liked our first site (which was a pull-thru), it was booked after our stay so we started scouting other sites," shares a Fall Lake visitor.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "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," warns a Bear Head Lake camper.
Wildlife precautions: Small animals can be problematic. "It is overrun with mice during the night. They kept me up getting in and running around. I put traps out during the night and I caught 6!!! I never caught six in one place during one night ever," cautions a South Kawishiwi River visitor.
