This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There are 2 sites on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage and Leave No Trace. Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses. (You can purchase a map on line at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/ or at any of the District offices or by mail.) This lake may be a part of or has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW. When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another you’ll want to check to see if you’ll be entering into the BWCAW. Permits are always required while traveling in the BWCAW. If traveling for the day by paddle or foot you can use a self issued permit found at any Ranger District office or at the kiosk at the official entry point. Motor powered watercraft is permitted only on designated lakes. When traveling over night or using a motor please look at the BWCAW portion of this web site or take a look at the reservation site at www.recreation.gov for more information. Remember to Leave No Trace.

Nels Lake Back country campsites

## Overview

Fenske Lake Campground offers visitors an escape to a small, remote campground with large, majestic pine trees and easy access to water. It is a popular base camp for exploring, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and backcountry canoeing in Superior National Forest and the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground lies approximately 10 miles outside of Ely, Minnesota.

## Recreation

Because of its proximity to access points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its status as a Superior National Forest canoe circle route, Fenske Lake is very popular for canoeing and kayaking.   
  
  
  
Families and children enjoy exploring the short, 1-mile nature trail in the campground, as well as swimming at the grassy beach or waiting for a catch on the accessible fishing pier. Anglers can make use of the boat ramp and try their luck for bass, northern pike, crappie and sunfish.  
  
  
  
View [recreation guides and maps](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5202373) of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.

## Facilities

The campground is tent-friendly; most sites do not accommodate large RVs. Sites are spaced widely apart along a large loop. All sites have partial to full shade, and some overlook the lake.   
  
A group campsite for 10 to 25 people is situated on a separate parking spur away from the main campground. The site is perched high on a rock ledge overlooking the lake, offering a spectacular view.   
  
Families and groups of friends will enjoy the facility's small picnic area. An open log shelter is available for use during inclement weather.

## Natural Features

The facility overlooks 130-acre Fenske Lake, a small and scenic body of water surrounded by dense hardwood and pine forests in the northwoods of Minnesota. Birds and wildlife are abundant in the area.   
  
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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.   
  
[Additional sites of interest](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/superior/home/?cid=fsm91_049663&width=full)

Fenske Lake Campground

Canoe Country Campground and Cabins

Hillmans RV Park

Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground

## Overview

Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities.   
  
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. 

## Recreation

Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View [recreation guides and maps](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5202373) of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.   
  
Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill.   
  
Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas.   
  
There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.

## Facilities

This lake has some sites that can be reserved and some that are first-come, first-served. Many sites at Fall Lake are made to accommodate RVs including pull-through sites. Trees provide privacy between most campsites. The facility is very accessible.   
  
A store, canoe rentals, firewood and ice are available at the facility, and a campground host is on-site during the season.

## Natural Features

The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant. 

## Nearby Attractions

Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine.   
  
By far the most popular nearby attraction is the [Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5202169). Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.

Fall Lake

Silver Rapids Lodge

Meander Lake is a remote, clear lake with 2 backcountry campsites. The picnic area and barrier-free fishing pier are located on the southern shore of the lake. Downloadable information and map

Meander Lake

Kawishiwi Lake is a lovely campground in a birch stand on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It provides an excellent campsite for people entering or exiting the BWCAW via the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point. The BWCAW boundary is the shore of the lake, so motors are not allowed on the lake and if you plan on putting a canoe in the water at all, you will need a day use permit available at a kiosk at the access point. ACTIVITIES Camping: Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines. Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage. Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use. Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers. Fishing Recreational Vehicles: Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs; however, all five of the sites at Kawishiwi Lake are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV. Swimming: Unlike many northcountry lakes with shores of rocks and boulders, the shore of Kawishiwi at the campground is a gradual slope which provides swimming opportunities. There is no designated swimming area or lifeguards, and swimming is at your own risk.

South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area

## Overview

South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings of up to 35 people.

## Recreation

Canoeing is a main attraction. The Kawishiwi River provides access to Birch Lake to the south and the Boundary Waters to the north. When traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness, a permit is required.   
  
  
  
Canoe rentals are available by contacting the host.  
  
  
Closer to shore, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the campground's grassy beach, hiking the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail or trying their luck at fishing for northern pike, perch and walleye. A boat ramp is located on-site.  
  
  
  
View [recreation guides and maps](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5202373) of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.

## Facilities

The campground offers individual campsites and one group picnic area that can be reserved for day use. Sites are spacious, private, well-maintained and shaded. Visitors will find vault toilets, drinking water and trash bins within the facility. Firewood is available for purchase.

## Natural Features

The scenic Kawishiwi River boasts clear, cold and calm waters lined with boreal forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in Superior National Forest, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. The campground lies in a mixed aspen, birch and conifer forest.   
  
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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.   
  
[Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness](http://www.recreation.gov/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=details&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72600)   
  
[Additional sites of interest](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/superior/home/?cid=fsm91_049663&width=full)

South Kawishiwi River

Bear Head Lake State Park

USDA Forest Service

Nels Lake is off the Echo Trail north and west of Ely. It is within the Superior National Forest and has an access to the Boundary Water Canoe Area, but the campsites are just outside the official BWCA border. Nels Lake has several backcountry campsites on the lake, all of which ate paddle-in sites, and one you can hike in to. You cant reserve these sites, but you also dont need a BWCA permit nor is there a fee like there is at the official National Forest campgrounds. These campsites are primitive like typical BWCA campsites, there is no picnic table or water pump, but there is a USFS fire grate and a latrine albeit al fresci. We stayed at the himein site, it is very large and private and secluded, with nice lake access for swimmming, paddling, and fishing. You could make this any easy destination weekend campsite, using it a a base for day trips in the area, or stay here one night before launching into a BWCA trip. There are many paddling options nearby, plus also several great hiking trails. We have been here several times and always found this site available so it seems this lovation is not heavily used, all the better for folks who want a secluded BWCA experience with easy access!

Nels Lake Back country campsites

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