Fall Lake

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 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. 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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.

Camp site features

Across 62 camp sites:

  • Electric hookups: 53 of 62 sites
  • Picnic table: all 62 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 62 sites
  • ADA accessible: 24 of 62 sites
  • Group sites: 2 of 62 sites
  • Longest RV: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 30 people
  • Power up to 50 amps
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

Fall Lake is located in Northeast MN, 100 miles North of Duluth MN. From Duluth, MN, take Highway 53 north for 50 miles to Virginia, MN. Take Highway 169 northeast for 50 miles to Ely, Minnesota, travel an addition 6.5 miles to County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road). Travel north on County Road 182 for 2 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

413 reviews
5 stars
338
4 stars
51
3 stars
13
2 stars
5
1 stars
6
Elliot S
Loop:Norl
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Very welcoming. Campground hosts were very nice people. Site was more than good with a clean fire pit and a grate over the fire for cooking
Barry T
Loop:Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Very clean campsites and toilets. Campsites are not crowded together. Good sand beach
Sue P
Loop:Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Beautiful campgrounds, clean bathrooms, nice people. We hiked, we canoed and we relaxed.
Stephen D
Loop:Norl
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Our first visit and we loved it! Nice campsites that are isolated from each other with lots of trees around and between each site. The campground hosts were great and very helpful with our questions. Beautiful facility!
Stephen K
Loop:Bass
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Fall Lake is one of the finest campgrounds I've experienced. This is my third visit and I hope to continue coming!
Kevin S
Loop:Norl
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
One of our favorite FS campgrounds.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 1, 2027 – Sep 25, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 1, 2028 – Sep 23, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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