South Kawishiwi River

Show on map KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT: 218-365-7600, CONCESSIONAIRE (SUMMER): 218-365-2963

KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169
ELY, MN 55731

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 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.

Contact Info

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

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

Additional sites of interest

Camp site features

Across 31 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 24 of 31 sites
Pets allowed: all 31 sites
Longest RV: 107 ft
Largest party: 9 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

145 reviews

5 stars

104

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Andrea B

Loop:South Kawishiwi River

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This is a great little campground with excellent access to the river, which is rather a misnomer, as there really isn’t a current. It like a long, huge lake. Perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing. The sites with electric can be awkward if you’re used to having your camper next to the firepit area. Be sure to check that out. We stayed on the back side of the loop and found it extremely peaceful. And as others have said, the bathrooms were immaculately clean for vaults. Aside from so very inconvenient road detours (not the campground’s fault), we give it 5 stars!

Michael S

Loop:South Kawishiwi River

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This is a very nice campsite very quiet!! I can’t say enough about the wonderful kind old couple that takes care of the campground (the hosts). They are so very nice kind and friendly and they keep the campground from the restrooms to everywhere. Very nice and clean.!!! They are wonderful people and I would highly recommend going back again and again.

cori h

Loop:South Kawishiwi River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Perfect campground! Large beautiful sites with minimal sight of your neighbor, easy river access and canoes to rent for best deal (bring cash!). Easy access to the bwca! Lots of electric sites with clean and tolerable pit toilets- very well kept campground-

William J

Loop:South Kawishiwi River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful camp ground with neat, clean and private camp sites.

Chris D

Loop:South Kawishiwi River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Got spot to camp and clean vault toilets

Ray P

Loop:South Kawishiwi River