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Fenske Lake Campground

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reservations

Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov's Fenske Lake Campground page.  

General Information

May 5 - October 21

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

When visiting, please remember

  • Maximum of 9 people per site.
  • There is space for 1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
  • Additional vehicles at the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur.
  • No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
  • ATVs not allowed.

Overnight Use:
Single Site with electric hook-up: $20 per night
Group Site: $60 per night

  • Single Site: $20/night
  • Group Site: $60/night

Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.

  • Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
  • Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
  • Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
  • Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
  • Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
  • Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
  • Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.

Contact Name: Concessionaire

Contact Phone: 480-737-0417

Kawishiwi building

Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 47.99643342

Longitude: -91.91739043

Directions

Fenske Lake Campground is located about 10 miles north of Ely.

  • From Ely go east on State Highway 169 for 1 mile.
  • Turn left onto County Road 88 for 2 miles.
  • Turn right on the Echo Trail (County Road 116) for 7 miles to the campground entrance on right. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

  • Site #14 is fully accessible.
  • accessible fishing pier

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Solar Powered Well

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Other Amenities

host located next to fee station

Recreation Groups

Landscape view of a lake on the Circle Route

Spend a weekend or a week on this 10 lake and two river canoe route. Enjoy the scenery and wildlife viewing from the clear or dark water lakes and slow rivers.

Last updated July 25th, 2025