Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground
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 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness via the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 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.
There is no garbage pick up at Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground. Plan to pack out all your garbage, including fish remains from cleaning fish.
General Information
Campground 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.
No. of Sites
5
RV Camping
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.
May 10 - October 1
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
All of Kawishiwi Lake is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. If you plan on using the lake, you will be entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and you will need either a self issued day use permit available at the campground or an overnight permit.
When visiting, please remember
- Maximum of nine people per site.
- There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
- Additional vehicles on the site must park on the spur.
- No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
No fees are required for this site
There is no fee at rustic campgrounds.
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.
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-8060
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing full services, open federal holidays when they land on a Wednesday through Sunday. Closed for all other federal holidays.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.83863965
Longitude: -91.10253465
Directions
From MN 61 in Tofte:
- Drive north on Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) about 18 miles.
- Turn left on Co 3, which may be labeled as Co 33.
- After 8 miles, at the county border (not labeled), Cook County 3 will become Lake County 7. Follow Co 7 an additional 2 miles.
- Turn right from Co 7 onto FR 354.
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is at the end of FR 354.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
No potable water available – lake water must be treated.
Recreation Opportunities
Swimming Info
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.
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Tofte Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motorized