South Kawishiwi River Campground
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.
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.
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.
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 Wilderness, a permit is required.
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.
Reservations
Some sites and the pavilion are reservable through Recreation.gov.
General Information
Campground Camping
- Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
- Dispose of waste in containers provided.
- Water faucets are for drinking water only, do not use as wash areas.
- Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers.
General Notes
14 campsites have electricity
No. of Sites
31
RV Camping
Sites are pull-in.. Most can accommodate a moderately sized vehicle. Spur lengths range from 35 ft long by 13 ft wide to 52 ft long by 14 ft wide.
May 5 - October 21
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
The river to the north of the campground is part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Permits are required and motors are not allowed in this part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
When you visit, please remember
- Maximum of 9 people per site.
- There is space for 1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle (such as a camper).
- Additional vehicles at the site require additional half fee and must park at site or overflow parking next to the pavilion.
- No ATVs allowed.
Overnight Use:
Single Site with electric hook-up: $20 per night
- Single Site: $20/night
Call the Kawishiwi Ranger District or visit National Recreation Reservation Service's South Kawishiwi River page for pricing on pavilion rental.
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: 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: 47.815563
Longitude: -91.73165553
Directions
South Kawishiwi Campground is located 10 miles south of Ely off of State Highway 1.
Parking
Parking
Rental pavilion includes space for 20 vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
- Campsites 2, 6 and 8 are accessible
- Ramp into pavilion building is accessible
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Outhouse (Vault style)
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Solar powered well, electric well, hand-pump well
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking
Water Activities
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Outdoor Science and Learning
Hiking
Biking
Picnicking - Groups Info
The South Kawishiwi River Campground Pavilion is an enclosed beautiful log building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933. The CCC also constructed some of the log furniture still in use. The building and surrounding grounds are lovely settings for small weddings, family reunions, and other gatherings.
35 people fit comfortably within the rentable pavilion and more guests may be accommodated on the spacious lawn. Site also has an outdoor cooking area with large grill and 2 picnic tables. Pavilion has electricity.
