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South Kawishiwi River Campground
This campground offers a variety of opportunities for campers including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, boating, and bird watching. Sites sit well above the river. The historic log pavilion was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933 and is available for rent (see below).
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | From October 1 to October 21, 2024 campers must self-register and sites are available first come/ first served. Campground closes for the season on October 21, 2024 |
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| Reservations: | Some sites and the pavilion are reservable through Recreation.gov. |
| Fees: |
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| Permit Info: | The river to the north of the campground is part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Permits are required and motors are not allowed in this part of the BWCAW. |
| Open Season: | May 5 - October 21 |
| Restrictions: | 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. |
| Closest Towns: | Ely, MN |
| Water: | Solar powered well, electric well, hand-pump well |
| Restroom: | Outhouse (Vault style) |
| Operated By: | Concessionaire, 218 365 2963, host at site 13 and near pavilion. |
| Information Center: | Kawishiwi Ranger District Email | Call | Address | Webpage |
General Information
Directions:South Kawishiwi Campground is located 10 miles south of Ely off of State Highway 1.
General Notes:
This campground also has a picnic area, swimming beach, shallow boat landing, and a 1 mile hiking trail.
Activities
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 Info:
General Notes14 campsites have electricity
| No. of Sites | 31 |
| No. of Accessible sites | Campsites 2, 6 and 8 are accessible. |
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.
River and Stream Fishing
| Permit: | See current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations. |
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Picnicking
Group Picnicking
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.
Downloadable map and information
General Info:
AccessibilityRamp into pavilion building is accessible.
General Notes
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.
Parking
Rental pavilion includes space for 20 vehicles.
| Rental info: | Available for summertime rentals at the National Recreation Reservation Service's South Kawishiwi River page. |
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Boating - Motorized
Boating - Non-Motorized
Swimming
Location
