Fenske Lake Campground
4.7068 reviewsKAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731, USA
Fenske Lake Campground
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $20 for standard non-electric and walk-in sites to $60 for group sites. Seasonal rates apply from May 5 to September 30.
About this campground
Tucked away in the wilderness, Fenske Lake Campground beckons those seeking solitude and spacious sites far from the crowds. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area, where paddlers launch into pristine waterways and hikers discover untouched trails. Each generously-sized campsite offers room to breathe and truly disconnect from the everyday world.
Fenske Lake Campground caters to a variety of camping needs including tent camping, group camping, and primitive camping. It features standard nonelectric sites and walk-in sites, along with a group site perched on a rock ledge overlooking the lake.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the storied Superior National Forest, Fenske Lake Campground sits on lands that have witnessed centuries of conservation history. This protected wilderness has long been cherished by those who fought to preserve America's natural heritage, creating a lasting legacy where visitors can still experience the forest as early explorers once did.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Minnesota's seasons at Fenske Lake. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for swimming and paddling, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland with temperatures that demand respect and proper gear. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken the forest floor, bringing wildflowers and renewed life to the woods.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the mirror-like reflections on 130-acre Fenske Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and loons call in the distance. Towering pines and mature hardwoods create a living cathedral around your campsite, their canopy alive with songbirds and the occasional glimpse of deer, black bears, or moose. This pristine ecosystem offers endless opportunities for wildlife photography and peaceful contemplation.
Geological RegionDeep in Minnesota's iconic Arrowhead Region, Fenske Lake Campground sits cradled by the ancient forests of Superior National Forest. This 130-acre glacial lake, carved by ice age forces, is embraced by dense stands of pine and hardwood that stretch as far as the eye can see. The rugged landscape tells the story of millennia, from glacial sculpting to the patient growth of old-growth forest giants.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible features such as an accessible fishing pier.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with partial to full shade, and some overlooking the lake. Tent sites are standard sized, and group sites can accommodate 10 to 25 people.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some reviews note limited privacy due to tree removal projects, while others praise secluded sites.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup sites offer elevated views of the lake. Sites on the outer loop provide better privacy and scenic access.
Best CampsitesSite #7 is highly praised for its unique placement atop a boulder overlooking the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Capacity rules vary by site type, accommodating up to 10 tents and 25 individuals for group sites.
Groups
The group site can accommodate 10 to 25 people and is situated on a separate parking spur. It offers spectacular lake views from a rock ledge.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is arranged in a loop format with widely spaced sites.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is operational from May 5 to September 30. Individual reservable sites start on June 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityDuring the walk-in season, contact Superior National Forest for availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before the arrival date. Late cancellations for group sites apply starting 14 days before the arrival date, with forfeiture of the first night’s fees and a $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fenske Lake Campground offers opportunities for diverse recreational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating, while the location serves as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Wildlife viewing and nature exploration are also available on-site. The campground is ideal for canoeing and kayaking due to its canoe circle route.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include a short, one-mile nature trail within the campground. The Superior National Forest offers additional trails and canoe routes.Fishing
Fishing is available with species such as bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish. An accessible fishing pier and a boat ramp enhance the fishing experience.Swimming
Swimming is available at a grassy beach area. User reviews describe it as clean and well-maintained.Boating
The campground supports canoeing and kayaking with its location on Fenske Lake and proximity to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A boat ramp is provided.Wildlife viewing
Abundant birds and wildlife can be observed in the area. User reviews mention raptors, timberwolves, and bears.Beach activities
Beach activities are available at the clean, grassy swimming area.Winter Activities
No winter recreation activities are discussed in the source materials.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are popular water sports due to the campground's proximity to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 7 AM - 9 PM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters include bears, timberwolves, and raptors.
Active alertsThere are no active alerts at this moment.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Ely, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 5 - September 30
Trash and recyclingRecycling and trash collection are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Fenske Lake with access to a sandy beach, fishing pier, and boat ramp.
Common complaintsSome visitors mentioned noise from nearby resorts and limited privacy due to recent tree removal.
HostHosts Jack and Marsha are noted for their attentiveness and hospitality.
Campground Map
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731, USA
Driving directionsFrom Ely, Minnesota, travel east on State Highway 169 North (toward Winton) for about 1 mile. Turn left onto County Road 88 and travel about 2 miles. Turn right onto Echo Trail and continue about 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
The road to the campground includes paved sections and the unpaved Echo Trail, which is a gravel road. No seasonal closures are explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Ely (10 miles, approximately 17 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping necessities can be obtained in Ely, Minnesota, which is 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.7
68 reviews
Fenske Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and exceptional campground hosts. Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Negative reviews mention occasional noise from nearby cabins and limited privacy due to tree removal projects.
Review Summaries
Based on 68 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms and campsites, friendly and attentive hosts, scenic lake views, well-maintained facilities, and accessibility to hiking trails and the BWCA.
Based on 68 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited privacy due to tree removal projects, occasional noise from nearby cabins, no flush toilets, and restrictions on pets at the beach.
Based on 68 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Secure firewood locally to adhere to invasive species restrictions, bring a canoe or kayak for lake access, and be prepared for rustic facilities.
Based on 68 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summertime reviews frequently praise the swimming beach and wildlife sightings. Fall reviews highlight quiet and serene surroundings with fewer occupied sites. Winter reviews are absent, suggesting...
Based on 68 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Top notch dry camping as well as boon docking with your RV... Campsites and outhouses are clean. Nice sandy beach and dock." - Evan Buskirk
2. "Fenske Lake Campground was a little slice of...
Based on 68 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site #7: "One of the best in Minnesota. Sitting atop a large boulder overlooking the lake." - J.Earl M
2. Site #15: "Very nice campground and close to Ely MN!" - Tyler Day
3. Group Site: "We were...
Based on 68 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Positive reviews highlight the accessible fishing pier and clean facilities.
Based on 68 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews regarding pet policies; dogs are not allowed at the beach, which has disappointed some campers.
Based on 68 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025