Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground
4.3814 reviews7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for this site. It is part of a rustic campground system.
About this campground
Tucked away at the edge of wilderness, Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground serves as a tranquil gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This intimate, no-fee campground embraces simplicity with just five peaceful sites nestled among the trees, offering paddlers and adventurers an authentic backcountry experience. Here, the absence of modern amenities is the attraction—just you, your tent, and the pristine wilderness stretching endlessly before you.
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground offers primitive camping with limited amenities, catering to tent and RV campers.
Historical SignificanceThese waters have known the dip of paddles for centuries. The campground sits along ancient highways of water that once carried Native American birchbark canoes through the wilderness, later guiding European voyageurs laden with furs through this vast network of lakes and rivers. Today's paddlers follow these same timeless routes, connecting with a legacy of exploration and discovery that echoes across the still waters of the Boundary Waters.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, gentle northern summers grace the campground with comfortable temperatures hovering between 40°F and 75°F—perfect for paddling adventures and fireside evenings. As autumn paints the birches gold, crisp air signals the approaching winter, when this wilderness transforms into a frozen wonderland. Winter visitors should come prepared for the full northern experience, with temperatures plunging well below 0°F and snow blanketing the landscape in pristine white.
ElevationInformation about specific elevation not currently available.
Natural Features and SceneryA graceful stand of paper birches shelters the campground, their white bark glowing like lanterns in the dappled sunlight. Steps from your tent, Kawishiwi Lake spreads before you—a mirror reflecting the endless sky and serving as your liquid highway into the Boundary Waters wilderness. The surrounding boreal forest pulses with life: curious rabbits peek from the underbrush, elegant swans glide across the water's surface, and ancient turtles sun themselves on fallen logs. Each dawn brings a symphony of bird calls, while evenings often feature the haunting call of loons echoing across the water.
Geological RegionThe campground rests within a spectacular geological tapestry carved by ancient glaciers. Massive ice sheets sculpted this landscape thousands of years ago, leaving behind a maze of pristine lakes cradled by outcroppings of billion-year-old bedrock. The surrounding boreal forest—a green sea of spruce, fir, and birch—thrives in the thin soils left by retreating ice, creating the quintessential northwoods environment that defines the Boundary Waters region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeAll five campsites are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate privacy between campsites, although noise can still carry between them. Sites are described as quite small and closed in, with space for a tent, hammock, and one parking spot.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early due to the popularity of the campground and limited availability. Site #4 recommended for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best CampsitesSite #4 was noted for wildlife sightings including turtles laying eggs and rabbits.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Not explicitly stated
- arrival times are flexible due to first-come, first-served policy.
Check-out
- Not explicitly stated
- departure times are flexible due to first-come, first-served policy.
Stay Limit
- Maximum of nine people per site
- space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of nine people per site.
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFive unique campsites, each with direct water access and a parking spur. Sites are relatively private but close enough to hear other campers.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 10 - October 1.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservation platforms since all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 5 sites are first-come, first-served. High turnover rate observed due to BWCA entry point usage.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground provides opportunities for non-motorized boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering scenic views and access to outdoor activities.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Kawishiwi Lake, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass and walleyes. User reviews provide details about successful fishing techniques, such as using wacky worm rigs and chartreuse and gold jigs.Swimming
Swimming is possible at Kawishiwi Lake, which has a gradual slope rather than rocky shores. However, there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Kawishiwi Lake as the lake falls within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Motors are not permitted.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include rabbits and turtles laying eggs near campsites, as noted in user reviews. Swans have also been spotted on the lake.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are supported due to the lake's location in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water on-site; lake water must be treated before use. Wildlife sightings are common, including bears and other potentially dangerous animals.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Tofte Ranger District, 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615; Phone: (218) 663-8060.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10 - October 1.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage pickup at Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground. Campers must pack out all waste, including fish remains.
Proximity to water featuresAll sites have direct access to Kawishiwi Lake, suitable for swimming, canoeing, and fishing.
Common complaintsLack of toilet paper in the vault toilets. Some reviews mentioned noise disturbances from nearby campers.
HostNo hosts mentioned in authoritative or user sources.
Campground Map
7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned, but directions suggest reliable access during operational months (May to October).Nearby places
Tofte: approximately 28 miles, estimated 45-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Tofte, MN (28 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.4
14 reviews
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the scenic beauty of Kawishiwi Lake and its suitability as a starting point for trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. However, some criticisms include the small size of campsites and lack of amenities, such as potable water and reliable restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, beautiful lake views, swimming opportunities, decent fishing, and privacy between campsites.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include occasional lack of toilet paper in the vault toilet, small campsite sizes, and the absence of potable water.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure one of the five sites and bringing essentials like toilet paper and treated water. Firewood should also be brought as it is not sold on-site.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During the summer, the campground experiences high turnover, often filling up with visitors staying for one night. Fall reviews emphasize the lake's beauty but note limited amenities. Winter reviews...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'BWCA access lake with great scenic views.' 2. 'Beautiful Lake only five campsites so get there early bring your own wood.' 3. 'Convenient campground to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight site #4 as unique and pretty, with sightings of wild rabbits and turtles. Overflow camping options include two unofficial sites up the road and the parking lot.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-related experiences are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews acknowledge that dogs are permitted but emphasize proper care, such as keeping them on a leash and picking up their waste.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025