South Kawishiwi River
4.5894 reviewsKAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731, USA
South Kawishiwi River
$20.00 - $162.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$29.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$162.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground features peak season rates for individual campsites ranging from $20 for non-electric sites to $29 for standard electric sites. Group shelter rates are set at $162 per night. Discounts, taxes, or incremental charges may not be included in the stated rates.
About this campground
Escape to the pristine wilderness of South Kawishiwi River Campground, where the gentle flow of the river sets the rhythm for your Superior National Forest adventure. This hidden gem offers thoughtfully spaced individual campsites and a welcoming group shelter, creating the perfect basecamp for anglers casting lines into productive waters, paddlers gliding through mirror-like reflections, and hikers exploring forest trails. Visitors consistently praise the immaculate facilities, the privacy that lets you truly disconnect, and the warm hospitality of the campground hosts who help make every stay memorable.
South Kawishiwi River Campground offers several camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, and a group day-use area.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite serves as a gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where centuries of paddlers have traced the same water highways once used by Indigenous peoples and voyageurs. This protected wilderness spans an incredible 1,200 miles of interconnected canoe routes and features 12 distinct hiking trails, each revealing stories of the land's rich heritage. Here, you're camping in one of America's most storied wilderness areas, where the echoes of history blend seamlessly with pristine natural beauty.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with a symphony of awakening wildlife, though early-season visitors should come prepared for nature's welcoming committee of mosquitoes and gnats that thrive in the muggy conditions. As summer matures, the bugs retreat and comfortable temperatures invite endless outdoor exploration. But it's autumn that truly steals the show—when the boreal forest explodes into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and amber, creating some of the most photographed scenery in Minnesota's Northwoods.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting boreal forest, where towering aspens whisper in the breeze while paper birches stand like sentinels alongside ancient conifers. The star of the show is the Kawishiwi River itself—its crystal-clear waters flowing peacefully past your campsite, creating perfect reflections of the forest canopy above. Keep your camera ready for the incredible wildlife that calls this ecosystem home: majestic moose browsing along the riverbank, black bears foraging for berries, bald eagles soaring overhead, and the haunting calls of loons echoing across the water at dusk.
Geological RegionDiscover the rugged beauty of Minnesota's iconic Arrowhead Region, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. This northeastern wilderness showcases the classic boreal forest ecosystem, interwoven with pristine wetlands that filter and feed the region's countless waterways. The scenic Kawishiwi River, your constant companion at the campground, winds through this tapestry of habitats, creating a living corridor that connects the vast wilderness areas of the North Shore.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is described as spacious and private, accommodating RVs and tents alike, though access to water and other facilities may be challenging for larger vehicles.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and private. Specific sites, such as 29, are noted for their beauty and spaciousness: 'Our site, No. 29, had the most beautiful view in the entire campground.'
Sites PrivacySites are heavily wooded, offering significant privacy. 'The campsites themselves are close but there is woods between each campsite which allows us privacy.'
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor waterfront views, site 29 is highly recommended. Larger RVs may face challenges at smaller sites like 27.
Best CampsitesSite 29 is often praised for its exceptional views of the river, privacy, and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time begins at noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is also at noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single campsites typically accommodate up to six people, though specific guest limits per site were not provided.
Groups
The group shelter can accommodate up to 35 people and includes cooking facilities, picnic tables, and an outdoor grill.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features spacious, well-maintained sites, some offering direct access to the river. Sites are organized to provide privacy, with wooded barriers between them.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from May 5 to September 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation about walk-up availability at this campground was not provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. Group sites require cancellation at least 14 days in advance to avoid forfeiture of the entire 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
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
South Kawishiwi River Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural features, including canoeing, boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing.
Hiking
The campground features a 1-mile trail, the Kawishiwi River Forest Trail. A user shared: 'They have a short hiking trail around the campground.'Fishing
Fishing is popular with opportunities to catch northern pike, perch, and walleye. 'Fishing was okay with lots of northern being caught,' one review noted.Swimming
There is a grassy swimming beach for campers. User reviews indicate enjoyment of the area: 'Our family enjoyed the swimming beach very much.'Biking
Accessible gravel roads and proximity to an ATV trail provide biking opportunities: 'Nice access to gravel roads to run on and close to ATV trail to bike on.'Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp on-site. Canoe rentals are available through the host: 'Instead of bringing my canoe this trip we decided to rent one from the campground.'Wildlife viewing
The campground offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of moose, bear, bald eagles, loons, and wolves: 'We could hear the wolves howling from across the river at night.'Beach activities
The campground includes a swimming beach with grassy areas suitable for sunbathing.Winter Activities
The campground is primarily geared toward summer activities; no winter-specific activities were noted.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are popular, with access to Birch Lake and the Boundary Waters.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.
- Quiet hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes, black flies, and gnats are prevalent during spring and early summer, with some visitors describing them as 'unbearable.'
Active alertsInformation related to active alerts at the campground was not provided.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 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
Closest emergency services are available in Ely, including hospitals and police stations. Further details on specific emergency facilities were not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are May 5, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available on-site, but some users suggested adding additional facilities closer to the entrance: 'It would be nice to locate a second trash facility near the entrance of the camp/group lodge.'
Proximity to water featuresA grassy beach provides swimming opportunities, and the campground also features boat ramps and canoe rentals, with direct access to the Kawishiwi River.
Common complaintsRecurring issues from user reviews include limited potable water access, lack of RV dump stations, and seasonal bug infestations.
HostCamp hosts are frequently described as friendly, hardworking, and attentive, ensuring clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities.
Campground Map
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731, USA
Driving directionsFrom Ely, Minnesota, travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.
The campground is accessed via paved roads leading from State Highway 1. Seasonal access challenges or closures were not mentioned, implying consistent accessibility.Nearby places
Ely (10.3 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in Ely, which is 10.3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
94 reviews
South Kawishiwi River is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, natural beauty, and attentive camp hosts. However, issues such as biting insects and limited amenities like potable water and a dump station have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 94 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets ('Cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen'), the friendly and attentive camp hosts, and the beautiful natural surroundings. Many users...
Based on 94 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include biting insects like black flies and gnats ('The gnats were excessive. Atrocious. Horrible!'), limited potable water ('Beware there is little potable water (one tap only)'),...
Based on 94 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest visiting in the fall to avoid bugs, using the Ely dump station located 10 miles away, and bringing a long hose for water refills.
Based on 94 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring brings biting insects, while fall is noted as the best time to camp due to fewer bugs and cooler temperatures. 'Nice large sites and very clean. Now most sites have electricity not just sites...
Based on 94 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The vault toilets were the nicest and cleanest ones I had ever used!' 'Our site, No. 29, had the most beautiful view in the entire campground.' 'The host goes out of their way to make the pit toilet...
Based on 94 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 029 is frequently mentioned for its beautiful views and proximity to the river. Site 1 is noted for privacy from neighbors, and site 4 offers convenience with table and fire rings close to...
Based on 94 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Access for larger RVs and 5th wheels may be challenging, and users indicate that maneuvering to water stations can be difficult: 'It also doesn't have a dump station but there is one located at the...
Based on 94 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and hosts provided helpful alerts about bear activity which is useful for pet owners: 'She let campers know when there was recent bear activity while we were there.'
Based on 94 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025