Cliff Wold's Campground

For generations of Minnesota adventurers and visitors from afar, the call of the Northwoods wilderness is answered in the vibrant community of Ely. Nestled in this region, which serves as the primary gateway to the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Canada's Quetico Provincial Park, is Cliff Wold's Campground. More than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV, this location is a storied basecamp, deeply integrated with the history and tradition of wilderness canoe tripping. It offers a crucial blend of rustic, natural surroundings and essential modern amenities, making it the perfect start or finish line for your next great northern Minnesota adventure. Whether you are prepping for a multi-day paddle trip or simply seeking a tranquil place to camp and explore the area's numerous local attractions, Cliff Wold's offers a welcoming and well-maintained environment. The campground’s reputation is built on decades of providing genuine, high-quality service, ensuring every visitor feels both prepared for the wilderness and comfortable upon their return.

The unique value of Cliff Wold's comes from its combination of campground and comprehensive outfitting services. Since 1961, the establishment has been dedicated to helping explorers, from first-timers to seasoned veterans, successfully navigate the BWCAW and Quetico. This dual function means guests benefit from not just a clean, scenic place to stay, but also from on-site expertise, top-tier equipment, and personalized trip planning assistance, a combination that is invaluable in this remote wilderness area.

Cliff Wold's Campground boasts an enviable location just outside the charming town of Ely, Minnesota. The official address is: 339 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This position places it conveniently close to town for quick access to shops, restaurants, and local activities, yet far enough out to provide a genuine Northwoods feel.

The campground is situated along the scenic Fernberg Road, one of the main arteries leading directly into several key Boundary Waters entry points. This proximity makes it a highly practical choice for canoe trippers who need a staging area immediately before or after their journey. For those traveling from within Minnesota, the drive offers a progressive transition from urban or agricultural landscapes to the dense forests and rocky terrain of the Superior National Forest. It is an approximately 3.5-hour drive from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and under a 2-hour drive from Duluth, making it a feasible weekend or week-long escape for many residents. The relatively easy access, combined with its prime location near the wilderness border, solidifies Cliff Wold's as a strategic and scenic spot for any Minnesota outdoor enthusiast.

Cliff Wold's Campground is distinct in the range of services it offers, catering both to overnight campers and to those embarking on extensive wilderness trips.

A sample of the essential services and offerings includes:

• Campsites: Offering spacious, wooded campsites suitable for tent camping.
• Bunkrooms: Private bunkroom accommodations, ideal for groups needing an indoor stay immediately before or after a wilderness trip.
• Modern Bathroom Facilities: Clean and well-maintained facilities featuring flush toilets.
• Shower Facilities: Access to hot showers, a highly appreciated amenity for campers, especially those returning from the BWCAW.
• Sauna Bath: A relaxing sauna available to guests—a classic Northwoods touch to unwind.
• Outfitting Services: Comprehensive and partial outfitting for BWCAW and Quetico trips, including canoes (Kevlar and solo options available), gear rental (tents, packs, stoves, sleeping bags), and custom-packed meals.
• Trip Planning and Guidance: Expert assistance with route planning, permits, and general knowledge to ensure a successful wilderness excursion.
• Entry Point Shuttles: Transportation services to and from various Boundary Waters entry points for ultimate convenience.
• Open-Fire Cooking Facilities: Designated areas for traditional outdoor cooking.
• Firewood: Available for purchase on-site.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in campsites, ensuring the whole family can join the adventure.

The commitment to an excellent customer experience is evident in the specific features and highlights of Cliff Wold's Campground. These elements contribute to its long-standing reputation as a reliable and high-quality Northwoods destination:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Decades of operational experience since 1961, with a consistently praised staff known for being genuinely kind, helpful, courteous, and providing personalized attention to detail, as noted in customer reviews. This personal touch is a hallmark of the business's legacy.
• Secluded, Wooded Tent Sites: The campground offers private, quiet, and beautiful tent camping sites nestled among the trees, providing a more authentic wilderness-adjacent experience with features like picnic tables and fire rings.
• On-Site Outfitting Expertise: Serving as a full-service outfitter means immediate access to high-quality, lightweight gear, and invaluable knowledge for planning and executing a canoe trip, all from a single location.
• Post-Trip Comfort: The availability of hot showers and sauna facilities is frequently highlighted by customers as a much-needed and refreshing luxury after days spent in the wilderness.
• Basecamp Convenience: Ideal location for use as a "Basecamp and parking location" for wilderness trips, offering secure parking and a convenient place to regroup before the drive home.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: A short drive from must-see Ely destinations like the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, offering educational and recreational opportunities on "rest days."
• Commitment to Value: The outfitting side is often cited for providing excellent value and reasonable pricing for equipment and services, a key factor for groups, including scouting organizations.

Ready to plan your trip or inquire about outfitting packages? Here is how you can connect with Cliff Wold's Campground:

• Address: 339 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA
• Phone: (218) 365-3267
• Mobile Phone: +1 218-365-3267

For Minnesotans and all outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the raw beauty of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters, choosing the right base is paramount. Cliff Wold's Campground is consistently worth choosing because it embodies the best of the Northwoods—a perfect marriage of convenience, comfort, and deep wilderness expertise.

The unique advantage is the seamless transition it offers between civilization and the wild. Many outfitters focus purely on the logistics, but Cliff Wold's offers a physical space—the campground—where you can relax, decompress, and fully transition into or out of your wilderness mindset. Customer testimonials frequently praise the staff for their phenomenal customer service—a professional, yet neighborly approach that involves thorough planning assistance, accommodating adjustments, and genuine concern for the safety and success of your trip. Whether it’s providing detailed route planning, having high-quality gear ready, or simply offering a clean, quiet campsite and a hot shower after days on the water, they minimize the friction of wilderness travel.

The campground is not just a commercial enterprise; it is a caretaker of the region's great tradition of canoeing and camping. For those new to the BWCAW, the staff's wealth of knowledge makes the daunting task of planning a wilderness trip feel manageable and exciting. For veterans, it’s a trusted partner that provides reliable, top-tier equipment and a consistent, comfortable haven. Its prime location on the Fernberg Road, coupled with its half-century-plus legacy, makes it an authoritative and beloved choice. You are not just renting a campsite or a canoe; you are tapping into a foundation of experience that ensures your trip into Minnesota's majestic wilderness is successful, safe, and truly unforgettable. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have the best possible support before, during, and after your adventure.