Fall Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview: Your Northwoods Getaway Awaits

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential Northwoods experience, Fall Lake Campground stands out as a premier destination. Nestled within the breathtaking Superior National Forest, just a stone's throw from the charming town of Ely, this campground offers a unique blend of accessibility, modern amenities, and genuine wilderness immersion. It’s an ideal basecamp for adventurers ready to explore the vast beauty of northeastern Minnesota, particularly those looking for a stepping stone into the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It has even been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds, a testament to its quality and commitment to a superb outdoor experience. Fall Lake Campground is strategically situated on the shores of Fall Lake, providing direct water access to this pristine aquatic environment and serving as the official BWCA Entry Point #24.

Whether you are a seasoned angler chasing walleye, a family looking for a memorable lakeside vacation, or a paddler preparing for a deep wilderness trek, Fall Lake Campground provides the perfect setting. Its operational season typically runs from early May through October 1st, perfectly aligning with the best times to enjoy the area’s fishing, hiking, and stunning fall colors. The atmosphere here is one of peaceful, well-maintained tranquility, with sites thoughtfully spaced among majestic pine, aspen, and fir trees—the true essence of a Minnesota forest retreat. Visitors consistently praise the large, secluded sites and the quiet environment, making it easy to see why so many consider it one of their favorite campgrounds in the US.

Location and Accessibility: Gateway to the Boundary Waters

Fall Lake Campground is located in Lake County, Minnesota, a region celebrated for its pristine lakes and expansive forests. Its precise location places it approximately three miles northeast of Ely, often referred to as the gateway to the Boundary Waters. The physical address is Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This proximity to Ely means campers enjoy the feeling of remote wilderness while still having easy, short-drive access to the town’s supplies, outfitters, shops, and attractions like the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center.

Accessibility is a key advantage of Fall Lake. The campground is easily reached via well-maintained roads. Once inside, the facility is designed with ease of use in mind. Many sites are specifically made to accommodate RVs, including convenient pull-through sites, alongside dedicated areas for tent campers. The facility boasts a high level of accessibility, with many campsites featuring accessible picnic tables and all shower buildings designed to be accessible. Furthermore, the campground provides direct access to the water with a busy boat ramp, making it a major hub for boaters and paddlers launching onto Fall Lake, a body of water where a portion is within the BWCAW and the rest is open to unrestricted boating.

Services Offered

The operators of Fall Lake Campground understand that a great camping experience combines natural beauty with essential comforts. They offer a range of services and amenities that enhance your stay, making it comfortable and convenient for both rustic campers and RV enthusiasts.

Campsites: 64 total campsites, including tent-only sites and a majority with electrical hookups (50 amp service available).Group Camping: Two designated group sites are available south of the main area, featuring cook shelters and docks, perfect for large family gatherings or organizational trips.Restroom Facilities: Modern, updated facilities are available, including flush toilets and vault toilets.Hot Showers: Clean, hot showers are a welcome bonus, especially after a long day of paddling or hiking, and are noted by visitors as a major convenience.Water: Potable drinking water is available through electric-powered faucets.Camp Store/Concessionaire: An on-site store offers convenience, providing supplies, ice, and firewood for purchase.Rental Services: Canoe and motor rentals are available from the office, making it a breeze for visitors to get out on the lake, as noted by enthusiastic customers.RV/Vehicle Accommodations: Sites are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs of moderate size. Each single site allows one vehicle and one towed vehicle, such as a boat trailer.Accessibility: Numerous accessible sites are offered, complete with accessible picnic tables, and all shower buildings are accessible.Waste Disposal: Trash collection and designated waste disposal containers are provided.Camp Hosts: Friendly and amazing camp hosts are on-site during the season to assist campers, a highlight mentioned repeatedly in customer reviews.

Features / Highlights

Fall Lake Campground’s appeal goes beyond basic utilities, offering numerous features that draw visitors back year after year. These highlights ensure a rich, recreational experience for all ages and interests.

Direct BWCAW Access: The campground serves as the official Entry Point #24, providing direct, easy access to the unparalleled wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Fall Lake Recreation: The lake itself is a focal point, open for fishing (targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and more), swimming, motorized and non-motorized boating.Swimming Beach: A dedicated, clean swimming beach provides a safe and fun area for children and families to cool off during the pleasant summer temperatures.Playground: A popular amenity for families, offering children a dedicated space for fun and play.Hiking Trail: A scenic 1.5-mile hiking trail is a family favorite, providing an accessible route to explore the natural surroundings. Additionally, the Kawishiwi Falls Trail is nearby, offering a short hike to a beautiful waterfall.Natural Setting: The campground is nestled in an authentic Northwoods setting, providing maximum privacy between campsites thanks to the abundant tree cover. The area is rich in wildlife and birding opportunities.Archaeological Display: The visitor center offers a unique display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs in the surrounding areas, adding a touch of history to the wilderness adventure.Reservable Sites: While some sites are first-come, first-served, many can be reserved in advance through the appropriate services, which is highly recommended due to the campground’s popularity.Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity and array of amenities, the campground is known for being quiet, allowing campers to truly relax and enjoy nature (quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more specific details about your planned visit to this excellent Minnesota campground, you can use the following information. Please note that the direct concessionaire number is typically active during the operational season (May – October).

Address: Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone (Concessionaire): (218) 365-2963

Mobile Phone (Concessionaire): +1 218-365-2963

What is Worth Choosing Fall Lake Campground

Choosing Fall Lake Campground means selecting a premium Minnesota camping experience that perfectly balances the call of the wild with comfortable convenience. For Minnesota locals, it represents an accessible slice of the legendary Northwoods that doesn't require sacrificing essential comforts. It is truly the ideal basecamp for a Boundary Waters trip without requiring an overnight permit in the deeper wilderness, offering a place to relax and regroup before or after your adventure. The presence of hot showers and flush toilets elevates the experience, particularly for families and those with RVs, a feature frequently lauded by visitors. The sites are large, well-spaced, and offer the seclusion that many seek in a nature retreat. Furthermore, the commitment of the staff, as reflected in customer reviews praising the "sooooo amazing" camp hosts, ensures a welcoming and helpful environment. Whether you are seeking a highly-rated family getaway with a swimming beach and playground, a prime fishing spot, or a convenient launch point for a canoe expedition, Fall Lake Campground delivers a consistently high-quality, memorable, and authentically Minnesotan outdoor escape. Its unique position as an excellent, fully-featured drive-in campground right on the doorstep of the BWCAW makes it a superior choice for any northern Minnesota camping itinerary.