Fenske Lake Campground

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For Minnesotans seeking the classic Northwoods camping experience without sacrificing access to water activities, **Fenske Lake Campground** is a beloved destination. Situated deep within the **Superior National Forest**, approximately 10 miles north of the legendary outfitting hub of Ely, this campground offers a remote, peaceful escape characterized by large, majestic pine trees and the picturesque waters of 130-acre Fenske Lake. This is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a popular base camp for fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and backcountry canoeing, thanks to its location on a designated **Superior National Forest Canoe Circle Route**.

Fenske Lake Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and features a small, remote loop of campsites that are generally **widely spaced apart**, promoting a quiet and private atmosphere. While one reviewer noted that sound can travel up from down the road on Saturday nights, the overall consensus highlights the serenity and the chance to observe local wildlife, such as families of grouse. The combination of easy lake access, a short nature trail, and rustic amenities makes Fenske Lake a perfect choice for families, anglers, and those who want an introduction to the wilderness that borders the BWCAW.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Fenske Lake Campground is strategically located on the famous **Echo Trail (County Road 116)**, an iconic, scenic byway that leads into the heart of Minnesota's canoeing and wilderness region. The official address is **2229 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA**.

The campground is situated about 10 miles north of Ely, making it easily accessible for car camping while still feeling satisfyingly deep in the woods. Directions from Ely are straightforward: travel east on State Highway 169 for about 1 mile, turn left onto County Road 88 for 2 miles, and then turn right onto the Echo Trail (County Road 116) for approximately 7 miles until you reach the campground entrance on the right.

While the campground is drive-in accessible, prospective visitors should note that **most sites do not accommodate large recreational vehicles (RVs)**, reinforcing the campground’s rustic, tent-friendly focus. However, the roads within the loop are generally well-maintained. Reservations are highly encouraged, especially during peak summer and fall seasons, and can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Fenske Lake Campground offers well-maintained, developed facilities that enhance the camping experience while preserving the Superior National Forest's atmosphere. It provides more amenities than a primitive dispersed site, but still maintains a rustic feel.

• **Campsites:** The campground features **15 individual campsites** (some designated as tent-only) and **1 group campsite** (designed for 10 to 25 people). Sites include tent pads, fire grates, and picnic tables.

• **Water:** **Potable drinking water** is available on-site, typically sourced from a solar-powered well, providing a crucial convenience in the Northwoods.

• **Restrooms:** **Vault toilets** are available and frequently noted by visitors for being very clean, thanks to the diligence of the campground hosts.

• **Accessible Facilities:** Site #14 is fully accessible, and there is an **accessible fishing pier** connected to a paved path from the parking lot, ensuring inclusive access to recreation.

• **Picnic Area & Shelter:** A **small picnic area** and an **open log shelter** are available for day use or for campers seeking cover during inclement weather.

• **Boat Launch:** A **shallow boat landing** provides easy access to Fenske Lake for non-motorized and small motorized watercraft.

• **Host & Security:** The presence of friendly campground hosts next to the fee station contributes to a welcoming and secure environment.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Fenske Lake Campground’s location and amenities combine to offer several compelling highlights for the Minnesota outdoor enthusiast:

• **Canoe Circle Route Access:** The campground sits directly on a **Superior National Forest Canoe Circle Route**, making it a perfect starting or ending point for multi-day backcountry canoe trips without needing a highly regulated BWCAW entry permit.

• **Excellent Lake Recreation:** The campground overlooks 130-acre Fenske Lake, which features a pleasant, **grassy swimming beach** (swim at your own risk) and the popular **accessible fishing pier**. Anglers can target bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish.

• **Scenic Hiking Trail:** A quick, relatively easy **1-mile (1 1/2 mile roundtrip) nature trail** loops through the woods around the campground. While trails may become overgrown by late summer, they offer beautiful views of the lake and a convenient spot for an early morning walk.

• **Secluded Group Site:** The group campsite is a standout feature, **perched high on a rock ledge** with a spectacular overlooking view of Fenske Lake, offering excellent privacy for larger gatherings (10-25 people).

• **Large, Shaded Sites:** Individual sites are widely spaced and boast **partial to full shade** from large, majestic pine trees, providing excellent privacy and a genuine Northwoods feel.

• **Proximity to BWCAW:** The campground's location on the Echo Trail makes it a superb, convenient **base camp** for day trips or permitted excursions into the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations, current fees, and specific information, contact the USFS Kawishiwi Ranger District, which manages Fenske Lake Campground.

Address: 2229 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Kawishiwi Ranger District Phone: (218) 365-7600

Concessionaire (Summer) Phone: (218) 365-2963

Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or via Recreation.gov

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✔️ **What is Worth Choosing**

Fenske Lake Campground is the ideal choice for Minnesotans who desire a high-quality, **rustic-yet-amenity-rich** camping experience on the iconic Echo Trail. **What is worth choosing is its unique positioning as an accessible, family-friendly lakefront base camp for both casual outdoor activities and serious Superior National Forest/BWCAW exploration.**

The campground successfully blends convenience (potable water, clean facilities, accessible pier) with true Northwoods solitude (large, spaced sites, deep pine forest). It provides the perfect entry point for those intimidated by the full BWCAW commitment, offering a canoe circle route and excellent fishing opportunities right from the campground. For a beautiful, quiet, and well-managed USFS experience that truly captures the magic of the Ely area—complete with grouse visiting your campsite—Fenske Lake Campground is a destination you will want to return to year after year.