South Kawishiwi River Campground

🛶 Dive into Adventure at **South Kawishiwi River Campground** near Ely, Minnesota! 🌲

For generations of Minnesotans, the area around Ely represents the pinnacle of Northwoods exploration, and the **South Kawishiwi River Campground** is a crucial part of that tradition. Situated just 10 miles south of the famed outfitting town of Ely, this campground provides a near-perfect blend of essential amenities and rugged, pristine wilderness access within the **Superior National Forest**. It is ideally positioned right on the **South Kawishiwi River**, which acts as a vital entry point and scenic thoroughfare to the south end of the legendary **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**.

This is a well-kept, popular Forest Service site with approximately **33 total campsites**, offering flexibility with both tent and RV options, including a number of sites with **electric hookups**—a welcome convenience in this remote setting. Visitors consistently praise how **"absolutely beautiful"** the site is, noting that it is **"well kept and cared for,"** suggesting that the Forest Service and camp hosts are truly "on top of stuff." While some campers miss modern comforts like showers or a dump station (features typical of a higher-cost state park or private facility), the high marks for cleanliness—especially the **"very clean" vault bathrooms**—confirm its quality as a high-value, well-managed national forest campground.

The surrounding boreal forest is dominated by towering pine, birch, and aspen, creating spacious, shaded, and private sites—a key factor for local campers seeking solitude near the river.

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## 🗺️ Location and Accessibility

The South Kawishiwi River Campground is managed by the **Kawishiwi Ranger District** of the Superior National Forest and is strategically located for easy access while retaining a deep-wilderness feel.

The address is **Forest 183 Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA**.

• **Primary Access:** The campground is located approximately **10 miles south of Ely**. The primary route is via **State Highway 1**, which leads directly onto the access road (Forest Road 183).
• **Proximity to Ely:** Being just a short drive from Ely means easy access to all necessary supplies, outfitting services, restaurants, and the local attractions, including the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center.
• **Reservations:** Due to its popularity and prime location, reservations are **highly recommended** and can be made via Recreation.gov for individual campsites and the group day-use pavilion. Some sites may still be available on a **first-come, first-served** basis, but campers should not rely on finding a spot without a booking, especially during peak season (mid-May to September 30).
• **Vehicle Limits:** Each single site allows for **one vehicle and one towed vehicle** (like a camper or boat trailer). Additional vehicles are permitted for a small extra fee, provided they can be parked entirely on the site pad or in overflow parking.

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## 🛠️ Services Offered

This Forest Service campground provides a solid mix of rustic essentials and modern conveniences, catering to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts.

• Campsites: **33 individual sites** are available, including many with electrical hookups (30-amp and potentially 50-amp options). All sites feature **picnic tables** and **fire rings with cooking grills**.
• Water: **Potable drinking water** is available on site, supplied by a solar-powered well, electric well, or hand pump in different areas of the campground.
• Toilets: **Vault toilets (outhouses)** are available throughout the campground. Visitors note these facilities are **exceptionally clean** but lack interior lighting (making a headlamp necessary, even during the day).
• Trash: **Trash and recycling bins** are provided on-site, a convenience often missing at more primitive campgrounds.
• Firewood: **Firewood is often available for purchase** from the camp host, adhering to the "do not move firewood" rule to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
• Group Use: A beautiful, historic **CCC-built log pavilion** (capacity up to 35 people) is available for rental, featuring electricity, a large grill, and tables—ideal for family reunions or small weddings.

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## ✨ Features and Highlights

The South Kawishiwi River Campground’s appeal lies in its unparalleled access to water activities and its notable historical structure.

• **BWCAW Access Point:** The river provides direct **non-motorized access** to the northern section of the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness**. Visitors need a separate permit for entry into the BWCAW, but the campground serves as an excellent last-stop launch point.
• **Water Recreation Hub:** The site includes a dedicated **boat ramp** for motorboats and canoes/kayaks. The river offers access to larger water bodies like **Birch Lake**. **Canoe rentals** are often available directly from the camp host or concessionaire.
• **Designated Swimming Beach:** A standout feature is the **lovely, grassy beach area with actual sand** and a designated, protected **swimming spot** that is reportedly weed-free—a rare and coveted feature in Northwoods camping.
• **CCC Pavilion:** The enclosed log **group pavilion**, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933, is a **National Historic Site** and a stunning piece of history, available for day-use rental.
• **Kawishiwi River Forest Trail:** A pleasant **1-mile hiking trail** loops through the forest around the campground, perfect for an evening stroll, birdwatching, or stretching your legs before or after a long paddling trip.
• **Fishing Excellence:** The river and connected lakes are known for excellent fishing for **Northern Pike, Walleye, and Perch**, providing great recreational opportunities right outside your tent flap.

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## 📞 Contact Information

For reservations, detailed fee information, and current seasonal alerts, local campers should contact the managing Forest Service office.

• Address: Forest 183 Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA
• Kawishiwi Ranger District Phone: **(218) 365-7600** (For general Forest Service inquiries)
• Concessionaire Phone: **(218) 365-2963** (For seasonal, site-specific information and canoe rentals)
• Reservations: Made via **Recreation.gov**.

The campground is typically open from mid-May through early October, but always confirm dates with the Ranger District due to unpredictable Minnesota weather.

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## 💯 What Is Worth Choosing South Kawishiwi River Campground?

South Kawishiwi River Campground is the top choice for the Minnesota adventurer who seeks the **perfect blend of rugged BWCAW access and comfortable, accessible amenities**.

**1. BWCAW Staging & Access:** It is one of the premier locations to stay before or after a BWCAW trip, offering immediate water access, a boat ramp, and the convenience of being near Ely's outfitters, without having to enter the wilderness itself.

**2. Electric Hookups & Comfort:** The availability of **electric hookups** sets this campground apart from many other Forest Service sites in the area, accommodating RVs and making it a comfortable option for families who still want a piece of the Northwoods action.

**3. Unique Recreational Features:** From the **sandy swimming beach** (a huge draw in the area) to the historic **CCC-built pavilion**, the campground offers amenities and structures that enhance the camping experience beyond just a picnic table and fire ring, ensuring a memorable and highly enjoyable stay for both boaters and land-based explorers.

If you're ready to embrace the beauty of the Superior National Forest and want a clean, well-run base camp with easy access to Ely and the Boundary Waters, the South Kawishiwi River Campground is an essential Minnesota destination.