Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds

🌲 Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the ultimate Northwoods experience—one that seamlessly blends the comfort of a full-service resort with immediate access to raw wilderness—Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds in Ely is the quintessential destination. More than just a campground, Timber Trail is a beloved four-season family resort situated on the picturesque south shore of Farm Lake. This unique location grants guests access to a chain of four interconnected lakes and serves as a direct gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

Timber Trail offers a variety of lodging options, including cozy motel rooms, comfortable lakeside cabins, and designated campsites, catering to every style of traveler, from the casual weekend visitor to the serious angler or paddler. The resort has recently come under new ownership who have been widely praised by repeat visitors for their outstanding service and accessible, non-intrusive approach. The management and staff are consistently described as friendly and accommodating, often going the extra mile—such as warming cabins prior to arrival or supplying kindling—which creates a welcoming, home-away-from-home atmosphere that ensures guests return year after year.

Whether you are planning a summer fishing expedition, a fall hiking trip, or a unique winter adventure, Timber Trail is purpose-built to facilitate the best of Minnesota’s outdoor life, offering modern comforts while being surrounded by over one million acres of pristine forest.

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📍 Location and Accessibility

Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds is perfectly positioned seven miles from the charming town of Ely, Minnesota. Its specific location is 629 Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This address places it squarely on the south shore of Farm Lake.

Key Location Features:

• Chain of Four Lakes: Farm Lake is part of a connected chain that also includes Garden, White Iron, and Birch Lakes, offering vast waterways for motorized boating, fishing, and exploring.
• Direct BWCA Access: The resort is a literal BWCA Gateway, offering direct access to the wilderness area via the water chain. They are a certified BWCA Permit Station and provide shuttle services for ease of entry and exit.
• Road Accessibility: The resort is easily accessed by paved roads from downtown Ely, allowing convenient trips for dining, shopping, and visits to local attractions like the International Wolf Center.
• All-Season Access: As a four-season resort, the access roads are maintained year-round, making it easy for guests to enjoy the resort's winter offerings.

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🛠️ Services Offered

Timber Trail provides an extensive array of services across its motel, cabins, and campgrounds, designed to ensure a comfortable and activity-rich stay for all guests.

• Lodging Options: Offers lakeside cabins (some open all year), motel units (kitchenettes available), and RV/Tent campsites.
• Campground Specifics: Campsites include amenities such as RV sites, tent sites, fire pits/fire wood, flush toilets, showers, and recreation room access.
• Water/Lake Services: Boat, motor, canoe, and kayak rentals are available. There is a boat launch, and a natural sand beach/swim area with free paddleboats.
• Fishing Support: Guided services and advice, fish cleaning facilities, and bait sales are all provided on-site, supporting the excellent walleye and northern pike fishing for which the area is famous.
• Resort Comforts: Amenities include a sauna, a game room and library, a gift shop, and free WiFi in the Lodge.
• Pet Policy: The resort is pet friendly, welcoming dogs in both cabins and campsites, allowing guests to share the adventure with their "four legged friends."

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🌟 Features / Highlights

Timber Trail’s highlights extend far beyond standard resort fare, capitalizing on its unique location and commitment to both summer and winter outdoor fun.

• Exceptional Customer Hospitality: The highly praised management, noted for being "super accessible," "friendly," and "accommodating," ensures a positive and personalized guest experience, making it feel like a truly welcoming destination.
• Premier Fishing Destination: Due to its location on Farm Lake and the connected chain, the resort is a top choice for walleye and northern pike fishing. Customers consistently report good success in catching fish, making it a reliable spot for fresh-from-the-lake dinners.
• Four-Season Activities Hub: The resort excels in winter, creating a true "winter wonderland" with dedicated facilities including a sledding hill that shoots onto the frozen lake, a constructed curling/play rink, a sauna, and a thrilling polar plunge hole cut in the ice.
• BWCA Outfitting and Education: Offering not just access, but a BWCA Permit Station, shuttle service, guided services, and skills workshops (like paddling, fishing, and navigation), Timber Trail empowers guests to safely explore the nearby wilderness.
• Lakeside Views: All cabins and many sites boast great views of the lake, offering a serene and picturesque setting that enhances the feeling of a Northwoods escape.

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📞 Contact Information

For reservations, information on guided trips, or general inquiries about resort activities and campground availability, guests should contact the main office.

• Address: 629 Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA
• Phone (Reservations & Inquiries): (218) 365-4879
• Email: info@timbertrail.com
• Governing Body: Privately Owned and Operated (Current owner George Pond, as of recent reviews).
• Note: Reservations, especially for cabins and popular campsites, are highly recommended and should be made well in advance, particularly for peak summer and winter weekends.

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✅ What is Worth Choosing

Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds is the ultimate choice for the Minnesota resident who refuses to choose between comfortable amenities and rugged wilderness access. It is the premier destination for those who:

Desire direct, easy access to world-class fishing and the BWCA. The connectivity to four major lakes and the on-site outfitting services make it an ideal, hassle-free base for serious water exploration and fishing trips. Reviewers confirm consistent success in catching walleye, a significant lure for local anglers.

Seek a true four-season resort experience. The resort's robust winter activities, including the sledding hill, curling rink, sauna, and polar plunge hole, make it a rare and appealing option for a lively winter getaway, contrasting the common seasonal shutdown of other Northwoods camps.

Value outstanding personalized service. The highly praised management ensures a welcoming, supported, and memorable stay. This dedication to guest experience, combined with pet-friendly accommodations and a range of activities for all ages, solidifies Timber Trail as a perennial favorite for Minnesota families and couples seeking a comprehensive, high-quality Northwoods vacation.