🌲 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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Picnic tables
Restroom
Running water
Wi-Fi
Debit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
We've been coming up here every winter for a few years for a fun couple's trip. George (the owner who acquired the resort back in May) knocked it out of the park on our most recent visit. He was super accessible with our requests (kindling for an outside fire, warming our cabin prior to arrival, and so many other things) and checked in on us enough to feel supported while not being intrusive. We've stayed at the same cabin each time and love the location and the activities in the surrounding areas as well as the resort itself (sauna, sledding hill, polar plunge hole, etc.). We've done multiple hikes in the area and I included a few photos from our most recent trip. We also brought our puppies and they had a blast, too. Overall, a resounding 5 stars from us and we look forward to visiting again!
We have been staying at the Timber Trail now for 7 years and could not be Happier. The service and friendliness of the staff is outstanding. We go fishing for walleye and northern and some years we do very well! Other years we just have our walleye fresh from the lake dinners. But we always get fish. The cabins are very comfortable and all have great View of the lake
Our first time visiting for a full week with family and friends and it will not be our last. I can't say enough about George(Owner) and his team as they were very attentive to ensuring our stay met our expectations and more. They were available when we had questions, planning activities and scheduling our next adventure. We mostly stayed at the resort due to the many activities available, we enjoyed; renting a pontoon, paddle boarding, kayaking, renting ATVs, Fishing Charter, Swimming and sitting by the fire. The location is perfect as it's extremely close to town, with a bear and wolf observatory. We will be back, and we highly recommend checking this place out!!!! U will not regret it.
Cabin was beautiful as always. New owners never bothered 😕 to introduce themselves. The staff was friendly and accommodating as ever even though they were almost all new. Travis was an amazing human helping when my mom had a heart attack on the steps of our cabin ( no fault of the resort) and he kept asking for updates on her health. But the owners never did. We continued to stay through our allotted time because she needed rest - yet no one ( except Travis) bothered to check on her. They also tried to take our pontoon rental earlier despite us paying for that day ( we refused). Mark tried to overcharge us as we left. My son had paid several days ago for kayaks, Mark told my mom that she owed for them. We came back to have him fix the problem and he did. We just no longer get the friendly family feeling here. We won’t be staying here any longer-sad because we have been coming for approximately 18+years. My kids have grown up here ( oldest is 19). So many memories, but it’s become more expensive and too commercial. Owner is booting trailers that have been on site for 40 years. We had gotten to be friends with many of them over the years. Disappointed ☹️
Wow! Great resort, right from the start we arrived early and they got our room cleaned and ready before noon. Nice cabins, had everything we needed. We had never fished farm lake before so they provided us with a map that had some usual hot spots to start us on the right path. Screened in porch, grill, private fire ring at all the cabins and canoes to paddle in to the boundry water for the day. Everything we needed was here and made such a great weekend, thanks Timber Trail and staff! We will be back.