South Kawishiwi River

ELY, Minnesota

Blocked todayMinnesota
Blocked today

Free — you'll pick up right here.

Conditions: Blocked

for campground, today

An agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 21 min ago · oldest 35 min

  • problem: Agency alerts

    10 active alerts in Superior National Forest; most severe: Post Wildfire Closures, Effective October 1, 2026

    USFSPosted Oct 1 · checked 35 min ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clouds, high 53°F / low 41°F, 0% precip — 97/100 for campground

    OpenWeather21 min ago

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Campsite availability

Live from Recreation.gov for South Kawishiwi River.

Book on Recreation.gov
Oct 10 – Oct 17
7 nights

We'll watch 2026-10-10 → 2026-10-17 and email you the moment something frees up. No account needed.

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South Kawishiwi River

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About this campground

Overview South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings of up to 35 people. Recreation Canoeing is a main attraction. The Kawishiwi River provides access to Birch Lake to the south and the Boundary Waters to the north. When traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness, a permit is required. Canoe rentals are available by contacting the host. Closer to shore, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the campground's grassy beach, hiking the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail or trying their luck at fishing for northern pike, perch and walleye. A boat ramp is located on-site. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Facilities The campground offers individual campsites and one group picnic area that can be reserved for day use. Sites are spacious, private, well-maintained and shaded. Visitors will find vault toilets, drinking water and trash bins within the facility. Firewood is available for purchase. Natural Features The scenic Kawishiwi River boasts clear, cold and calm waters lined with boreal forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in Superior National Forest, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. The campground lies in a mixed aspen, birch and conifer forest. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is comprised of 3-million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963. Nearby Attractions Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways. Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Additional sites of interest

Campsite info

Sites
33
Site types
Group
Reservable
Yes
Vault toiletsElectric hookups
Reserve a site

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