About South Kawishiwi River
Number of accommodations: 21
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
River Access
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- River Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
21 Sites Available
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Site Details
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21 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (345)
What Guests Are Saying
South Kawishiwi River is a beautifully maintained campground with well-spaced, clean sites and friendly camp hosts who ensure excellent upkeep, including impressively clean vault toilets. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, great water access for canoeing, and lovely swimming spots nearby. While there are occasional issues with mosquitoes and site sizes, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a favorite destination for campers.
What Guests Are Saying
South Kawishiwi River is a beautifully maintained campground with well-spaced, clean sites and friendly camp hosts who ensure excellent upkeep, including impressively clean vault toilets. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, great water access for canoeing, and lovely swimming spots nearby. While there are occasional issues with mosquitoes and site sizes, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a favorite destination for campers.
Review Summary
Don A
VerifiedDecember 29, 2019 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
A nice well kept location. Wish there were more area for boat docking. Otherwise we love this camp ground.
Don A
VerifiedDecember 29, 2019 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
A nice well kept location. Wish there were more area for boat docking. Otherwise we love this camp ground.
Michele H
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
This was a really great camping experience. We did alot of canoeing and fishing on the river and if we would have been there longer we would have gone into the BWCA.
Michele H
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
This was a really great camping experience. We did alot of canoeing and fishing on the river and if we would have been there longer we would have gone into the BWCA.
Michele H
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
This was a really great camping experience. We did alot of canoeing and fishing on the river and if we would have been there longer we would have gone into the BWCA.
Shari L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beware there is little potable water (one tap only) and no running water for showers, etc. You can bathe in the lake, but of course much less privacy than in BWCAW.
Shari L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beware there is little potable water (one tap only) and no running water for showers, etc. You can bathe in the lake, but of course much less privacy than in BWCAW.
Shari L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beware there is little potable water (one tap only) and no running water for showers, etc. You can bathe in the lake, but of course much less privacy than in BWCAW.
Susan K
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean sites and facilities. beautiful location. friendly camp hosts.
Susan K
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean sites and facilities. beautiful location. friendly camp hosts.
Location South Kawishiwi River
Address:
Kawishiwi Ranger District
Ely, MN, 55731
United States
From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.8156 / -91.7314
Elevation: 449 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Beach and picnic areas are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Contact the Superior National Forest for information during the walk-in season.
- Reserved sites must be occupied by the day after arrival or they will be forfeited.
- Visit the Superior National Forest website for more information.
Local regulations
- Permits are required for travel in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Amenities
- Site 33 at the campground offers a pavilion for rent, accommodating up to 26 people, with an outdoor cooking area and picnic tables.
Vehicles & parking
- Off-road and all-terrain vehicles are prohibited during camping season.
- Each camping unit may have one free towed vehicle if parked safely; additional vehicles will incur a nightly fee.
Cancellation policy
- Refund requests incur a $10 processing fee and the non-refundable reservation fee will not be returned.
Fires & fuel
- Firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive species.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: May 20, 2026
