Picture of building.
Picture of toilet/shower building.
Picture of beach and bench.
Picture of picnic tables and grills.
Picture of group site picnic shelter and tables.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Showers Showers
Playground Playground

About Fall Lake

Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 mi along the United States-Canada border.

Available sites

42 total sites

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Showers Showers
Playground Playground
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

42 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 003, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 004, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 005, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 006, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 007, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 008, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 009, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 010, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 011, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 012, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 013, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 014, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 015, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 016, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 017, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 018, Loop: BASS RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 020, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
⛺ 021, Loop: LAKE Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 022, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 023, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 024, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 025, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
⛺ 026, Loop: LAKE Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 027, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 028, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 029, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 032, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
⛺ 033, Loop: LAKE Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 034, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
⛺ 041, Loop: LAKE Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 044, Loop: LAKE RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 045, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 046, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 048, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 056, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 058, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 061, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 062, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 063, Loop: NORL RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 GS1, Loop: Voyageurs RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 GS2, Loop: Woodlands RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel

Reviews

764 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Fall Lake Campground is praised for its beautiful, well-maintained sites, friendly staff, and clean facilities, making it a favorite among campers. Many appreciate the private, wooded areas and proximity to hiking trails and the city of Ely. Some minor issues were reported, including occasional odors and the need for a nearby dump station, but overall, visitors enjoy returning to this peaceful and scenic campground.

Based on guest feedback

4.7

Overall rating

Based on 764 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 82.7% (632)
4 stars 11.6% (89)
3 stars 3.0% (23)
2 stars 1.0% (8)
1 star 1.6% (12)

Showing 759 reviews

jerry l

Verified

August 24, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BASS

We had a great stay. We had 2 different sites reserved as there was not a site available for our full stay. When we got there, the attendant was able to get us a beautiful site on the lake for our full stay. She was so accommodating and easy to work with. Thank you!

Helpful

jerry l

Verified

August 24, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: BASS

We had a great stay. We had 2 different sites reserved as there was not a site available for our full stay. When we got there, the attendant was able to get us a beautiful site on the lake for our full stay. She was so accommodating and easy to work with. Thank you!

Helpful

john a

Verified

August 26, 2022 Stayed at: 005, Loop: BASS

Very clean and the staff were great

Helpful

Elizabeth H

Verified

August 26, 2022 Stayed at: 032, Loop: LAKE

This federal campground in an out parcel of the BWCA is a narrow slice of civilization nestled in the wilderness; when the campground gates close in October, the wolves take over. This campground is a gem; it has paved roads and pathways, clean, well maintained bathrooms and showers, hot water, clean water pumps located throughout the grounds, a swimming beach that is also perfect for launching a kayak or paddle board, beautiful views everywhere, canoe rental ($20 for 24 hours) right at the BWCA entry point, firewood for sale and, most important to us: electric service at most of the camp sites. The camp host and staff were available, very responsive, welcoming and friendly. The campground boat landing at the BWCA entry point was a perfect spot for beginners (us) to launch a day trip into the BWCA, with a wide, easy dirt path portage from Fall Lake to Newton Lake (stay away from waterfall!). We had to be careful to avoid twisting an ankle on the many rocks imbedded in the path.
We drank filtered water from both Fall Lake and Newton Lake without any ill effects. There were two days with wind (mostly) less than 5 mph; perfect for paddle boarding. On our way back to the entry point the winds suddenly picked up, frequently changing direction. We saw an experienced canoeist buffeted about and struggling to keep on course. Our advice: if it is windy, which is most of the time, enjoy the many hiking paths unless you are a very experienced paddler. This is a favorite spot for motor boaters.
We stayed at two different nicely wooded sites just across from the path from the lake, both were well groomed by the staff. It was tricky to find a level spot to pitch the sleeping tent but the sites were large enough to accommodate our tents and screen kitchen. Food must be stored in cars or bear bags. The aggressive gophers soured our experience, constantly harassing us. One gopher came into our kitchen tent, stood up and screamed at us. For that reason alone, we won't be back.

Helpful

john a

Verified

August 26, 2022 Stayed at: 005, Loop: BASS

Very clean and the staff were great

Helpful

Elizabeth H

Verified

August 26, 2022 Stayed at: 032, Loop: LAKE

This federal campground in an out parcel of the BWCA is a narrow slice of civilization nestled in the wilderness; when the campground gates close in October, the wolves take over. This campground is a gem; it has paved roads and pathways, clean, well maintained bathrooms and showers, hot water, clean water pumps located throughout the grounds, a swimming beach that is also perfect for launching a kayak or paddle board, beautiful views everywhere, canoe rental ($20 for 24 hours) right at the BWCA entry point, firewood for sale and, most important to us: electric service at most of the camp sites. The camp host and staff were available, very responsive, welcoming and friendly. The campground boat landing at the BWCA entry point was a perfect spot for beginners (us) to launch a day trip into the BWCA, with a wide, easy dirt path portage from Fall Lake to Newton Lake (stay away from waterfall!). We had to be careful to avoid twisting an ankle on the many rocks imbedded in the path.
We drank filtered water from both Fall Lake and Newton Lake without any ill effects. There were two days with wind (mostly) less than 5 mph; perfect for paddle boarding. On our way back to the entry point the winds suddenly picked up, frequently changing direction. We saw an experienced canoeist buffeted about and struggling to keep on course. Our advice: if it is windy, which is most of the time, enjoy the many hiking paths unless you are a very experienced paddler. This is a favorite spot for motor boaters.
We stayed at two different nicely wooded sites just across from the path from the lake, both were well groomed by the staff. It was tricky to find a level spot to pitch the sleeping tent but the sites were large enough to accommodate our tents and screen kitchen. Food must be stored in cars or bear bags. The aggressive gophers soured our experience, constantly harassing us. One gopher came into our kitchen tent, stood up and screamed at us. For that reason alone, we won't be back.

Helpful

Crystal K

Verified

September 9, 2022 Stayed at: 041, Loop: LAKE

Campground was quiet, clean and the staff was phenomenal. Needed my car battery jumped and they kindly accommodated. Will return to this campground when we are back in the area. Highly recommend.

Helpful

Crystal K

Verified

September 9, 2022 Stayed at: 041, Loop: LAKE

Campground was quiet, clean and the staff was phenomenal. Needed my car battery jumped and they kindly accommodated. Will return to this campground when we are back in the area. Highly recommend.

Helpful

Joe C

Verified

September 12, 2022 Stayed at: 023, Loop: LAKE

Wonderful private sites. Well cared for and clean. Helpful and friendly staff. Thank You!

Helpful

Laura M

Verified

September 12, 2022 Stayed at: 046, Loop: NORL

We did a few hikes nearby like the Kawishki Falls, Bass Lake and the Stubb Lake trail.
We also enjoyed visiting Ely for lunch and for the International Wolf Center.
Fall Lake has great amenities. Very Clean bathrooms and we used the boat landing and parking lot for a five day trip into the BWCAW after our weekend at Fall Lake Campground.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Fall Lake

Kawishiwi Ranger District, 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 United States

Elevation: 409 ft

Getting There

Fall Lake is located in Northeast MN, 100 mi North of Duluth MN. From Duluth, MN, take Highway 53 north for 50 mi to Virginia, MN. Take Highway 169 northeast for 50 mi to Ely, Minnesota, travel an addition 6.5 mi to County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road...

Nearest town

Ely, MN - 8.2 mi

About 14 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check out time

12PM

  • Reservations are held until the day after arrival; sites must be occupied by checkout time or will be forfeited.

Local regulations

  • Visitors to the northern portion of Fall Lake must have a valid BWCAW permit.

Site types & loops

  • Most reservable sites have electric hookups; specific sites offer different amp services.

Vehicles & parking

  • Each site allows one RV with a tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site, with an option for one extra vehicle at an additional cost.

Cancellation policy

  • Refund requests incur a $10 processing fee and are subject to non-refundable reservation policies.

Fires & fuel

  • Firewood from outside the area is not allowed to prevent invasive pests; obtain firewood locally.

Safety & rules

  • Information about Superior National Forest is available for further exploration.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Explore Ely, MN

Population: 3,240

Nearby city: Duluth, MN

Approx. 83 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,470 ft

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