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)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.7
764 reviews
5
82.7%
632
4
11.6%
89
3
3.0%
23
2
1.0%
8
1
1.6%
12

Timothy C

Verified

June 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: BASS

5

Great campground! The sites provide lots of privacy, the restrooms are very clean, hosts are amazing and the location is incredible.

Julie D

Verified

January 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BASS

5

Fall Lake Campground is one of my favorite places to go - I have been camping here since I was a child. I love the privacy of some of the campsites (we have dogs so this is most important). Shower/Bathroom facilities are very nice. Staff has always been friendly and helpful. Great paths around the shoreline. Lots of variety on the lake - you can go into the boundary waters area or visit main falls at the other part of the lake. It is a bummer you have to pay for a permit to enter the boundary waters area now so this has decreased the time spent in this area of the lake. Bring bug repellent as you typically have to fight off mosquitoes. Also, bring a fly swatter (especially in the boat) to ward off black flies. Not too long ago they added a cell phone tower and we get great reception (Verizon) - nice when you are trying to communicate with someone out in the boat or on an overnight camping adventure and I've had to finish some work project on vacation, so nice I can still go and do this (otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to go). It is a yearly, week-long trip for us and we love it!!

Julie D

Verified

January 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BASS

5

Fall Lake Campground is one of my favorite places to go - I have been camping here since I was a child. I love the privacy of some of the campsites (we have dogs so this is most important). Shower/Bathroom facilities are very nice. Staff has always been friendly and helpful. Great paths around the shoreline. Lots of variety on the lake - you can go into the boundary waters area or visit main falls at the other part of the lake. It is a bummer you have to pay for a permit to enter the boundary waters area now so this has decreased the time spent in this area of the lake. Bring bug repellent as you typically have to fight off mosquitoes. Also, bring a fly swatter (especially in the boat) to ward off black flies. Not too long ago they added a cell phone tower and we get great reception (Verizon) - nice when you are trying to communicate with someone out in the boat or on an overnight camping adventure and I've had to finish some work project on vacation, so nice I can still go and do this (otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to go). It is a yearly, week-long trip for us and we love it!!

Paul F

Verified

January 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 063, Loop: NORL

5

Fall Lake Camp Ground has been our "family go to place" for MN camping for nearly 20 years. When we started visiting, all the roads were gravel & the bathroom facilities were out-house pit toilets. Both were fine with us, as we enjoyed the rustic atmosphere. That being said. The USFS has invested a great deal of effort in modernizing the infrastructure to what it is today. Paved roads, manicured private sites and bath house facilities that are second to none in the country. That opinion is based on over 50 years of traveling the lower 48. The only draw back to all the great improvements, is that we use to pull in and camp without a reservation. Word has spread & now you need to plan way ahead to make a reservation to secure a spot. A small price of pre-planning to enjoy what we consider the "Jewel" of Northern Minnesota. The on site management staff are very friendly, helpful & take great pride in providing clean and well kept bathroom facilities & grounds that are meticulously maintained. Direct access to the BWCA as well as easy & close proximity to all Ely & Iron Range / lake country attractions are also a great benefit. Whether you are alone, a couple, family or large group. If you are looking for a place to "get-a-way" and enjoy the best on what Minnesota's North Woods has to offer, you cannot be disappointed. Kudo's to the USFS & Management staff that make Fall Lake Camp Ground such a special place. Thank you

Paul F

Verified

January 19, 2020 • Stayed at: 063, Loop: NORL

5

Fall Lake Camp Ground has been our "family go to place" for MN camping for nearly 20 years. When we started visiting, all the roads were gravel & the bathroom facilities were out-house pit toilets. Both were fine with us, as we enjoyed the rustic atmosphere. That being said. The USFS has invested a great deal of effort in modernizing the infrastructure to what it is today. Paved roads, manicured private sites and bath house facilities that are second to none in the country. That opinion is based on over 50 years of traveling the lower 48. The only draw back to all the great improvements, is that we use to pull in and camp without a reservation. Word has spread & now you need to plan way ahead to make a reservation to secure a spot. A small price of pre-planning to enjoy what we consider the "Jewel" of Northern Minnesota. The on site management staff are very friendly, helpful & take great pride in providing clean and well kept bathroom facilities & grounds that are meticulously maintained. Direct access to the BWCA as well as easy & close proximity to all Ely & Iron Range / lake country attractions are also a great benefit. Whether you are alone, a couple, family or large group. If you are looking for a place to "get-a-way" and enjoy the best on what Minnesota's North Woods has to offer, you cannot be disappointed. Kudo's to the USFS & Management staff that make Fall Lake Camp Ground such a special place. Thank you

William H

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 044, Loop: LAKE

5

There so many wonderful experiences during the week we were at Fall Lake I know I won't remember them all. The staff at the campsite were the best! They were over the top focused on the clients that came there. I witnessed this for us personally, and for others that stopped in to the main building. Oh, and at the main building I found cookies and cupcakes that were baked the night before by the staff and set out for visitors to enjoy! Who does that these days? The staff at Fall Lake, that's who! And the facilities were always clean and ready. They were well maintained and very clean. A welcome sight for people simply wanting to enjoy camping, kayaking, campfires and some fellowship with friends. We will be back.

Bruce K

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: LAKE

3

It would be nice to have a few more primitive camp sites available. Fall Lake is set up well for the RV crowd but isn't too good for tent campers and those planning to canoe the BWCA.

William H

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 044, Loop: LAKE

5

There so many wonderful experiences during the week we were at Fall Lake I know I won't remember them all. The staff at the campsite were the best! They were over the top focused on the clients that came there. I witnessed this for us personally, and for others that stopped in to the main building. Oh, and at the main building I found cookies and cupcakes that were baked the night before by the staff and set out for visitors to enjoy! Who does that these days? The staff at Fall Lake, that's who! And the facilities were always clean and ready. They were well maintained and very clean. A welcome sight for people simply wanting to enjoy camping, kayaking, campfires and some fellowship with friends. We will be back.

Bruce K

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: LAKE

3

It would be nice to have a few more primitive camp sites available. Fall Lake is set up well for the RV crowd but isn't too good for tent campers and those planning to canoe the BWCA.

Geoff B

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: LAKE

5

Great sites, great facilities, great area, great staff. By far our favorite camp ground

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

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Ely, MN

Population: 3,240

Nearby city: Duluth, MN

Approx. 83 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,470 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service