About South Kawishiwi River
Available sites
21 total sites
RV Sites
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Year-round
Fishing
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
River Access
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- River Access
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 (372)
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
Kenneth B
VerifiedAugust 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We definitely need clarification on what constitutes a tow vehicle. Before this visit we have never been charged $8.00 a night for an extra vehicle. We have a Class C motor home and our truck that pulls our boat. We were told that our Class C is considered our tow vehicle. If that's the case and we used it as such we would have to pull in our awning, rug, tear down camp each time we put our boat in the water. This makes absolutely no sense. We camp in your campgrounds often and each manager seems to have their own interpretation of how this works. Can you tell us once and for all what is right.
Randy D
VerifiedAugust 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean and peaceful
Kenneth B
VerifiedAugust 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We definitely need clarification on what constitutes a tow vehicle. Before this visit we have never been charged $8.00 a night for an extra vehicle. We have a Class C motor home and our truck that pulls our boat. We were told that our Class C is considered our tow vehicle. If that's the case and we used it as such we would have to pull in our awning, rug, tear down camp each time we put our boat in the water. This makes absolutely no sense. We camp in your campgrounds often and each manager seems to have their own interpretation of how this works. Can you tell us once and for all what is right.
Randy D
VerifiedAugust 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean and peaceful
Kenneth B
VerifiedAugust 27, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We definitely need clarification on what constitutes a tow vehicle. Before this visit we have never been charged $8.00 a night for an extra vehicle. We have a Class C motor home and our truck that pulls our boat. We were told that our Class C is considered our tow vehicle. If that's the case and we used it as such we would have to pull in our awning, rug, tear down camp each time we put our boat in the water. This makes absolutely no sense. We camp in your campgrounds often and each manager seems to have their own interpretation of how this works. Can you tell us once and for all what is right.
Samantha A
VerifiedAugust 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Great private campsite. Short drive to Ely. Cleanest pit toilets ever seen. Great visit!
Samantha A
VerifiedAugust 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Great private campsite. Short drive to Ely. Cleanest pit toilets ever seen. Great visit!
Samantha A
VerifiedAugust 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Great private campsite. Short drive to Ely. Cleanest pit toilets ever seen. Great visit!
Peter B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Price of a bundle of wood is high. $8! Bought the exact same bundle 3 mi down the road for $5. Appeared to be the same vendor. Otherwise this is a great campground! Lots of privacy! Nice and quiet. Camp host is a nice guy and does a good job.
Peter B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Price of a bundle of wood is high. $8! Bought the exact same bundle 3 mi down the road for $5. Appeared to be the same vendor. Otherwise this is a great campground! Lots of privacy! Nice and quiet. Camp host is a nice guy and does a good job.
Location & Directions for South Kawishiwi River
Kawishiwi Ranger District, Ely, MN 55731 United States
Elevation: 449 ft
Getting There
From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 10.3 mi south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.
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: October 7, 2026
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Population: 3,240
Nearby city: Duluth, MN
Approx. 73 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,470 ft
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