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
Kerry A
VerifiedOctober 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen. Campground dated but very well kept.
Norman C
VerifiedOctober 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful view and woodsy. Can’t see your neighbor,very private. Great for kyaking.
Norman C
VerifiedOctober 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful view and woodsy. Can’t see your neighbor,very private. Great for kyaking.
Norman C
VerifiedOctober 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful view and woodsy. Can’t see your neighbor,very private. Great for kyaking.
David S
VerifiedAugust 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The park seemed very well managed and was very clean. Good location, being just a few miles from Ely on a beautiful river. A rather small and private feeling campground , just 30 sites available, some with direct river access. There are no showers, but good well water is available, and the vault restroom facilities were very clean. We could hear the wolves howling from across the river at night, that alone was worth our trip (up north), as we live in the twin cities.
David S
VerifiedAugust 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The park seemed very well managed and was very clean. Good location, being just a few miles from Ely on a beautiful river. A rather small and private feeling campground , just 30 sites available, some with direct river access. There are no showers, but good well water is available, and the vault restroom facilities were very clean. We could hear the wolves howling from across the river at night, that alone was worth our trip (up north), as we live in the twin cities.
David S
VerifiedAugust 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The park seemed very well managed and was very clean. Good location, being just a few miles from Ely on a beautiful river. A rather small and private feeling campground , just 30 sites available, some with direct river access. There are no showers, but good well water is available, and the vault restroom facilities were very clean. We could hear the wolves howling from across the river at night, that alone was worth our trip (up north), as we live in the twin cities.
Donald P
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Outhouse was the cleanest we’ve ever used. Nice campsites.
Donald P
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Outhouse was the cleanest we’ve ever used. Nice campsites.
Donald P
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Outhouse was the cleanest we’ve ever used. Nice campsites.
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
