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
Terri L
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Smaller campground with nice spacing between sites. Quieter than Fall Lake Campground. Vault toilets were much nicer than I had thought they would be.
Terri L
VerifiedJuly 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Smaller campground with nice spacing between sites. Quieter than Fall Lake Campground. Vault toilets were much nicer than I had thought they would be.
Jenise R
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Sites were spacious, bathrooms very clean. Water a little far from campsites but fine.
Jenise R
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Sites were spacious, bathrooms very clean. Water a little far from campsites but fine.
Jenise R
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Sites were spacious, bathrooms very clean. Water a little far from campsites but fine.
Charles W. K
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Nice facilities. Decorated too!;-)
No complaints. Thanks!
Charles W. K
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Nice facilities. Decorated too!;-)
No complaints. Thanks!
Charles W. K
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Nice facilities. Decorated too!;-)
No complaints. Thanks!
Lauralee H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The overall campground is great! It was very convenient being able to have water and electricity, especially during the heat of early July! The host/hostess was phenomenal! Always very helpful and attentive. She let campers know when there was recent bear activity while we were there. That is very helpful when you have pets. I would say the only downfall was The map of the campground states that there is more water available for filling up recreational vehicles than there actually is. The only filling station is near the campground Kawishiwi Hall. The challenge is if you are pulling a longer trailer like some of the people we saw, you have to go into the water filling area parking lot the opposite direction as the road sign state. The reason being making the turn is a challenge. We did not have a problem but we have a smaller trailer. Overall it was a wonderful experience great swimming beaches fishing really good too! We went into the local town of Ely,For their Fourth of July parade and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ranger station in town is also very helpful! I also did several hikes in the area as stated are available.
Lauralee H
VerifiedJuly 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The overall campground is great! It was very convenient being able to have water and electricity, especially during the heat of early July! The host/hostess was phenomenal! Always very helpful and attentive. She let campers know when there was recent bear activity while we were there. That is very helpful when you have pets. I would say the only downfall was The map of the campground states that there is more water available for filling up recreational vehicles than there actually is. The only filling station is near the campground Kawishiwi Hall. The challenge is if you are pulling a longer trailer like some of the people we saw, you have to go into the water filling area parking lot the opposite direction as the road sign state. The reason being making the turn is a challenge. We did not have a problem but we have a smaller trailer. Overall it was a wonderful experience great swimming beaches fishing really good too! We went into the local town of Ely,For their Fourth of July parade and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ranger station in town is also very helpful! I also did several hikes in the area as stated are available.
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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Explore Ely, MN
Population: 3,240
Nearby city: Duluth, MN
Approx. 73 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,470 ft
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