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
John E
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We enjoyed our 4 day stay alot. Beautiful campground. The on site attendant ( Julie ?) Was very efficient. Cleaned campsites as soon as they were unoccupied. Bathroom were always clean. She offered helpful suggestions and was knowledgeable. Keep in mind this a no showers, no flush toilets campground. Some sites are better suited to tents but most will accommodate campers 30 feet in length. We stayed in site #4. It has table and fire ring closer to camper door. Many sites have table etc behind where you park.
John E
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We enjoyed our 4 day stay alot. Beautiful campground. The on site attendant ( Julie ?) Was very efficient. Cleaned campsites as soon as they were unoccupied. Bathroom were always clean. She offered helpful suggestions and was knowledgeable. Keep in mind this a no showers, no flush toilets campground. Some sites are better suited to tents but most will accommodate campers 30 feet in length. We stayed in site #4. It has table and fire ring closer to camper door. Many sites have table etc behind where you park.
Tom G
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The best campground and campsite yet in a 3week long trip to a dozen places! Lake views are stunning. Lake side path is well maintained. Canoes for rent. Well maintained steps and driveways. Our favorite so far
Tom G
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The best campground and campsite yet in a 3week long trip to a dozen places! Lake views are stunning. Lake side path is well maintained. Canoes for rent. Well maintained steps and driveways. Our favorite so far
John E
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We enjoyed our 4 day stay alot. Beautiful campground. The on site attendant ( Julie ?) Was very efficient. Cleaned campsites as soon as they were unoccupied. Bathroom were always clean. She offered helpful suggestions and was knowledgeable. Keep in mind this a no showers, no flush toilets campground. Some sites are better suited to tents but most will accommodate campers 30 feet in length. We stayed in site #4. It has table and fire ring closer to camper door. Many sites have table etc behind where you park.
James G
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Everything was clean and tidy. The campground host (Julia) was an excellent source of information and helped us with our campground orientation. A memorable experience!
James G
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Everything was clean and tidy. The campground host (Julia) was an excellent source of information and helped us with our campground orientation. A memorable experience!
James G
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Everything was clean and tidy. The campground host (Julia) was an excellent source of information and helped us with our campground orientation. A memorable experience!
Keith H
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
This campground is a must to stay at. Relatively small with large private sites - electric only. The camp ground host was terrific. She maintained the sites and the vault toilets were immaculate even to the degree of having a floral arrangement, scent and anti bacterial soap.
Keith H
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
This campground is a must to stay at. Relatively small with large private sites - electric only. The camp ground host was terrific. She maintained the sites and the vault toilets were immaculate even to the degree of having a floral arrangement, scent and anti bacterial soap.
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
