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
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.
Ginny M
VerifiedAugust 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Thought the host needed some help in making sure the bathrooms had ample toilet paper...she never came and asked how everything was or if we needed anything...they do a great job at Whiteface Reservoir....we were there during the Greenwood fire and she never came around to let us know the circumstances if there would be an evacuation or nothing to worry about...have had much better hosts previous years
Ginny M
VerifiedAugust 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Thought the host needed some help in making sure the bathrooms had ample toilet paper...she never came and asked how everything was or if we needed anything...they do a great job at Whiteface Reservoir....we were there during the Greenwood fire and she never came around to let us know the circumstances if there would be an evacuation or nothing to worry about...have had much better hosts previous years
Ginny M
VerifiedAugust 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Thought the host needed some help in making sure the bathrooms had ample toilet paper...she never came and asked how everything was or if we needed anything...they do a great job at Whiteface Reservoir....we were there during the Greenwood fire and she never came around to let us know the circumstances if there would be an evacuation or nothing to worry about...have had much better hosts previous years
steven c
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Super campground. Clean, quiet and great place to spend a night before your trip into the BWCA.
steven c
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Super campground. Clean, quiet and great place to spend a night before your trip into the BWCA.
steven c
VerifiedAugust 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Super campground. Clean, quiet and great place to spend a night before your trip into the BWCA.
AARON S
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
A nice location not too far from Ely. The only downside for a person tent camping is there are no showers on site. The host was wonderful and friendly.
AARON S
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
A nice location not too far from Ely. The only downside for a person tent camping is there are no showers on site. The host was wonderful and friendly.
AARON S
VerifiedAugust 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
A nice location not too far from Ely. The only downside for a person tent camping is there are no showers on site. The host was wonderful and friendly.
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
