Picture of log building.
Picture of rock-lined path and log building.
Picture of road with sign.
Picture of trail in the woods.
Picture of campsite.

Featured amenities

River Access River Access

About South Kawishiwi River

South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 mi from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings of up to 35 people.

Available sites

21 total sites

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

River Access River Access
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

21 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 002, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 004, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 005, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 006, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 007, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 008, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 010, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 012, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 014, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 022, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 023, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 029, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 030, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel
🚐 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER RV
Pet Friendly · 30 amp · Gravel

Reviews

372 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.6

Overall rating

Based on 372 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 70.2% (261)
4 stars 19.6% (73)
3 stars 7.5% (28)
2 stars 2.7% (10)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 368 reviews

Ginny M

Verified

August 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

Helpful

Keith H

Verified

September 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.

Helpful

Keith H

Verified

September 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.

Helpful

Keith H

Verified

September 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.

Helpful

James G

Verified

September 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!

Helpful

James G

Verified

September 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!

Helpful

James G

Verified

September 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!

Helpful

Tom G

Verified

September 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

Helpful

John E

Verified

September 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 ft 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.

Helpful

Tom G

Verified

September 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

Helpful

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.

Nearest town

Ely, MN - 12 mi

About 17 min to downtown

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

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 7, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Ely, MN

Population: 3,240

Nearby city: Duluth, MN

Approx. 73 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,470 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service