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
Eric S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Excellent campground. Great views, clean sites and very clean bathrooms. Our kids had fun at the little beach. Will come back soon.
Eric S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Excellent campground. Great views, clean sites and very clean bathrooms. Our kids had fun at the little beach. Will come back soon.
Chad K
VerifiedJuly 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Nice access to gravel roads to run on and close to atv trail to bike on.
Chad K
VerifiedJuly 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Nice access to gravel roads to run on and close to atv trail to bike on.
Chad K
VerifiedJuly 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Nice access to gravel roads to run on and close to atv trail to bike on.
frank b
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We have a 35 foot class A diesel pusher. Our RV site was clean and reserved for our use. The park is a short distance from Ely, MN which has good shopping and dining. We had 30 amp electric on site; potable water is available; sewer hookup/dump station is not available.
frank b
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We have a 35 foot class A diesel pusher. Our RV site was clean and reserved for our use. The park is a short distance from Ely, MN which has good shopping and dining. We had 30 amp electric on site; potable water is available; sewer hookup/dump station is not available.
frank b
VerifiedJuly 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
We have a 35 foot class A diesel pusher. Our RV site was clean and reserved for our use. The park is a short distance from Ely, MN which has good shopping and dining. We had 30 amp electric on site; potable water is available; sewer hookup/dump station is not available.
Grant F
VerifiedJuly 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Lots of dust and bugs. Camp Host was very nice and helped us work out a site switch so we could camp next to the grand kids. She always had a nice smile and friendly comment for us. Campsites where always clean and the Host was right there cleaning when a camper pulled out. Restrooms were very clean, hand sanitizer was always there. You could not ask for a better camp ground. I would recommend this campground to anyone who wants to have a great weekend.....I'LL BE BACK
Grant F
VerifiedJuly 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Lots of dust and bugs. Camp Host was very nice and helped us work out a site switch so we could camp next to the grand kids. She always had a nice smile and friendly comment for us. Campsites where always clean and the Host was right there cleaning when a camper pulled out. Restrooms were very clean, hand sanitizer was always there. You could not ask for a better camp ground. I would recommend this campground to anyone who wants to have a great weekend.....I'LL BE BACK
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
