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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
