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
Robert W
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Really nice campground, nice facilities, great access to nearby points of interest. However, it would be nice to locate a second trash facility near the entrance of the camp/group lodge. The camp host did an amazing job making the vault toilets the best experience they could be considering the circumstances. This resulted in the nicest vault toilet that I've seen, though little is to be done about the odiferous matter at hand.
Daryl S
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The host does an excellent job keeping the park in order and bathrooms spotless
Daryl S
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The host does an excellent job keeping the park in order and bathrooms spotless
Daryl S
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The host does an excellent job keeping the park in order and bathrooms spotless
Jose C
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Loved how shady and private the lots were. Terri, the host, was amazing. She was always available to answer questions and to help us with canoe rentals, etc. The area is gorgeous and surrounded by other parks for hikes and numerous outdoor activities.
Jose C
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Loved how shady and private the lots were. Terri, the host, was amazing. She was always available to answer questions and to help us with canoe rentals, etc. The area is gorgeous and surrounded by other parks for hikes and numerous outdoor activities.
Jose C
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Loved how shady and private the lots were. Terri, the host, was amazing. She was always available to answer questions and to help us with canoe rentals, etc. The area is gorgeous and surrounded by other parks for hikes and numerous outdoor activities.
William S
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Last time I was camping here was when I was a kid. Campground was well kept and the restrooms were clean and sanitized. Easy to back into and get setup. We brought my canoe, but because my girl friend has never been in one, it never went into the water because it was a bit windy for a first time paddle. I will be going back later this fall, to do some grouse hunting, and heading to some hidden lakes in the area.
William S
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Last time I was camping here was when I was a kid. Campground was well kept and the restrooms were clean and sanitized. Easy to back into and get setup. We brought my canoe, but because my girl friend has never been in one, it never went into the water because it was a bit windy for a first time paddle. I will be going back later this fall, to do some grouse hunting, and heading to some hidden lakes in the area.
William S
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Last time I was camping here was when I was a kid. Campground was well kept and the restrooms were clean and sanitized. Easy to back into and get setup. We brought my canoe, but because my girl friend has never been in one, it never went into the water because it was a bit windy for a first time paddle. I will be going back later this fall, to do some grouse hunting, and heading to some hidden lakes in the area.
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
