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
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for South Kawishiwi River.
Rates, Sites & Availability
21 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
21 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Katherine S
VerifiedAugust 5, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Truly one of most memorable camping experiences. We backed up to the water and had great privacy. The campground is perfectly situated with access to outfitters and to Ely. The pit toilets were spotless. Will return again!
Sarah G
VerifiedAugust 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The campground host was fantastic and the bathrooms were the cleanest/cutest bathrooms we have ever seen. Even my teenage boys commented on them. We felt safe with hand sanitizer both outside and inside the bathroom.
Sarah G
VerifiedAugust 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The campground host was fantastic and the bathrooms were the cleanest/cutest bathrooms we have ever seen. Even my teenage boys commented on them. We felt safe with hand sanitizer both outside and inside the bathroom.
Sarah G
VerifiedAugust 3, 2020 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The campground host was fantastic and the bathrooms were the cleanest/cutest bathrooms we have ever seen. Even my teenage boys commented on them. We felt safe with hand sanitizer both outside and inside the bathroom.
Christopher S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful sites!!!
Christopher S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful sites!!!
Christopher S
VerifiedAugust 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful sites!!!
Jennifer B
VerifiedJuly 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
What a hidden gem! Beautiful campground, SUPER clean bathrooms. Terri was a wonderful camp host. Canoes to rent and a lovely loop through the forest for walking. Each campsite was unique and spaced apart. Can't wait to go back!
Jennifer B
VerifiedJuly 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
What a hidden gem! Beautiful campground, SUPER clean bathrooms. Terri was a wonderful camp host. Canoes to rent and a lovely loop through the forest for walking. Each campsite was unique and spaced apart. Can't wait to go back!
Jennifer B
VerifiedJuly 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
What a hidden gem! Beautiful campground, SUPER clean bathrooms. Terri was a wonderful camp host. Canoes to rent and a lovely loop through the forest for walking. Each campsite was unique and spaced apart. Can't wait to go 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
