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
Alan C
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The sites were very clean and well maintained. The toilets were the cleanest I have ever seen. Will definitely be coming back.
Alan C
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
The sites were very clean and well maintained. The toilets were the cleanest I have ever seen. Will definitely be coming back.
Gregory D
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful country! The RV park wasn't made for big 5th wheels however. I wish it had easier access to water and a dump station. This really hindered our trip. Basically 2 nights was all we could go without a dump station and easier access to water.
Gregory D
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful country! The RV park wasn't made for big 5th wheels however. I wish it had easier access to water and a dump station. This really hindered our trip. Basically 2 nights was all we could go without a dump station and easier access to water.
Gregory D
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beautiful country! The RV park wasn't made for big 5th wheels however. I wish it had easier access to water and a dump station. This really hindered our trip. Basically 2 nights was all we could go without a dump station and easier access to water.
Maciej D
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Very nice place, clean and easy access. We had such a nice labor day weekend. Good boat and canoe access. Highly recommend.
Grant J
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
I could not have been more pleased with my stay at South Kiwishiwi. The area is beautiful, the caretakers were wonderful, and the sites were fantastic. I have never been to a camping area that was so clean and well kept. Speaking of clean, I cant be more complimentary of the cleanliness of the outhouse facilities.
I will definitely be back!
Maciej D
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Very nice place, clean and easy access. We had such a nice labor day weekend. Good boat and canoe access. Highly recommend.
Grant J
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
I could not have been more pleased with my stay at South Kiwishiwi. The area is beautiful, the caretakers were wonderful, and the sites were fantastic. I have never been to a camping area that was so clean and well kept. Speaking of clean, I cant be more complimentary of the cleanliness of the outhouse facilities.
I will definitely be back!
Maciej D
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Very nice place, clean and easy access. We had such a nice labor day weekend. Good boat and canoe access. Highly recommend.
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
