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 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!
Sarah D
January 13, 2020
We have camped at this campground for the past almost 10 years. Many great memories were made. We watched the popularity of this campground increase over these years; more than what we liked. The hosts for all of the years were all pretty good. Bathrooms were always clean. The water shed near site 13 has never had water which is really the only complaint I have ever had.
Sarah D
January 13, 2020
We have camped at this campground for the past almost 10 years. Many great memories were made. We watched the popularity of this campground increase over these years; more than what we liked. The hosts for all of the years were all pretty good. Bathrooms were always clean. The water shed near site 13 has never had water which is really the only complaint I have ever had.
Sarah D
January 13, 2020
We have camped at this campground for the past almost 10 years. Many great memories were made. We watched the popularity of this campground increase over these years; more than what we liked. The hosts for all of the years were all pretty good. Bathrooms were always clean. The water shed near site 13 has never had water which is really the only complaint I have ever had.
Susan K
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean sites and facilities. beautiful location. friendly camp hosts.
Susan K
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean sites and facilities. beautiful location. friendly camp hosts.
Susan K
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
clean sites and facilities. beautiful location. friendly camp hosts.
Shari L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beware there is little potable water (one tap only) and no running water for showers, etc. You can bathe in the lake, but of course much less privacy than in BWCAW.
Shari L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beware there is little potable water (one tap only) and no running water for showers, etc. You can bathe in the lake, but of course much less privacy than in BWCAW.
Shari L
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: SOUTH KAWISHIWI RIVER
Beware there is little potable water (one tap only) and no running water for showers, etc. You can bathe in the lake, but of course much less privacy than in BWCAW.
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
