Birch Lake Campground

Star4.63
113 reviews
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,447 ft

Price

$19 - $89/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT site

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Birch Lake Campground
$19.00 - $89.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $19 for standard non-electric sites to $89 for cabin rentals. Group sites are available for $60 per night. Additional fees such as...
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Standard Site Fee$19.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
218-365-7600
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 113 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Birch Lake Campground are predominantly positive, with campers praising the cleanliness of facilities, helpfulness of hosts, and scenic beauty of the area. "Ron H stated, 'We'd definitely rank Birch Lake Campground as the best-kept campground we have ever stayed.'""

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Campground Map

KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731

Birch Lake Campground

KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731

Driving directionsFrom Ely, Minnesota, travel about 8 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior, until Forest Road 429 (Little Lake Road). Turn right on Forest Road 429 and continue 4 miles to the campground entrance road. Turn left onto the campground road and continue 1 mile to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved State Highway 1 and unpaved Forest Road 429, which includes 4 miles of washboard gravel road requiring careful navigation. Seasonal conditions may affect road quality.
Nearby places
Ely (13 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Ely, which is about 13 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Birch Lake Campground

From May through September, the campground comes alive under comfortable temperatures that make for perfect hiking and paddling conditions. Morning mists often rise from the lake, giving way to warm afternoons ideal for swimming and exploring. While summer rains occasionally sweep through, refreshing the forest and filling the air with the scent of pine and earth, most days offer clear skies and gentle breezes. The region's humidity creates lush, green landscapes throughout the season. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a brilliant display of colors before winter blankets the area in pristine snow.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

May–Sept peak season for hiking, paddling and fishing; reviewers praise summer visits though bugs noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter camping and beautiful foliage per reviews; praised for fall colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring and early season popular (May opening); morning mists noted but bugs in early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Sept 30.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season from May 1 to September 30.

About Birch Lake Campground

Nestled within a tapestry of dense northern forests, Birch Lake Campground invites you to experience the tranquility of Minnesota's wilderness. Each campsite is thoughtfully positioned among towering trees, offering privacy and shade while maintaining easy access to the pristine waters of Birch Lake. Whether you're seeking solitude at an individual site, planning a gathering at one of our group camping areas, or looking for the comfort of a rustic cabin, you'll find modern amenities including vault toilets and fresh drinking water from hand pumps throughout the grounds.
Birch Lake Campground offers various camping options, including standard nonelectric campsites, group sites, and cabin lodging.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time: NOON
Check-out
Check-out time: NOON
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Birch Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. "Susan B recommended, 'Bring your kayaks and explore the islands.'"
HikingHiking opportunities are available in Superior National Forest and nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. "The recreation guide and maps include hiking trails and canoe routes."
FishingFishing is popular on Birch Lake, known for northern pike, perch, crappie, and walleye. "Rory O mentioned, 'The boat landing is in very rough shape,' but overall, anglers seemed satisfied with the fishing experience."
SwimmingSwimming is available but limited. "Eva M noted, 'The swim area is tiny and the same space as the boat launch.'"
BikingBiking is accessible in the area, including on the Masabi Trail. "David A biked the local trails and mentioned enjoying the experience."
BoatingBoating and canoeing are popular activities on Birch Lake. Canoe rentals are available on-site. "Estefania F appreciated the availability of canoes for rent, stating, 'That made it easy for my group.'"
Wildlife viewingBirds and wildlife are abundant in the surrounding aspen and birch forest. "Maria S described Birch Lake as beautiful and fun to explore by canoe."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitos, gnats, and rocky lake access affecting boating and swimming.

Weather at Birch Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
113 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Birch Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Birch Lake Campground are predominantly positive, with campers praising the cleanliness of facilities, helpfulness of hosts, and scenic beauty of the area. "Ron H stated, 'We'd definitely rank Birch Lake Campground as the best-kept campground we have ever stayed.'"
Review Summaries
Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, spacious and private sites, proximity to Birch Lake, and well-maintained amenities. "Janae J mentioned generous space between campsites with lots of tree...
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Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with boat launch conditions, noisy campers, limited swimming areas, and occasional difficulty accessing reservations or modifying them. "Gary C noted, 'Reserved a site over 2 months in advance...
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Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and screen shelters for mosquitos, pack drinking water due to pump taste, and explore canoeing opportunities. "Douglas M recommended, 'remember your bug spray!'"
Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are popular seasons, though bugs can be an issue. Fall offers quieter camping with minimal noise and beautiful foliage. "Luke S said, 'Beautiful place to camp and see the fall...
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Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Mary H stated, 'The site was spacious and clean and plenty of restrooms.'" "Steven T mentioned, 'Vault toilet was clean, and there was running water from solar pump well.'" "Janae J noted, 'If...
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Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for specific campsites highlight varying levels of privacy and proximity to the lake. "Douglas M praised site 021 for its private trail down to the lake."
Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

The group site is described as having a handicap-accessible bathroom. "Kathleen K noted, 'The site has its own handicap-accessible bathroom.'"
Based on 113 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, though there are no specific reviews addressing pet-related experiences.
Based on 113 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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