How much does camping cost at Birch Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Birch Lake Campground range from $21-$95/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Birch Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Birch Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Birch Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Birch Lake Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Birch Lake Campground?

Birch Lake Campground is open May 01 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Birch Lake Campground?

Birch Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Birch Lake Campground have?

Birch Lake Campground has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Birch Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Birch Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Birch Lake Campground?

Birch Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Birch Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Birch Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Birch Lake Campground

4.55

113 reviews

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

Top 25% in MNFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Minnesota Best Campgrounds Minnesota Tent Camping Minnesota +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,447 ft

Price

$21 - $95/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,447 ft

Price

$21 - $95/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open season from May...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Birch Lake Campground

$21.00 - $95.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin: $95.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $65.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $21.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT: 218-365-7600, CONCESSIONAIRE (SUMMER): 218-365-2963

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Ely (13 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive)

Weather at Birch Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Birch Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Early fall (September) offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid northern hardwood color, and lower crowds — days typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s°F with crisp mornings in the 35–50°F range. Canoeing, late-season fishing, shoreline hikes, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trees turn gold and birch contrast sharply with evergreens, while mosquitoes and blackflies have largely tapered off. Because Birch Lake Campground officially closes September 30, plan for a ( Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in MN

Summer popular, many activities (boating, fishing, hiking); reviews praise facilities and hosts.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season from May 1 to September 30.

About Birch Lake Campground

Birch Lake Campground sits in the Superior National Forest near Ely, operated by the Kawishiwi Ranger District. This mid-sized campground offers tent sites, cabins, and group camping along the shores of Birch Lake, with spacious, tree-covered sites that provide strong privacy. Visitors come for canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing in the foothills terrain, with September bringing peak fall color and fewer crowds.

Birch Lake Campground offers various camping options, including standard nonelectric campsites, group sites, and cabin lodging.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (September) offers the best combination of comfortable weather, vivid northern hardwood color, and lower crowds — days typically range from the mid-50s to low-70s°F with crisp mornings in the 35–50°F range. Canoeing, late-season fishing, shoreline hikes, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trees turn gold and birch contrast sharply with evergreens, while mosquitoes and blackflies have largely tapered off. Because Birch Lake Campground officially closes September 30, plan for a ( Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1447 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forest thick with paper birch and trembling aspen mixed among spruce and pine. Birch Lake stretches 7,628 acres, its clear water reflecting sky and shoreline. White-tailed deer appear at water's edge in early morning. Loons call at dusk. The forest floor shows wildflowers in spring and summer, while black bears forage for berries in the understory. Eagles hunt overhead. This is biodiverse North Woods country where the land transitions into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe south loop of Birch Lake Campground features two camper cabins, Tamarak and Popple, each accommodating up to six persons and equipped with bunk beds, a futon, and a heater. These cabins provide an indoor/outdoor camping experience but lack electricity, water, and kitchens. "David A described the Tamarak Cabin as clean and tidy with sleeping for four in bunks and additional space for small children."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests for cabins
group site accommodates up to 45 guests.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 45 people with eight back-in parking spurs and an open play area. It features running water powered by solar panels and a handicap-accessible bathroom.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the app.

AccessibilityThe group site is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and running water powered by solar panels. "Kathleen K noted, 'The site has its own handicap-accessible bathroom. This is the cleanest outhouse I have ever been in!'

Site SizeSites vary in size. Group site accommodates up to 45 people; camper cabins sleep up to six persons.

PrivacySites offer good privacy due to dense tree coverage. "Douglas M said, 'Our site was amazing... it was private and had a trail right down to the lake.'

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and lake access, choose sites in the North Loop. For group camping, opt for the group site.

Best CampsitesSite #14 gets consistent praise for privacy and direct lake access via a short trail. Douglas M called his site amazing for the same reasons. Group sites in the North Loop offer dedicated facilities and room to spread out.

Need help booking Birch Lake Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Birch Lake Campground provides an outdoor experience with essential facilities, including picnic tables, tent pads, and campfire rings equipped with grills at each campsite. "Vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water are provided, and firewood is available for purchase." The campground features two distinct loops, one with a group site accommodating up to 45 people, and the other with two camper cabins for up to six occupants each. Camper cabins offer a heater for cool nights but lack electricity, water, or an indoor kitchen.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.'"

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Reviews highlight the cleanliness of the vault toilets. "Mary H stated, 'The toilets were the best ever and I have camped all over.'"

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

113 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-maintained lakefront base camp for paddling, fishing, and fall color viewing with strong site privacy.

Skip if

You need easy lake access or prefer modern restroom facilities over vault toilets.

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South Kawishiwi River

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

South Kawishiwi River sits in Superior National Forest near Ely, Minnesota, operated by the Kawishiwi Ranger District. This small campground offers electric hookups and serves as a gateway to the Boundary Waters region, with direct access to paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing in boreal forest foothills. Tent and RV campers share sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and group camping is available.