Fall Lake

Star4.76
597 reviews
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN, 55731, USA
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,348 ft

Price

$28 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

62 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Fall Lake
$28.00 - $120.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsite fees range from $28 to $37 per night during peak season, depending on site type. Group sites cost $100 to $120 per night....
Show more
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$37.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$120.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
218-365-7600
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 597 reviews

190 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingfriendly

Some mention

noise

"Fall Lake Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and excellent staff. Many users highlighted its quiet and well-maintained atmosphere."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Fall Lake

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

Driving directionsFrom Duluth, MN, take Highway 53 north for 50 miles to Virginia, MN. Take Highway 169 northeast for 50 miles to Ely, Minnesota, travel an additional 6.5 miles to County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road). Travel north on County Road 182 for 2 miles.
The campground is accessible via County Road 182, which connects to Highway 169 northeast of Ely, Minnesota. The roads are paved and accessible year-round but may experience winter weather-related challenges. No seasonal closures were mentioned.
Nearby places
Ely, MN - Approximately 8 miles, Duluth, MN - Approximately 100 miles
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible in Ely, MN, approximately 8 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Fall Lake

Summer brings perfect camping weather with temperatures hovering between 60-75°F, though savvy visitors come prepared for the infamous Minnesota mosquitoes that reach their peak in late June and July. As autumn arrives, the bugs retreat and crystal-clear days emerge, painting the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons—many consider fall the hidden gem season for experiencing Fall Lake's tranquil beauty without the summer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (60–75°F) with most activities; mosquitoes can be significant in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter, largely bug-free with beautiful foliage; favorable seasonal reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from early May; cooler and less activity than summer; data limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside the May–Sept reservation window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 - September 30, annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from early May to late September. Closed outside of this period.

About Fall Lake

Tucked within the vast wilderness of Superior National Forest, Fall Lake Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This beloved outdoor haven draws anglers chasing trophy catches, adventurous hikers exploring pristine trails, and families seeking authentic northwoods experiences. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with raw nature here—lakefront campsites offer breathtaking water views while spotless bathrooms and hot showers ensure you can refresh after a day of wilderness exploration.
Fall Lake Campground offers a variety of camping options to accommodate different preferences, including RV, tent, and group camping. Some sites are lakeside, providing direct access to the water.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Fall Lake Campground provides numerous activities to suit all ages and interests. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, boat, swim, or explore local attractions, this campground has it all. The direct access to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a highlight for canoe enthusiasts.
HikingA 1.5-mile hiking trail on-site is a favorite for families. Nearby, campers can access trails such as the Kawishiwi Falls Trail and the Stub Lake Trail.
FishingThe lake is popular for fishing walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch, and bluegill. One user reported catching a 17-inch northern pike near the campground.
SwimmingThe campground features a beach that is popular among families. It provides easy and safe access to the water for children.
BoatingThe campground allows motorized boating in some parts of Fall Lake. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on-site for $20 per day. The BWCAW permits allow for unique boating experiences.
Wildlife viewingThe campground’s wooded setting allows for abundant wildlife sightings, including deer, loons, and other birds. One user reported a chickadee perching on their knee.
Beach activitiesThe beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. It also serves as an access point for kayaking and canoeing.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are abundant during summer; visitors should prepare with repellents. Wildlife like squirrels and deer may approach campsites.

Weather at Fall Lake

Reviews

4.8
597 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Fall Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Fall Lake Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and excellent staff. Many users highlighted its quiet and well-maintained atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 597 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious and private sites, friendly and helpful campground hosts, and excellent access to recreational opportunities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Based on 597 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with mosquitoes during the summer months, while others noted the lack of an on-site dump station as an inconvenience. One user mentioned noisy neighbors disturbing the...
Show more
Based on 597 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early to secure a site, especially for lakeside spots. Bring mosquito repellent during summer months. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for fewer bugs and more availability.
Based on 597 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with many activities centered around the lake. Mosquitoes can be a significant issue during this time. Fall offers a quieter, bug-free experience with beautiful foliage.
Based on 597 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "By far the cleanest and best kept campground I've been to in a long time!" - Anne Lewis 2. "The bathrooms were the cleanest and most well-kept that I have ever seen at a campsite." - Kaleb...
Show more
Based on 597 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 60 is highly favored for its beautiful lake views and breeze. Site 26 is also recommended for its seclusion and cleanliness. Site 46 received criticism for being cramped and better suited for...
Show more
Based on 597 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campers praised the accessible facilities, including showers and restrooms. The code-required entry to these facilities added an extra layer of security.
Based on 597 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and several users enjoyed walking their dogs along the campground roads and trails. Some users noted that having sites with trees in between helped reduce visual contact between...
Show more
Based on 597 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Fall Lake? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Minnesota

Campgrounds
Superior National Forest
Fall Lake