Fenske Lake Campground

Star4.69
136 reviews
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, 1393 HIGHWAY 169, ELY, MN 55731, USA
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietSwimming

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Fenske Lake Campground
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 for standard non-electric and walk-in sites to $60 for group sites. Seasonal rates apply from May 5 to September 30.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
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

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 136 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikinglake

Some mention

noise

"Most user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and exceptional campground hosts. Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Negative reviews mention occasional noise from nearby cabins and limited privacy due to tree removal projects."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Fenske Lake Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Ely, Minnesota, travel east on State Highway 169 North (toward Winton) for about 1 mile. Turn left onto County Road 88 and travel about 2 miles. Turn right onto Echo Trail and continue about 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
The road to the campground includes paved sections and the unpaved Echo Trail, which is a gravel road. No seasonal closures are explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Ely (10 miles, approximately 17 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping necessities can be obtained in Ely, Minnesota, which is 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Fenske Lake Campground

Experience the full drama of Minnesota's seasons at Fenske Lake. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for swimming and paddling, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland with temperatures that demand respect and proper gear. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken the forest floor, bringing wildflowers and renewed life to the woods.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Summer reviews praise beach, swimming, wildlife and warm paddling conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and quieter sites highlighted; good seasonal appeal though shorter season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from May 5; early-season access but reservable sites start June 24 and variable conditions in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 5–Sept 30; no winter operation or reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 5 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is operational from May 5 to September 30. Individual reservable sites start on June 24.
  • Current Alerts: There are no active alerts at this moment.

About Fenske Lake Campground

Tucked away in the wilderness, Fenske Lake Campground beckons those seeking solitude and spacious sites far from the crowds. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area, where paddlers launch into pristine waterways and hikers discover untouched trails. Each generously-sized campsite offers room to breathe and truly disconnect from the everyday world.
Fenske Lake Campground caters to a variety of camping needs including tent camping, group camping, and primitive camping. It features standard nonelectric sites and walk-in sites, along with a group site perched on a rock ledge overlooking the lake.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Fenske Lake Campground offers opportunities for diverse recreational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating, while the location serves as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Wildlife viewing and nature exploration are also available on-site. The campground is ideal for canoeing and kayaking due to its canoe circle route.
HikingHiking opportunities include a short, one-mile nature trail within the campground. The Superior National Forest offers additional trails and canoe routes.
FishingFishing is available with species such as bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish. An accessible fishing pier and a boat ramp enhance the fishing experience.
SwimmingSwimming is available at a grassy beach area. User reviews describe it as clean and well-maintained.
BoatingThe campground supports canoeing and kayaking with its location on Fenske Lake and proximity to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A boat ramp is provided.
Wildlife viewingAbundant birds and wildlife can be observed in the area. User reviews mention raptors, timberwolves, and bears.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are available at the clean, grassy swimming area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters include bears, timberwolves, and raptors.
Active AlertsThere are no active alerts at this moment.

Weather at Fenske Lake Campground

Reviews

4.7
136 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Fenske Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and exceptional campground hosts. Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Negative reviews mention occasional noise from nearby cabins and limited privacy due to tree removal projects.
Review Summaries
Based on 136 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and campsites, friendly and attentive hosts, scenic lake views, well-maintained facilities, and accessibility to hiking trails and the BWCA.
Based on 136 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited privacy due to tree removal projects, occasional noise from nearby cabins, no flush toilets, and restrictions on pets at the beach.
Based on 136 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Secure firewood locally to adhere to invasive species restrictions, bring a canoe or kayak for lake access, and be prepared for rustic facilities.
Based on 136 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summertime reviews frequently praise the swimming beach and wildlife sightings. Fall reviews highlight quiet and serene surroundings with fewer occupied sites. Winter reviews are absent, suggesting...
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Based on 136 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Top notch dry camping as well as boon docking with your RV... Campsites and outhouses are clean. Nice sandy beach and dock." - Evan Buskirk 2. "Fenske Lake Campground was a little slice of...
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Based on 136 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site #7: "One of the best in Minnesota. Sitting atop a large boulder overlooking the lake." - J.Earl M 2. Site #15: "Very nice campground and close to Ely MN!" - Tyler Day 3. Group Site: "We were...
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Based on 136 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive reviews highlight the accessible fishing pier and clean facilities.
Based on 136 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews regarding pet policies; dogs are not allowed at the beach, which has disappointed some campers.
Based on 136 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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