Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

Star4.44
30 reviews
7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,654 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

May 10 - October 1.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tofte Ranger District site

Official Website
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Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. It is part of a rustic campground system.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS
Provider
(218) 663-8060SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 30 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacywaterlake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews praise the scenic beauty of Kawishiwi Lake and its suitability as a starting point for trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. However, some criticisms include the small size of campsites and lack of amenities, such as potable water and reliable restroom maintenance."

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Campground Map

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615

Driving directionsFrom MN 61 in Tofte: Drive north on Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) about 18 miles. Turn left on Co 3, which may be labeled as Co 33. After 8 miles, at the county border (not labeled), Cook County 3 will become Lake County 7. Follow Co 7 an additional 2 miles. Turn right from Co 7 onto FR 354. Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is at the end of FR 354.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. Seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned, but directions suggest reliable access during operational months (May to October).
Nearby places
Tofte: approximately 28 miles, estimated 45-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in Tofte, MN (28 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

From May through October, gentle northern summers grace the campground with comfortable temperatures hovering between 40°F and 75°F—perfect for paddling adventures and fireside evenings. As autumn paints the birches gold, crisp air signals the approaching winter, when this wilderness transforms into a frozen wonderland. Winter visitors should come prepared for the full northern experience, with temperatures plunging well below 0°F and snow blanketing the landscape in pristine white.

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

Open May–Oct; summer offers ideal paddling, swimming and warm evenings for visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews highlight lake beauty and colors; site remains scenic though amenities limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 10; early season offers cool paddling but limited months reduce spring window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed between Oct 1 and May 10; winter access not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 10 - October 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 10 - October 1.

About Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

Tucked away at the edge of wilderness, Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground serves as a tranquil gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This intimate, no-fee campground embraces simplicity with just five peaceful sites nestled among the trees, offering paddlers and adventurers an authentic backcountry experience. Here, the absence of modern amenities is the attraction—just you, your tent, and the pristine wilderness stretching endlessly before you.
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground offers primitive camping with limited amenities, catering to tent and RV campers.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Not explicitly stated
  • arrival times are flexible due to first-come, first-served policy.
Check-out
  • Not explicitly stated
  • departure times are flexible due to first-come, first-served policy.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum of nine people per site
  • space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground provides opportunities for non-motorized boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is located on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering scenic views and access to outdoor activities.
FishingFishing is available at Kawishiwi Lake, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass and walleyes. User reviews provide details about successful fishing techniques, such as using wacky worm rigs and chartreuse and gold jigs.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at Kawishiwi Lake, which has a gradual slope rather than rocky shores. However, there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Kawishiwi Lake as the lake falls within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Motors are not permitted.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include rabbits and turtles laying eggs near campsites, as noted in user reviews. Swans have also been spotted on the lake.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water on-site; lake water must be treated before use. Wildlife sightings are common, including bears and other potentially dangerous animals.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

Reviews

4.4
30 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the scenic beauty of Kawishiwi Lake and its suitability as a starting point for trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. However, some criticisms include the small size of campsites and lack of amenities, such as potable water and reliable restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, beautiful lake views, swimming opportunities, decent fishing, and privacy between campsites.
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include occasional lack of toilet paper in the vault toilet, small campsite sizes, and the absence of potable water.
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure one of the five sites and bringing essentials like toilet paper and treated water. Firewood should also be brought as it is not sold on-site.
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground experiences high turnover, often filling up with visitors staying for one night. Fall reviews emphasize the lake's beauty but note limited amenities. Winter reviews...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'BWCA access lake with great scenic views.' 2. 'Beautiful Lake only five campsites so get there early bring your own wood.' 3. 'Convenient campground to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight site #4 as unique and pretty, with sightings of wild rabbits and turtles. Overflow camping options include two unofficial sites up the road and the parking lot.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-related experiences are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

User reviews acknowledge that dogs are permitted but emphasize proper care, such as keeping them on a leash and picking up their waste.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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