How much does camping cost at South Kawishiwi River?

Camping fees at South Kawishiwi River are $22 - $170/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Kawishiwi River first-come first-served or reservation?

South Kawishiwi River 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 South Kawishiwi River before I book?

Yes! South Kawishiwi River has 11 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 South Kawishiwi River?

South Kawishiwi River is open May 08 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 South Kawishiwi River?

South Kawishiwi River does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at South Kawishiwi River?

Cell phone service at South Kawishiwi River is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does South Kawishiwi River have?

South Kawishiwi River has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Kawishiwi River?

Yes, pets are allowed at South Kawishiwi River. 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 South Kawishiwi River?

South Kawishiwi River offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Kawishiwi River?

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

South Kawishiwi River

3.77

273 reviews

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

Top 24% in MNFall

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Minnesota

Quick Facts

1,476 ft

Price

$22 - $170/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,476 ft

Price

$22 - $170/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

South Kawishiwi River

$22.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $170.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - 30amp: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC 50amp: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$162.00

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Provider

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

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

South Kawishiwi River

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

Nearby places

Ely (10.3 miles, approximately 15 minutes by car)

Weather at South Kawishiwi River

Best Time to Camp at South Kawishiwi River

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp weather, brilliant boreal foliage, and light crowds — ideal for paddling the Kawishiwi and hiking quiet forest trails. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C) in September with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C); bugs are largely gone and water clarity is excellent for fishing. Because the campground is open through September 30, early to mid-September is prime for color, wildlife viewing, and peaceful campsites before most regional hunts Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in MN

Fall noted as best season: crisp weather, brilliant boreal foliage and lighter bug pressure.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 5 to September 30, 2025.

About South Kawishiwi River

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.

South Kawishiwi River Campground offers several camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, and a group day-use area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of crisp weather, brilliant boreal foliage, and light crowds — ideal for paddling the Kawishiwi and hiking quiet forest trails. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C) in September with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–5°C); bugs are largely gone and water clarity is excellent for fishing. Because the campground is open through September 30, early to mid-September is prime for color, wildlife viewing, and peaceful campsites before most regional hunts Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1476 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies boreal forest at 1,476 feet elevation, where aspens, paper birches, and conifers create dense woodland between sites. The Kawishiwi River flows past camp, its clear water reflecting the forest canopy. Wildlife includes moose browsing the riverbank, black bears, bald eagles, and loons calling at dusk. Heavy tree cover provides significant privacy despite close site spacing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no lodge or hotel-style accommodation within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single campsites typically accommodate up to six people, though specific guest limits per site were not provided.

Groups

The group shelter can accommodate up to 35 people and includes cooking facilities, picnic tables, and an outdoor grill.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground is described as spacious and private, accommodating RVs and tents alike, though access to water and other facilities may be challenging for larger vehicles.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and private. Specific sites, such as 29, are noted for their beauty and spaciousness: 'Our site, No. 29, had the most beautiful view in the entire campground.

PrivacySites are heavily wooded, offering significant privacy. 'The campsites themselves are close but there is woods between each campsite which allows us privacy.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesFor waterfront views, site 29 is highly recommended. Larger RVs may face challenges at smaller sites like 27.

Best CampsitesSite 29 gets consistent praise for river views, spaciousness, and privacy. Reviewers note it has the most beautiful view in the campground. Some sites offer direct river access.

Need help booking South Kawishiwi River?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

South Kawishiwi River Campground offers a range of basic amenities and facilities. Vault toilets are available and are described as exceptionally clean and well-maintained by user reviews: 'The vault toilets were the nicest and cleanest ones I had ever used!' Drinking water is available through a single tap, which some users found inconvenient: 'Beware there is little potable water (one tap only).' Firewood can be purchased on-site, although it has been noted that prices are higher than nearby vendors: 'Price of a bundle of wood is high. $8! Bought the exact same bundle 3 miles down the road for $5.' Trash bins are on-site, but some users have suggested adding more near the entrance.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at South Kawishiwi River

South Kawishiwi River Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural features, including canoeing, boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing.

Wildlife viewing5.0/5Top 2% in Minnesota

Frequent sightings of moose, black bear and bald eagles along the river; abundant wildlife noted.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 25% in Minnesota

Boating4.0/5

On-site boat ramp, canoe rentals and direct access to Boundary Waters paddling routes.

Water Sports4.0/5

River access, boat launch and canoe rentals support paddling/kayaking into BW lakes and rivers.

Hiking3.0/5

Has a 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail; short campground loop but nearby forest access.

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5River reflections, fall colors, moose/bald eagle sightings and forest scenes provide photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available; only vault toilets are provided.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Rate South Kawishiwi River

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From Booking Sources

3.8

273 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Kawishiwi River has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, natural beauty, and attentive camp hosts. However, issues such as biting insects and limited amenities like potable water and a dump station have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 273 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 273 reviews.

Site 029Loved
Site 029 is frequently mentioned for its beautiful views and proximity to the river.
Site 1Loved
Site 1 is noted for privacy from neighbors, and site 4 offers convenience with table and fire rings close to parking.

What Campers Love

Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets ('Cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen'), the friendly and attentive camp hosts, and the beautiful natural surroundings. Many users...

Based on 273 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include biting insects like black flies and gnats ('The gnats were excessive. Atrocious. Horrible!'), limited potable water ('Beware there is little potable water (one tap only)'),...

Based on 273 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest visiting in the fall to avoid bugs, using the Ely dump station located 10 miles away, and bringing a long hose for water refills.

Based on 273 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring brings biting insects, while fall is noted as the best time to camp due to fewer bugs and cooler temperatures. 'Nice large sites and very clean. Now most sites have electricity not just sites...

Based on 273 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The vault toilets were the nicest and cleanest ones I had ever used!' 'Our site, No. 29, had the most beautiful view in the entire campground.' 'The host goes out of their way to make the pit toilet...

Based on 273 reviews

Accessibility Features

Access for larger RVs and 5th wheels may be challenging, and users indicate that maneuvering to water stations can be difficult: 'It also doesn't have a dump station but there is one located at the...

Based on 273 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and hosts provided helpful alerts about bear activity which is useful for pet owners: 'She let campers know when there was recent bear activity while we were there.'

Based on 273 reviews

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South Kawishiwi River

$22.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $170.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - 30amp: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC 50amp: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$162.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

Go if

You want electric hookups close to paddling routes and don't mind vault toilets or limited water spigots.

Skip if

You need RV dump stations or want to avoid seasonal bug pressure in spring and early summer.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

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(167)

Birch Lake Campground

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

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.

South Kawishiwi River

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

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Campground Map

Weather at South Kawishiwi River

Best Time to Camp at South Kawishiwi River

Planning Tips

About South Kawishiwi River

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking South Kawishiwi River?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at South Kawishiwi River

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Best Time to Camp at South Kawishiwi River

Planning Tips

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Amenities available

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns