Fall Lake (Central)

Fall Lake is a 2,258-acre lake located approximately 6.5 miles northeast of Ely, Minnesota, in the heart of Superior National Forest. This access point serves as a primary gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW Entry Point 24) and is located at the Fall Lake Campground on the lake's shores. The concrete boat ramp provides reliable access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to explore this scenic water body.

The lake features two major river inlets—the Shagawa River on the west end and the Kawishiwi River on the south side—offering diverse paddling and boating opportunities. Fall Lake is popular with anglers targeting walleye, particularly during the spring opening in early May, as well as with paddlers seeking access to the BWCAW's extensive network of backcountry routes. Amenities include a reservable campground directly at the access site with picnic areas and swimming opportunities.

For planning your visit, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 218-365-7600 or the summer concessionaire at 218-365-2963. Note that the site is not ADA accessible. Fall Lake is located approximately 100 miles north of Duluth via Highway 53 to Virginia, then Highway 169 northeast to Ely.

Overview
Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities.

Superior National Forest, located in...

Overview
Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities.

Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Recreation
Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.

Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill.

Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas.

There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.Facilities
This lake has some sites that can be reserved and some that are first-come, first-served. Many sites at Fall Lake are made to accommodate RVs including pull-through sites. Trees provide privacy between most campsites. The facility is very accessible.

A store, canoe rentals, firewood and ice are available at the facility, and a campground host is on-site during the season.Natural Features
The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.
Nearby Attractions
Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine.

By far the most popular nearby attraction is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.

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