South Fork Kawishiwi River (South)

Located at the South Kawishiwi River Campground in Superior National Forest, approximately 10 miles south of Ely on State Highway 1, this access point offers a boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats on the South Fork Kawishiwi River. The campground provides convenient amenities including a grassy beach area, parking, and on-site facilities. This location serves as a good jumping-off point for paddlers exploring the river system and accessing nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness waters.

The campground is reservable and offers both standard and electric hookup campsites, making it suitable for multi-day paddling trips. Anglers will find northern pike, perch, and walleye in the area. Additional activities include the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail and swimming at the grassy beach. For specific information about boat ramp conditions, hours, fees, and current availability, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 218-365-7600 or the summer concessionaire at 218-365-2963. From Ely, travel south on Highway 1 for approximately 10.3 miles toward Lake Superior, then turn left onto the campground road.

Overview
South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and...

Overview
South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 10 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It offers fishing, boating and other recreational activities in a relaxing outdoor setting. The campground has sites with and without electric hookups, as well as one group day use area great for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings of up to 35 people.Recreation
Canoeing is a main attraction. The Kawishiwi River provides access to Birch Lake to the south and the Boundary Waters to the north. When traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wildnerness, a permit is required. Canoe rentals are available by contacting the host.Closer to shore, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the campground's grassy beach, hiking the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail or trying their luck at fishing for northern pike, perch and walleye. A boat ramp is located on-site.View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Facilities
The campground offers individual campsites and one group picnic area that can be reserved for day use. Sites are spacious, private, well-maintained and shaded. Visitors will find vault toilets, drinking water and trash bins within the facility. Firewood is available for purchase.Natural Features
The scenic Kawishiwi River boasts clear, cold and calm waters lined with boreal forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife abounds in Superior National Forest, from moose and bear to bald eagles and loons. The campground lies in a mixed aspen, birch and conifer forest.

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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.

Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

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