Kisiwa cha Rafiki

- Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731

For Minnesotans whose hearts belong to the deep woods and crystalline waters of the Arrowhead Region, the area surrounding the legendary town of Ely serves as the ultimate destination. The campground at the focus of this exploration, situated along an Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731, USA, is understood by local enthusiasts to be a part of the greater South Kawishiwi River Campground (SKRC) complex, a vital hub in the Superior National Forest (SNF) and a primary gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

This location is celebrated for striking a perfect balance: it offers the convenience of developed amenities while delivering the unmistakable sense of seclusion and wilderness immersion that defines a true Northwoods experience. It provides a crucial launchpad for multi-day paddle trips into the BWCAW to the north, while offering ample opportunity for relaxed, family-friendly camping and recreation right on the premises. Unlike a purely rustic backcountry site, the SKRC area offers comfortable facilities, allowing visitors—from seasoned paddlers preparing for an expedition to families seeking a quiet lakeside retreat—to experience the vast beauty of the SNF with ease. Reviews from local visitors consistently praise the "secluded spot" and note the "great swimming for the kids," emphasizing the area’s tranquil and family-friendly environment. It is the ideal locale for those who desire the sights and sounds of the Boundary Waters without fully committing to a wilderness entry permit trip.

The surrounding landscape is dominated by the majestic boreal forest, with towering pines, birch, and aspen lining the shores of the Kawishiwi River. The water itself is clear, cold, and calm, inviting boaters, anglers, and swimmers alike. This unique combination of accessibility and immersion makes this area an enduring favorite for Minnesota residents who cherish their state’s natural heritage.

While the specific address provided is generic—Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731—the camping area is firmly situated within the Superior National Forest, approximately 10 to 12 miles south of the city of Ely, Minnesota. The site is conveniently reached by traveling south from Ely on State Highway 1, an accessible paved road that connects visitors directly to the region. This excellent road access is a major advantage for local campers, particularly those traveling with RVs, trailers, or large family groups who require easy driving conditions.

The campground’s location on the South Kawishiwi River is strategic. It provides immediate water access, allowing guests to launch their canoes, kayaks, or small fishing boats with minimal effort. This river serves as a natural transition point between the developed forest and the protected wilderness. It allows campers to paddle south into Birch Lake or, with the appropriate permit, head north directly into the pristine waters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The proximity to Ely is another key convenience, meaning that groceries, specialized outfitting gear, and local attractions like the International Wolf Center and the Bear Center are all just a short drive away. The easy navigation and short distance from town, coupled with the profound sense of being deep within the wilderness upon arrival, solidify this location as a premier and accessible Northwoods escape for any Minnesota resident.

The camping area in this section of the Superior National Forest is classified as a "developed" campground, meaning it offers a robust array of services and amenities that ensure a comfortable and convenient stay, setting it apart from more primitive, rustic sites.

• Campsites: Offers a mix of spacious, private, and shaded sites designed for both tents and recreational vehicles.
• Electric Hookups: Select campsites are available with electric hookups, a major convenience for RV users and those needing power for medical devices or charging electronics.
• Sanitation: Vault toilets (outhouses) are available, and the facilities are typically well-maintained.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available on-site, sourced from solar-powered, electric, or hand-pump wells, eliminating the need for campers to pack in all their water.
• Waste Disposal: Trash bins are provided for garbage and recycling, allowing campers to dispose of their waste responsibly on-site.
• Boat Launch: A boat ramp is available, providing easy access to the Kawishiwi River for canoes, kayaks, and small fishing boats.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase at the facility, ensuring guests comply with local regulations regarding moving firewood.
• Group Use Area: A designated picnic pavilion is often available for reservations, catering to gatherings of up to 35 people for family reunions or group outings.

The features of this campground emphasize its unique position as both a family camping destination and a world-class wilderness gateway, attracting a diverse range of local visitors.

• Direct Water Recreation: Immediate access to the calm waters of the Kawishiwi River, which is ideal for flat-water paddling, kayaking, and fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Perch.
• Designated Swimming Beach: A specific grassy beach area provides a safe and enjoyable environment for swimming, directly addressing the local customer praise for "great swimming for the kids."
• Kawishiwi River Forest Trail: Features a scenic, approximately 1-mile hiking loop on-site, offering a short, convenient opportunity for forest exploration and wildlife viewing.
• BWCAW Access: Serves as a primary access point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, providing a convenient final stop for permit pickup and gear organization before launching a wilderness trip.
• Spacious and Private Sites: The campsites are generously sized and well-shaded by the mixed forest, providing the highly desired "secluded spot" feeling even in a developed setting.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is known for frequent sightings of iconic Northwoods wildlife, including moose, deer, bald eagles, and the haunting call of the common loon.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on reservations, current conditions, or rules specific to the South Kawishiwi River Campground and the surrounding area, local users should contact the nearest US Forest Service Ranger District office.

Kawishiwi Ranger District

Address:

1393 Highway 169

Ely, MN 55731

Phone Number (General Office):

218-365-7600

This campground location near Ely is intrinsically suitable for Minnesotans because it perfectly encapsulates the ideal Northwoods family vacation. It manages the difficult feat of offering a legitimate wilderness experience—the boreal forest, the clear water, the wildlife—while providing the convenience of a developed campsite. For local residents, this means less time stressing about logistics and more time enjoying the state’s natural beauty. The availability of electric hookups caters to modern comforts, while the direct paddle access to the BWCAW scratches the itch of the adventure-seeker.

Furthermore, the welcoming environment, reinforced by local reviews that highlight the safety and suitability for families, establishes this area as a dependable destination for building lasting Minnesota memories. Whether one is planning a serious canoeing expedition or simply needs a quiet, secluded spot with a great beach for a weekend escape, this US Forest Service facility near Ely is a reliable, high-quality, and deeply authentic piece of Minnesota's natural paradise. It is, quite simply, where Minnesota campers go to feel at home in the wilderness.

Kisiwa cha Rafiki

Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731, USA