Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds

- Ely, MN 55731

For generations of Minnesota families and outdoor adventurers, the name Ely is synonymous with the Northwoods wilderness. Tucked just seven miles outside this legendary town, Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds offers a unique blend of comfortable accommodations and direct access to the raw beauty of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It is a premier four-season destination, evolving from a simple fishing camp into a full-service resort and outfitter that caters to all levels of outdoor enthusiasm.

Timber Trail Resort is perfectly positioned on the south shore of Farm Lake, part of a stunning chain of four interconnected lakes. This strategic location provides the dual benefit of allowing motorized boating on the lake chain while also serving as a direct gateway for canoeing into the non-motorized tranquility of the BWCAW. Whether you are a dedicated angler seeking the next Walleye dinner, a couple looking for a cozy winter retreat, or a family planning a summer filled with swimming and paddling, Timber Trail provides the ideal basecamp. The resort's philosophy centers on creating memorable experiences, offering modern conveniences alongside genuine wilderness adventure.

Local users in Minnesota appreciate the versatility of Timber Trail. As one recent customer noted, the welcoming atmosphere, accessibility of the owners, and year-round amenities—like a sauna, sledding hill, and polar plunge hole—make it an exceptional choice for everything from romantic winter getaways to lively summer vacations. The consistent praise for staff friendliness and the reliability of the fishing suggests a quality of service that keeps guests returning year after year, building a tradition rooted in the Minnesota resort experience.

The resort and campgrounds are beautifully situated on the Kawishiwi Trail, a scenic route outside of Ely, Minnesota.

The location is a sweet spot for Minnesota travelers: remote enough to feel like a true escape, yet close enough to the amenities of Ely. From the Twin Cities, the drive is a manageable route up Highway 35 to Duluth, then following Highway 53 and Highway 169 into the heart of the Arrowhead Region. The final segment of the journey to the resort is short and well-marked.

Key to the resort’s appeal is its direct relationship with the surrounding waterways. Farm Lake connects to a four-lake chain, allowing guests to explore a considerable area by boat or canoe directly from their dock. Furthermore, this entire lake system provides direct, official access to the BWCAW—a significant convenience for those planning a multi-day wilderness trip, as the resort operates an official BWCAW Permit Station and offers shuttle services. This integration makes Timber Trail a true launch point for both casual lake recreation and serious wilderness exploration.

Timber Trail Resort is a comprehensive four-season destination, offering far more than a typical campground. Its full-service commitment ensures guests have everything necessary for a comfortable and adventurous stay.

• Accommodations: Modern housekeeping cabins (some available year-round), motel rooms, and designated campsites (RV and tent options).
• BWCAW Outfitting and Support: Full-service canoe outfitter, on-site BWCAW Permit Station, gear rentals (canoes, kayaks, motors), and tow/shuttle services.
• Water Activities: Access to a chain of four interconnected lakes, natural sand swimming beach, boat launch, and rentals for boats, motors, pontoon boats, canoes, and kayaks.
• Fishing Services: Professional guide service (including fishing packages), bait sales, and dedicated fish cleaning facilities.
• Winter Activities: Winterized accommodations, sauna access, sledding hill, and a polar plunge hole for the adventurous.
• Resort Amenities: Free Wi-Fi available in the main Lodge, gift shop, game room, and library.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome in designated indoor units and the campgrounds, with pet-friendly amenities like areas for dogs to swim.

What truly sets Timber Trail apart is its unique combination of location-based opportunities and resort-provided activities, making it an excellent destination regardless of the season.

• Four-Lake Chain Access: Located on Farm Lake, offering motorized access to the interconnected lake system, a rarity for BWCAW-adjacent locations.
• Direct BWCAW Gateway: A primary entry point to the Boundary Waters, supported by a full outfitter and an on-site Permit Station, simplifying wilderness trip planning.
• Four-Season Operation: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Timber Trail offers cabins and activities throughout the winter, supporting ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on groomed trails.
• Guided Experiences: Provides access to naturalist activities, guided fishing trips, skills workshops (paddling, backcountry meal prep), and guided hikes.
• Renowned Fishing: The lake system is known for consistently producing excellent catches of Walleye and Northern Pike, a significant draw for local Minnesota anglers.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Praised by guests for attentive and non-intrusive service, including personalized touches like pre-warming cabins and assisting with campfire needs.
• Family and Couple Appeal: Offers distinct lodging options and activities suitable for both quiet romantic trips and engaging family vacations.

For reservations, outfitting needs, and detailed information about the resort's various accommodations and services, please use the following contact details:

Address:

629 Kawishiwi Trail

Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone Number:

218-365-4879

For Minnesota residents, Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds is more than a vacation spot; it is a cultural touchstone that perfectly encapsulates the state's outdoor heritage. Its suitability for locals stems from its authenticity and convenience. The resort offers the rugged, lake-centered adventure that defines the "Up North" experience, but removes the major logistical headaches. Locals can confidently bring their own boats or rely on the full-service outfitter to hit the water immediately, whether they are trolling for Walleye or paddling into the quiet reaches of the BWCAW.

Furthermore, the resort’s four-season dedication means it respects Minnesota’s deep commitment to winter recreation. The ability to switch from a summer cabin stay to a cozy, heated winter retreat with snowmobile trail and sauna access is a significant advantage over strictly seasonal operations. The friendly, hands-on service noted by guests, where owners proactively assist with needs, reflects the genuine hospitality valued in the Northwoods. Timber Trail is an accessible, reliable, and deeply rooted destination that allows Minnesotans to easily reconnect with the state’s most celebrated wilderness area, year-round, without sacrificing comfort or quality service. It's the ideal spot to start an annual family tradition.

Timber Trail Resort and Campgrounds

Ely, MN 55731, USA