Birch Lake Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates May 5 through October 21. Reservations available through Recreation.gov, with some sites first-come, first-served.
Flood Advisory issued May 1 at 9:54AM CDT until May 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt from earlier this week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. * WHAT...Flooding caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. * WHEN...Until 700 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 948 AM CDT Friday, automated river gages and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is occurring. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Little Saganaga Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Isabella, Saganaga Lake, Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Malberg Lake, Lake Polly and Thomas Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 9:40AM CDT until May 6 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Minnesota... South Kawishiwi River near Ely affecting northwestern Lake County. .High water continues on the Kawishiwi River due to the effects of recent heavy rains and the last of ongoing snowmelt. Expect high, fast moving water through the Kawishiwi River, Isabella River, and Basswood River. Lake levels across the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area will be high. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and remains forecast. * WHERE...South Kawishiwi River near Ely. * WHEN...Until early Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 7.0 feet, Several BWCA camp sites may be submerged. Portages may have flowing water difficult to identify. Areas with swift currents may be hazardous to recreationalists. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 AM CDT Friday the stage was 6.9 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM CDT Friday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.1 feet early Saturday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 6.5 feet. - Flood History...This crest is higher than the crest of 6.9 feet on 05/17/2022. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
Birch Lake Campground is situated on the shores of Birch Lake, a 7,628-acre lake with 80 miles of shoreline and numerous islands in Superior National Forest. Located about 13 miles southeast of Ely, Minnesota, the campground provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground features 30 well-separated campsites organized into north and south loops, all nestled in dense aspen and birch forest near the water. Each site includes a picnic table, tent pad, and campfire ring with grill. The north loop hosts a group site capable of accommodating up to 45 people, complete with eight parking spurs and an open play area. The south loop features two rustic camper cabins (Popple and Tamarack), each sleeping four people with bunks, propane heat, gas lighting, and basic furniture. Fourteen additional backcountry campsites are scattered around Birch Lake for those seeking more remote experiences. Birch Lake is renowned for fishing, with healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. The campground provides boat ramp access, and there are no horsepower limitations on the lake. The extensive shoreline invites exploration by canoe, and families often enjoy berry picking during summer and early fall. The campground sits in Superior National Forest's 3-million-acre expanse, offering access to hiking trails, canoe routes, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities.
Directions
From Ely, travel south 8 miles on State Highway 1. Turn right on Forest Road 429 and continue 4 miles on gravel road to campground entrance. Turn left and continue 1 mile to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $21 - $95 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 66ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 66ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 365-7600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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