Typical campsite near the lake.  Most sites provide small parking spur with steps to access table, firegrate, and tent pad.

Fenske Lake Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates from May 5 through September 26. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; walk-in sites available first-come, first-served.

Flood Advisory issued May 22 at 9:40AM CDT until May 26 at 3:45PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN

9:40 AM — May 26th, 3:45 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, St. Louis County. * WHEN...Until 345 PM CDT Tuesday. * 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 940 AM CDT Friday, minor flooding and high water levels are already occurring. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Oyster River, Ge-be-on-e-quet Creek, Horse River, Shohola Creek, Hustler River, Moose River, Jeanette Creek, Wolfpack Creek, Nugget Creek, Heritage Creek, Portage River, Range Line Creek and Legend Creek. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Northwestern Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Lake Agnes, Crooked Lake, Fourtown Lake, Lac La Croix and Loon Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.

About

Fenske Lake Campground provides a quintessential northwoods camping experience in Superior National Forest, approximately 10 miles north of Ely, Minnesota. The campground features 15 individual campsites and one group site nestled among large pine and hardwood trees overlooking the scenic 130-acre Fenske Lake. Most sites offer partial to full shade, with some providing lake views. The group site accommodates 10-25 people and sits atop a rock ledge with a stunning panoramic view and a historic stone fireplace within a log pavilion. The campground is a favorite launching point for paddlers heading into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and sits along a Superior National Forest canoe circle route. Families enjoy the 1-mile nature trail, grassy swimming beach, and accessible fishing pier where anglers can pursue bass, northern pike, crappie, and sunfish. A boat ramp provides lake access for small watercraft. Amenities include potable water from a solar-powered well, vault toilets, fire pits with grates, and picnic tables at each site. Some sites offer electric hookups. Site #14 and the fishing pier are fully accessible. Most sites cannot accommodate large RVs, and five sites are designated tent-only.

Directions

From Ely, travel east on Highway 169 for 1 mile. Turn left onto County Road 88 and travel 2 miles. Turn right onto the Echo Trail (County Road 116) and continue 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $22 - $65

Vehicle

Max RV Length 80ft
Max Trailer Length 80ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (218) 365-7600

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Typical campsite near the lake.  Most sites provide small parking spur with steps to access table, firegrate, and tent pad.
Typical campsite with parking spur, picnic table, firegrate, and tent pad.
Group camping area with picnic tables and grill.
Paved trail accessing fishing pier.
Picnic site with table and fire ring, located near parking area.
Fenske Lake fishing pier access trail.  Paved trail provides access to the fishing pier.
Fenske Lake fishing pier, with people fishing.
Rustic boatlanding.  Boatlanding area includes small parking area and outhouse.  There is no dock or concrete boat ramp.
Trailer camping area of group site.
Fenske Lake hiking trail.
View of campground road and bathroom facility, near parking area for hiking trail, beach, and picnic area.
View of Fenske Lake from boatlanding.
Fenske Lake CCC era picnic pavilion. Pavilion is available for day-use on a first come basis.  Pavilion contains picnic tables and fireplace.
Fenske Lake beach area.

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