Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates May 10 through October 1. First-come, first-served, no reservations.

About

Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is a 5-site campground nestled in a birch stand on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Superior National Forest. This no-fee rustic campground provides an ideal staging area for paddlers entering or exiting the BWCAW via the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point. The campground is located at the end of Forest Road 354, approximately 28 miles from Tofte via the Sawbill Trail. All of Kawishiwi Lake lies within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness boundary, which begins at the shoreline. Motors are prohibited on the lake, and any watercraft use requires either a self-issued day-use permit (available at a kiosk at the access point) or an overnight wilderness permit. Unlike many northern Minnesota lakes with rocky shores, Kawishiwi Lake features a gradual slope that provides swimming opportunities, though there are no designated areas or lifeguards. All five sites are pull-in style and exceed 21 feet in length, potentially accommodating smaller RVs, though the campground is not specifically designed for RV camping. Each site includes a fire ring and table, with space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle such as a boat trailer. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Campers must pack out all waste including fish remains, as there is no garbage service. Water must be treated, boiled, or filtered from the lake. A vault toilet is provided.

Directions

From MN 61 in Tofte, drive north on County Road 2 (Sawbill Trail) about 18 miles. Turn left on County Road 3 (may be labeled as County 33). After 8 miles, at the county border, Cook County 3 becomes Lake County 7. Follow County 7 an additional 2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 354 (Kawishiwi Lake Road). The campground is at the end of FR 354, past the boat access.

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