Silver Island Rustic Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 10 through October 1. The access road is not plowed during winter.
Flood Warning issued May 1 at 7:52PM CDT until May 6 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...The Flood Warning continues 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 7:30 PM 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 7:30 PM CDT Friday was 6.9 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 7.0 feet just after midnight tonight. 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.
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.
About
Silver Island Rustic Campground is located on Silver Island Lake in Superior National Forest, offering a true backcountry camping experience with basic amenities. The campground features 8 back-in sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grate. All sites are pull-in style and exceed 21 feet in length, making them suitable for small RVs under 24 feet, though they are not specifically designed for RV use. The campground provides access to Silver Island Lake through a boat launch with dock and overnight parking, making it an excellent basecamp for motorboat fishing. From the boat launch, campers can access 3 additional backcountry campsites on the lake shores. A 300-yard portage connects Silver Island Lake to T Lake, and another portage leads from T Lake to County Road 7, providing opportunities for extended paddling adventures. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no garbage service, water service, or amenities beyond a vault toilet at the campground. Lake water must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use. The remote location offers peace and quiet with enforced noise limits and a maximum occupancy of 9 people per site. Each site has space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle such as a boat trailer.
Directions
From Tofte on MN 61: At Temperance River State Park, just south of the river, take FR 343 (Temperance River Rd) inland. Drive 4.5 miles to a T intersection with FR 166 (The '600' Road). Turn left on FR 166 and drive 5 miles to Co 7. Turn right on Co 7, then follow Co 7 through several intersections about 9 miles to FR 369. Turn left on FR 369. Drive 2.5 miles to FR 921, the Silver Island Access Rd. The campground is 1.5 miles further at the end of FR 921. You can also reach Co 7 from MN 1 at Finland, or via FR 172 (Wanless Rd) from Isabella.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (218) 663-0012 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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