South Kawishiwi River
Closed for the season. Typically operates from late spring through early fall. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during the operating season.
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
South Kawishiwi River Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, approximately 10 miles south of Ely, Minnesota on State Highway 1. The campground offers 31 spacious, private campsites nestled in a mixed aspen, birch and conifer forest along the clear, cold waters of the Kawishiwi River. Sites are well-maintained and sit above the river, with 22 sites available for reservation and 9 first-come, first-served sites. The campground provides both electric hookup sites ($20/night) and non-electric options. Canoeing is the primary attraction, as the Kawishiwi River provides direct access to Birch Lake to the south and serves as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the north. Canoe rentals are available through the campground host. An on-site boat ramp facilitates easy water access. Anglers can fish for northern pike, perch and walleye in the river's clear waters. The campground also features a grassy swimming beach, the 1-mile Kawishiwi River Forest Trail for hiking and mountain biking, and a historic log pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 that can be reserved for group gatherings of up to 26 people. The surrounding Superior National Forest spans 3 million acres across northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region and is home to diverse boreal forest and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose, black bears, bald eagles and common loons frequently spotted in the area. The campground provides vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection, and firewood for purchase.
Directions
From Ely, travel about 10.3 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior. Turn left onto the campground road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 - $170 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 107ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 107ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 365-7600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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