Boundary Waters access and lake recreation define this Forest Service campground along South Kawishiwi River. The facility accommodates both tent campers and RVs up to 100 feet with 30 and 50-amp electric hookups available. Sites sit among dense tree cover with several positioned directly on the water for immediate lake access.
Multiple campers highlight the spacious, wooded sites that provide separation between neighbors. Site layouts vary considerably—some feature elevated areas reached by small staircases, creating multiple camping zones within a single reservation. Amy G. found her site had "a few steps that led to the picnic table and fire ring" with an additional tent pad "under trees" at the top level. The campground includes a designated swimming area with sandy beach access and a boat launch suitable for various watercraft.
Vault toilets receive consistent praise from visitors for cleanliness and maintenance. Bears frequent the area—reviewers report sightings of mothers with cubs during summer months. Mosquito populations peak in late June according to multiple accounts. Highway proximity provides convenient access while hiking and biking trails extend into surrounding forest areas. The location serves campers heading into or returning from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with firewood available for purchase at $7 per bundle.
Description
Kawishiwi Lake is a lovely campground in a birch stand on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It provides an excellent campsite for people entering or exiting the BWCAW via the Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point. The BWCAW boundary is the shore of the lake, so motors are not allowed on the lake and if you plan on putting a canoe in the water at all, you will need a day use permit available at a kiosk at the access point. ACTIVITIES Camping: Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines. Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage. Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use. Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers. Fishing Recreational Vehicles: Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs; however, all five of the sites at Kawishiwi Lake are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV. Swimming: Unlike many northcountry lakes with shores of rocks and boulders, the shore of Kawishiwi at the campground is a gradual slope which provides swimming opportunities. There is no designated swimming area or lifeguards, and swimming is at your own risk.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSouth Kawishiwi River Recreation Area is located in Minnesota
Directions
From MN 61 in Tofte: Drive north on Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) about 18 miles. Turn left on Co 3, which may be labeled as Co 33. After 8 miles, at the county border (not labeled), Cook County 3 will become Lake County 7. Follow Co 7 an additional 2 miles. Turn right from Co 7 onto FR 354. Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground is at the end of FR 354.
Coordinates
47.81555627 N
91.73139928 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/1/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 41 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 3 hrs 51 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 3 hrs 55 min from St. Cloud, MN
