Fall Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — ELY · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Superior National Forest |
| Location | ELY · Minnesota · Superior National Forest · 47.95250, -91.71639 · Map |
| Sites | 62 public sites counted from the federal listing — 50 standard electric; 9 tent only nonelectric; 2 group standard electric; 1 tent only electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 57 of 62 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 62 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 62 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 62 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 49 sites · 30 ft: 42 sites · 35 ft: 33 sites · 40 ft: 21 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 3:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 66 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 26 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT: 218-365-7600, CONCESSIONAIRE (SUMMER): 218-365-2963 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-02.
From the official listing
Overview Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities.
Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Recreation Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill.
Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas.
There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September. Facilities This lake has some sites that can be reserved and some that are first-come, first-served. Many sites at Fall Lake are made to accommodate RVs including pull-through sites. Trees provide privacy between most campsites. The facility is very accessible.
A store, canoe rentals, firewood and ice are available at the facility, and a campground host is on-site during the season. Natural Features The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant. Nearby Attractions Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine.
By far the most popular nearby attraction is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness . Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.
Directions, from the listing
Fall Lake is located in Northeast MN, 100 miles North of Duluth MN. From Duluth, MN, take Highway 53 north for 50 miles to Virginia, MN. Take Highway 169 northeast for 50 miles to Ely, Minnesota, travel an addition 6.5 miles to County Road 182 (Fall Lake Road). Travel north on County Road 182 for 2 miles.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · ELY MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceFenske Lake Campground
10 mi straight-line · ELY MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBirch Lake Campground
14 mi straight-line · ELY MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMcDougal Lake Campground
23 mi straight-line · Isabella MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceLittle Isabella River Campground
25 mi straight-line · Isabella Minnesota
Trip Card — Fall Lake
ELY · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | ELY · Minnesota · Superior National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 57 |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 62 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232283 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.