USDA Forest Service · Minnesota

Birch Lake Campground

USDA Forest Service · Minnesota, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
32
Hookups
1 with water, 32 no hookups
Season
May 1 to September 25
Max RV length
66 ft
Group sites
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
1,447 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
BIRCH LAKE CMPGR SOUTH LOOP (NFSR 435C) · crushed aggregate or gravel · moderate degree of user comfort
Lake
Superior National Forest
Nearest town
ELY
Address
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT, ELY, MN, 55731
Phone
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT: 218-365-7600, CONCESSIONAIRE (SUMMER): 218-365-2963
Activities
Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Swimming Site, Wildlife Viewing

32 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing, boating and other recreational activities.

Recreation

Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular on Birch Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramp or try their luck from shore to catch northern pike, perch, crappie and walleye. There are no horsepower limitations for boats on the lake.

The shoreline is inviting for campers interested in canoeing. Families also enjoy berry picking during the summer and early fall months.

View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.

Facilities

The campground features shaded campsites, each with a picnic table, tent pad and campfire ring with grill. Campsites are organized into two loops, all near the water and well-separated by dense forest. The north loop also has a group site to accommodate up to 45 people with eight back-in parking spurs and an open play area. The south loop has two camper cabins. These cabins are two room cabins with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds) in the back bedroom, and a main area with a table, chairs, and futon in the front room. The cabins sleep up to 6 persons and offer the indoor/outdoor camping experience with a front porch. A heater is provided for those cooler Minnesota nights. Please note: guests must supply their own linens and supplies; no electricity, water or indoor kitchen. Vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water are provided, and firewood is available for purchase.

Natural Features

Birch Lake covers 7,628 acres and is one of a series of lakes in the area. The campground lies in aspen and birch forest. Birds and wildlife are abundant.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.

Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January16°-1°-28°40°11 of 11
February17°3°-26°43°11 of 11
March34°19°-9°57°11 of 11
April41°29°7°64°11 of 11
May60°41°29°80°1 of 11
June70°54°44°86°0 of 11
July77°61°51°96°0 of 11
August74°59°53°88°0 of 11
September70°53°40°81°0 of 11
October50°39°24°70°3 of 10
November35°26°3°56°9 of 10
December24°12°-18°45°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Minnesota · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.