Ely, MN

Fall Lake

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

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.

Typical weather

Fall Lake

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for Fall Lake, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.34°JJanuary: average water temperature 34°F34°FFebruary: average water temperature 34°F35°MMarch: average water temperature 35°F39°AApril: average water temperature 39°F52°MMay: average water temperature 52°F63°JJune: average water temperature 63°F70°JJuly: average water temperature 70°F68°AAugust: average water temperature 68°F69°SSeptember: average water temperature 69°F52°OOctober: average water temperature 52°F37°NNovember: average water temperature 37°F33°DDecember: average water temperature 33°F

Water: Water Quality Portal — 83 field-sample stations

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