FENSKE LAKE CAMPGROUND
federal · ELY, MN
- dump station16 mi
- fuel station6.7 mi

FS · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Fenske Lake Campground offers visitors an escape to a small, remote campground with large, majestic pine trees and easy access to water. It is a popular base camp for exploring, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and backcountry canoeing in Superior National Forest and the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground lies approximately 10 miles outside of Ely, Minnesota. Recreation Because of its proximity to access points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its status as a Superior National Forest canoe circle route, Fenske Lake is very popular for canoeing and kayaking. Families and children enjoy exploring the short, 1-mile nature trail in the campground, as well as swimming at the grassy beach or waiting for a catch on the accessible fishing pier. Anglers can make use of the boat ramp and try their luck for bass, northern pike, crappie and sunfish. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Facilities The campground is tent-friendly; most sites do not accommodate large RVs. Sites are spaced widely apart along a large loop. All sites have partial to full shade, and some overlook the lake. A group campsite for 10 to 25 people is situated on a separate parking spur away from the main campground. The site is perched high on a rock ledge overlooking the lake, offering a spectacular view. Families and groups of friends will enjoy the facility's small picnic area. An open log shelter is available for use during inclement weather. Natural Features The facility overlooks 130-acre Fenske Lake, a small and scenic body of water surrounded by dense hardwood and pine forests in the northwoods of Minnesota. Birds and wildlife are abundant in the area. 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. Additional sites of interest
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 16 mi
dump station
Dump station
- 6.7 mi
fuel station
Cenex
- 7.3 mi
propane
Superior Fuel Company
- 7.1 mi
grocery
Ely Northland Market
- 0.1 mi
potable water
Potable water
- 1.0 mi
trailhead
North Junction Trailhead
- 3.0 mi
attraction
Ol' Baldy
- < 0.1 mi
recreation site
Fenske Lake Swim Site
Contact & access
- KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT · ELY, MN 55731
- KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT: 218-365-7600, CONCESSIONAIRE (SUMMER): 218-365-2963
Reservations & demand
August weekends are typically reserved about 90 days ahead.
Based on 42 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/6/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

