Hello everyone,

Two buddies and i are doing a 7 day trip out of ely (ep23) starting july 12th. We want to be ar the outfitters promptly at 6am to get as early a start as possible.

We are coming from the twin cities and want to do a late check in at a campground near to ely. Do any of you have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
Tony

Fall Lake Campground

Birdknowsbest: "Fall Lake Campground"

Fall Lake Campground is great

Should Fall Lake Campground be full then Bear Head State Park is an option. It is 18.5 miles/ 27 minutes drive east of Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely. Early to bed; early to rise! Bear Head is a nice, quiet campground w/ hot showers. Bit of a drive into Ely, comparatively.
Edit: forgot to mention there was some road construction on the stretch from Bear Head State Park towards Ely last September. Don't know if it's on-going. More like a 40 minute drive then. Early AM start has an advantage of less traffic.

Fenske Lake is 10 mi and reported nice.

I reserved a site at Bearhead a month ago for the 3rd weekend of June and most weekend nights were fully reserved at that time . I don't know if they have non-reserve sites for first come first serve.

salukiguy: "I reserved a site at Bearhead a month ago for the 3rd weekend of June and most weekend nights were fully reserved at that time . I don't know if they have non-reserve sites for first come first serve. "

All MN state park sites are now reservable, though you can reserve the day of your stay.