Hey all, I'd love to hear any ideas you have about this. I'm doing a weeklong solo out of LIS North in September. My wife wants to come along to help with the long drive. We're in our 70's. While I'm out tripping, she plans to camp at developed, primitive, or dispersed camping sites. She plans to sleep in the back of the minivan, but will have a tent along if she wants to use it. She will have a 2 burner stove and a cooler. She envisions spending her days fishing, reading and napping in her hammock, knitting, and checking out local points of interest. Wifi or cell service would be a bonus. She would like to stay near Ely for shopping, using the library, etc. She has been checking out restaurants that have gluten free options. Right now she's thinking Fenske and Fall Lake campgrounds might be the best she could do. Any warnings or suggestions? Thanks.

Fall Lake campground is a very good place to stay. It has really good camp sites and full bathroom facilities with showers and is very well taken care of. It's only about 10 to 15 mins. from Ely.

Kawishiwi river USA campsite another option.

WHendrix: "Fall Lake campground is a very good place to stay. It has really good camp sites and full bathroom facilities with showers and is very well taken care of. It's only about 10 to 15 mins. from Ely."

+1 Fall Lake is a terrific campground

Bear Head Lake State Park, west of Ely is a little farther away but it is also a really nice place. It has a beautiful commons facility near the beach with bathrooms, limited kitchen space. The main room is timber framed with glass walls. We stayed at the campground in late October one year and this facility with its wood masonry stove was a delightful respite from the rain and snow. There are also ample trails to walk on.

It’s one of MN’s best state parks. Worth checking out on-line if nothing else.

Kawishiwi probably has the worst cell service. It’s ok but not great. Fenske and Fall Lake are better.

If showers are needed Fall Lake and Bearhead are options.

Thanks to everyone who replied. This is exactly the kind of input we were hoping for. You guys are great.

We love Bear Head Lake State Park!