95% (168) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ely
Silver Rapids Lodge
1. Silver Rapids Lodge
84%
(16)
4.4mi from Ely · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located just 4 miles outside of Ely (on the edge of the Boundary Waters), Silver Rapids Lodge is located on a vast private peninsula with water on three sides, allowing for some of the best fishing around!
We have electric/water sites, and full hookup sites available. Tent and van camping is fine by us.
Bring your boat...bring your canoe!
Heading in the boundary waters? We've got parking packages, too.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Luna Light Trails
2. Luna Light Trails
100%
(21)
45mi from Ely · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We have five miles of groomed trails that lead through state land to the Mud Hen Creek! Bring your kayak and pole! By the creek we have a few beaver lodges and so much wildlife to admire! As you trek along Silver Ridge Canyon, don't be surprised by the sudden flight of grouse along this trail! Visit Scout Hill for a sunny afternoon picnic; the cedar trees will lead you there. If you hear knocking, you will see Mr. Woodpecker enjoying his lunch on a nearby birch tree!
Our campsites are nestled underneath a canopy of mixed wood forest. We have birch, poplar, maple, and a variety of pine. Nearby you will find our newly finished outhouse, complete with a portable shower and natural light. You will have access to parking near or next to your site with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy! Our property features a beautiful variety of trees and plenty of trails throughout our land with wildlife you might see or hear. It might be the hoot of an owl or the drum of a grouse! You will also hear the "buck wheat" and the "chee-chee" of our guineas calling for each other.
Our beautiful forest is our main feature. Since 95% of our land is wooded, we enjoy the great beauty and majesty of the trees. giant is hidden on the northeastern side of our property. His beautiful branches tower over our trails and we have cleared a spot there to rest.
Our property extends, via trail, to state land and the Mud Hen Creek. The views are breathtaking! Please come and bring your family and friends! Our campsites' proximity would create a great weekend getaway for a retreat event or a family reunion, as well as a quiet romantic weekend!
Here at home we raise chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. We also have a Catahola Leopard dog named Hickory. She enjoys roaming our Luna Light Trails on the off season.
When I was a child, I lived on a church camp property in Uruguay, South America. This plot of land had a grove of the most beautiful, tall, eucalyptus trees in the neighborhood. These trees were the home to Monk Parakeets. These small green parrots are the only members of the parrot family to build stick nests and to nest colonially. Needless to say, they were very loud, but one of my favorite childhood memories!
This little plot on the Minnesota map has been our home for the last three and a half years. We have enjoyed our woods and so will you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Blue Pony Acres
3. Blue Pony Acres
99%
(263)
47mi from Ely · 3 sites · Tents
Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. Thirty eight years ago we bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. We have always enjoyed sharing our beautiful piece of the planet with friends. We want to share the beauty we experience every day with you. Leave your cubicle and the city life for a short respite in the north woods and enjoy one of our campsites. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in the pines. Enjoy your private campfire while you hear the stars sing, watch the northern lights dance and count the shooting stars. On a clear night you might see satellites pass overhead. Lay your sleeping bag on the ground, snuggle in with hot chocolate and smores and watch the night light show in comfort.
After a long day of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or photography cook over your private campfire. The firewood is free! Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite. A private composting toilet is available at each campsite (we do not have vault toilets),
We are 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis, MN., and one hour north of Duluth, MN. The Saint Louis River carry in landing is only 3.2 miles from your site. A 5 mile drive gets you to the Mesabi Trial, over 160 miles of paved hiking and biking trail stretching from the Mississippi River on the west almost to the boundary waters and Ely, MN on the east. Local lakes within a few minute drive have public landings for boat launch and canoe carry in for your boating and fishing enjoyment. The famous Sax-Zim Bog is within a half hour drive and a great place for wildlife photography, and they have an interpretive center and very nice volunteers to help you identify wildlife. We’re about 5 miles south of the United Sates Hockey Hall of Fame; a great day trip for you and your sports minded children. A few miles further and you’re outside the doors of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op; a great shop for organic foods. Get local fresh food for your evening meal.
Sneak into Lisa’s raspberry patch for “desert” or pick some hopps from the back fence in September and take them with you for your next home beer batch. I’m told they’re “Cascade Hopps”. They have a grapefruit taste. Mmm good!
We invite you to join us. Bring your camping gear, including camp cook stove (sometimes we’re under a fire ban). Ask your dog to bring it’s leash, yes we have a leash law. Warm clothes and light clothing as the weather changes. Rain gear. Your favorite bug repellent. Good hiking boots. Don’t forget bikes, canoes, kayaks, cameras, fishing gear, and maybe some band aids. Come to unplug and unwind and enjoy the clean air and sweet smell of the north woods.
Come on up North!
Come on up North!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$38
/ night
Kabetogama State Forest
4. Kabetogama State Forest
100%
(3)
100 sites · Orr, Minnesota
Discover Kabetogama State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cloquet Valley State Forest
5. Cloquet Valley State Forest
26 sites · Rice Lake, Minnesota
Discover the natural splendor of Cloquet Valley State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
6. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
100%
(2)
21 sites · Finland, Minnesota
Discover the rugged beauty of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Tettegouche State Park
7. Tettegouche State Park
100%
(17)
45 sites · Silver Bay, Minnesota
You may not know it by name, but guaranteed if you like nature photography, you’ve seen Shovel Point. Its steep, bridge-like cliff on the shore of Lake Superior attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wanna experience the magic? Visit its home: Tettegouche State Park. With cliffs like these, Tettegouche was bound to attract dirtbaggers from all over. Like to climb rock? Come join ‘em! Visit the 60 foot High Falls of the Baptism River and feel the spirit of nature rejoice. Remote hiking through the Sawtooth Mountains offer views made for a life time and lakes made for skinny dipping. This parks nearly 10,000 acres house accommodations from cabins to backpacking and kayaking sites open year-round. Hurry there!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
95% (168) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ely
Silver Rapids Lodge
1. Silver Rapids Lodge
84%
(16)
4.4mi from Ely · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located just 4 miles outside of Ely (on the edge of the Boundary Waters), Silver Rapids Lodge is located on a vast private peninsula with water on three sides, allowing for some of the best fishing around!
We have electric/water sites, and full hookup sites available. Tent and van camping is fine by us.
Bring your boat...bring your canoe!
Heading in the boundary waters? We've got parking packages, too.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Luna Light Trails
2. Luna Light Trails
100%
(21)
45mi from Ely · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We have five miles of groomed trails that lead through state land to the Mud Hen Creek! Bring your kayak and pole! By the creek we have a few beaver lodges and so much wildlife to admire! As you trek along Silver Ridge Canyon, don't be surprised by the sudden flight of grouse along this trail! Visit Scout Hill for a sunny afternoon picnic; the cedar trees will lead you there. If you hear knocking, you will see Mr. Woodpecker enjoying his lunch on a nearby birch tree!
Our campsites are nestled underneath a canopy of mixed wood forest. We have birch, poplar, maple, and a variety of pine. Nearby you will find our newly finished outhouse, complete with a portable shower and natural light. You will have access to parking near or next to your site with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy! Our property features a beautiful variety of trees and plenty of trails throughout our land with wildlife you might see or hear. It might be the hoot of an owl or the drum of a grouse! You will also hear the "buck wheat" and the "chee-chee" of our guineas calling for each other.
Our beautiful forest is our main feature. Since 95% of our land is wooded, we enjoy the great beauty and majesty of the trees. giant is hidden on the northeastern side of our property. His beautiful branches tower over our trails and we have cleared a spot there to rest.
Our property extends, via trail, to state land and the Mud Hen Creek. The views are breathtaking! Please come and bring your family and friends! Our campsites' proximity would create a great weekend getaway for a retreat event or a family reunion, as well as a quiet romantic weekend!
Here at home we raise chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. We also have a Catahola Leopard dog named Hickory. She enjoys roaming our Luna Light Trails on the off season.
When I was a child, I lived on a church camp property in Uruguay, South America. This plot of land had a grove of the most beautiful, tall, eucalyptus trees in the neighborhood. These trees were the home to Monk Parakeets. These small green parrots are the only members of the parrot family to build stick nests and to nest colonially. Needless to say, they were very loud, but one of my favorite childhood memories!
This little plot on the Minnesota map has been our home for the last three and a half years. We have enjoyed our woods and so will you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$45
/ night
Blue Pony Acres
3. Blue Pony Acres
99%
(263)
47mi from Ely · 3 sites · Tents
Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. Thirty eight years ago we bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. We have always enjoyed sharing our beautiful piece of the planet with friends. We want to share the beauty we experience every day with you. Leave your cubicle and the city life for a short respite in the north woods and enjoy one of our campsites. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in the pines. Enjoy your private campfire while you hear the stars sing, watch the northern lights dance and count the shooting stars. On a clear night you might see satellites pass overhead. Lay your sleeping bag on the ground, snuggle in with hot chocolate and smores and watch the night light show in comfort.
After a long day of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or photography cook over your private campfire. The firewood is free! Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite. A private composting toilet is available at each campsite (we do not have vault toilets),
We are 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis, MN., and one hour north of Duluth, MN. The Saint Louis River carry in landing is only 3.2 miles from your site. A 5 mile drive gets you to the Mesabi Trial, over 160 miles of paved hiking and biking trail stretching from the Mississippi River on the west almost to the boundary waters and Ely, MN on the east. Local lakes within a few minute drive have public landings for boat launch and canoe carry in for your boating and fishing enjoyment. The famous Sax-Zim Bog is within a half hour drive and a great place for wildlife photography, and they have an interpretive center and very nice volunteers to help you identify wildlife. We’re about 5 miles south of the United Sates Hockey Hall of Fame; a great day trip for you and your sports minded children. A few miles further and you’re outside the doors of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op; a great shop for organic foods. Get local fresh food for your evening meal.
Sneak into Lisa’s raspberry patch for “desert” or pick some hopps from the back fence in September and take them with you for your next home beer batch. I’m told they’re “Cascade Hopps”. They have a grapefruit taste. Mmm good!
We invite you to join us. Bring your camping gear, including camp cook stove (sometimes we’re under a fire ban). Ask your dog to bring it’s leash, yes we have a leash law. Warm clothes and light clothing as the weather changes. Rain gear. Your favorite bug repellent. Good hiking boots. Don’t forget bikes, canoes, kayaks, cameras, fishing gear, and maybe some band aids. Come to unplug and unwind and enjoy the clean air and sweet smell of the north woods.
Come on up North!
Come on up North!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$38
/ night
Kabetogama State Forest
4. Kabetogama State Forest
100%
(3)
100 sites · Orr, Minnesota
Discover Kabetogama State Forest's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cloquet Valley State Forest
5. Cloquet Valley State Forest
26 sites · Rice Lake, Minnesota
Discover the natural splendor of Cloquet Valley State Forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
6. George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
100%
(2)
21 sites · Finland, Minnesota
Discover the rugged beauty of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Tettegouche State Park
7. Tettegouche State Park
100%
(17)
45 sites · Silver Bay, Minnesota
You may not know it by name, but guaranteed if you like nature photography, you’ve seen Shovel Point. Its steep, bridge-like cliff on the shore of Lake Superior attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wanna experience the magic? Visit its home: Tettegouche State Park. With cliffs like these, Tettegouche was bound to attract dirtbaggers from all over. Like to climb rock? Come join ‘em! Visit the 60 foot High Falls of the Baptism River and feel the spirit of nature rejoice. Remote hiking through the Sawtooth Mountains offer views made for a life time and lakes made for skinny dipping. This parks nearly 10,000 acres house accommodations from cabins to backpacking and kayaking sites open year-round. Hurry there!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Sarah
October 2025
Tent
Such a beautiful property! Trails to meander and water access available. Patty welcomed us with home baked goods and checked in nightly, assuring we had everything we needed. Not a single complaint to be had about the property, host, or experience!
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Mike
September 2025
Tent
This place was a top 3 camping experience, anywhere. Let me break it down: Spacious campsite in deep woods, a maze of a trail system for hikes, they set us up with a large container of drinking water, outhouse was premium, they even dropped off fresh vegetables and eggs for us to eat. Unreal host commitment. 9.5 / 10 will go back and camp there. Great base for adventures on the Iron Range.
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I
Isaac
September 2025
16 ft car
Great spot right off the road. Traffic calms down at night and the bar is a great spot to hang out.
I will definitely be back if I’m ever in the area again.
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Allen
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Very quiet spot to put our 17’ camper. Beautiful setting. Would definitely camp there again if we have the opportunity.
See moreA
Adelle
August 2025
22 ft campervan
All sites were lakeside which I really enjoyed! Right across the street was the Lodge/Restaurant which served lunch and dinner and had regularly scheduled live music.
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Yangmee
August 2025
Tent
I stayed at Luna Lights Trails (site A-1) for 3 days and 2 nights. The hosts provided free 5-gallon water and firewood. There’s also a really innovative sawdust outhouse with a shower hook for anyone bringing their own setup. The trail to the creek was full of fun surprises; it was so peaceful. The chickens were adorable, too! I wish we had more time to explore, but I’m excited to see the camp grow. Will definitely come back! (I also got to take some moss home with the camp’s approval. Check out my tiny terrarium of Luna Lights trails!)
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D
Dylan
August 2025
Tent
We absolutely loved our time at Luna Light Trails. Patty and Dan were such wonderful hosts, we couldn't have asked for better service or nicer people. Their little gift basket gave such a warming welcome feeling. We brought our own kayaks to go down the beautiful creek behind their property. Although the creek is easily accessible from their trails, it is a bit of a hike to portage the kayaks from the camp sites. Dan and Patty already had this all thought out and offer options for transporting them to and from the creek with their ATV. They even have canoes to rent at a very reasonable price. The weather was alittle on the rainy side during our trip. However, the abundance of sturdy trees made it very easy to make a simple canopy, keeping us from having to take shelter in our tent. We will definitely be recommending the Luna Light Trails to everyone we talk to, and highly recommend it for anyone researching through reviews.
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A
Andrew
August 2025
Tent
Patty was a welcoming host and showed me my tent site right when I arrived. A tour of the property revealed many walking trails, raspberries, firewood, and wooded privacy. Listen and you can hear the chickens and eggs are sometimes available. Patty provided a gift bag that had information on things to do in the area and iron range. A jar of strawberry 🍓 jam was also included! I recommend this camp to anyone who wants a true outdoor experience. You might even get a visit from Hickory the dog.
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T
Tammy
July 2025
14 ft Class B
Luna Lights was a peaceful get away. We enjoyed the paths and kayaking on the creek. The hosts were excellent and have a beautiful property. We highly recommend this place:)
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Matt
July 2025
Tent
Check in was easy. Everything as advertised.
Enjoyed hanging out at the resort bar and eating pizza. All service interactions and other campers were very friendly. I would not hesitate to book again.
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Andrea
June 2025
20 ft campervan
We really enjoyed our stay! Each site had its own water & electric hookup and fire pit. Beautiful lake views and easy access. Very clean and well maintained. Would absolutely stay here again.
See morei
israel
May 2025
Tent
With kids
We loved the view from the campground to the lake! We definitely enjoyed it and we will be back.
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P
Patrick
May 2025
Tent
With pets
This is a beautiful property! The site was spacious and included a a pop-up restroom, table/chairs, firewood, and a jug of water. The network of on-site trails very well-kept and are a nice amenity. Patty and Dan were friendly and accommodating.
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