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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.
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](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5202373) of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
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.
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.
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](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/superior/home/?cid=fsm91_049663&width=full)
From Ely, Minnesota, travel east on State Highway 169 North (toward Winton) for about 1 mile. Turn left onto County Road 88 and travel about 2 miles. Turn right onto Echo Trail and continue about 7 miles to the campground entrance on the right.
This is such a nice campground. We used the Pavilion for a BBQ the night before i got married which was wonderful. We were married at the group campsite which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The views are incredible!! ❤️FenskeLake
Fenske Lake Campground was a little slice of heaven. A mere 17 minutes outside of downtown Ely, but it feels like you’re way farther out! The lake is clear and beautiful, the individual sites are rather roomy, equipped with nice cooking griddles and well kept restrooms nearby. Unfortunately we didn’t take our canoe this time around, but it would’ve been the perfect spot to set in. If you’re looking for a remote getaway in the great North Country, look no further.
Stayed in campsite #15 with mom and we enjoyed our camping trip. Very nice campground and close to Ely MN!
Stopped here for a picnic and it was absolutely perfect!! Fell in love w the place. Gorgeous view, easy access to the picnic tables from the lot- my dad has bad knees and hip. My son and daughter found wild berries (raspberries) to add to our lunch. And the mosquitoes 🦟 weren’t bad!!! Lovely spot to picnic and hike. Met other like minded outdoor enthusiasts and their pets.
