Overnight Accommodations

Cliff Wold’s BWCA Basecamp

Campground & Bunkrooms – Ely, Minnesota

Cliff Wold’s BWCA Basecamp is a popular choice for Boundary Waters (BWCA) canoeists seeking simple, convenient accommodations before and/or after their canoe trip, or as a convenient base for BWCA day trips. Located just 4 miles from Ely, Minnesota along the Fernberg Road, our campground offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, and area activities while keeping you close to the wilderness.

Our campground features a blend of rustic and modern amenities, including privy and modern restroom facilities, hot showers, open-fire cooking areas, tent campsites, and private bunkrooms reserved exclusively for your group. Restroom and hot shower access is included with all campsite and bunkroom stays.

Bunkrooms are designed as clean, no-frills lodging. Guests may use sleeping bags included with outfitting packages or bring their own sleeping bag or bedding. Linens are not provided.

Please note: A two-person minimum charge per night applies to both bunkroom and campsite accommodations.

Private Bunkrooms

Per person, per night

Guest Type Rate
With Complete Outfitting $24
With Partial Outfitting $29
No Outfitting $34

Campsites

Per person, per night

Guest Type Rate
With Complete Outfitting FREE
With Partial Outfitting $12
No Outfitting $16

BWCA Day Trips

Not everyone wants to commit to a multi-day canoe trip with portages and full camping gear. Many guests stay at Cliff Wold’s BWCA Basecamp and explore the Boundary Waters through day trips—paddle for the day, then return to your bunkroom or campsite each night.

Day-use BWCA permits are free and are available at all BWCA landings. We also have permits available at our outfitting shop in Ely.

Canoes and camping gear are available to rent through our outfitting shop in Ely. If you’re new to the area, we’re happy to recommend entry points and day-trip ideas based on your group, time, and comfort level.

Showers & Sauna

  • Hot showers included with all bunkroom and campsite stays
  • Post-trip showers included for outfitting package customers
  • Post-trip showers available for purchase for canoe-only and individual gear rentals
  • Men’s and women’s saunas available upon request

Check-In Information

All guests check in at our outfitting shop in Ely during normal business hours (advance reservation preferred). Payment and trip details are handled at check-in before heading to the campground.

Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co.
1731 E Sheridan St
Ely, MN

Arriving after hours? Please let us know in advance and we’ll make arrangements to accommodate late arrivals.

Nearby BWCA Entry Points

Cliff Wold’s BWCA Basecamp is conveniently located near several popular Boundary Waters entry points along the Fernberg Road corridor, including:

  • Fall Lake (#24)
  • Moose Lake (#25)
  • Wood Lake (#26)
  • Snowbank Lake (#27)
  • North Kawishiwi River (#29)
  • Lake One (#30)

How to Reserve

To reserve bunkrooms or campsites, or to add overnight accommodations to an outfitting reservation, please contact us: