Poplar River Rustic Campground
Poplar River Rustic Campground is unusual in that it is located on the edge of a river rather than a lake. Several of the sites have access directly to the river, so stream fishing for trout can be done right from your campsite!
Trout and salmon fishing does require a trout/salmon stamp in addition to a valid Minnesota fishing license. This campground is also right on one of the roads included in our Fall Color Tours, so it is good spot to stay during the fall color season.
The Poplar River is either named after the quaking aspen tree, locally referred to as popple or poplar, or the balsam poplar. Balsam poplar has a distinctive and wonderful smell most noticeable during leaf out in the spring.
There is no garbage pick up at Poplar River Rustic Campground. Plan to pack out all your garbage, including fish remains from cleaning fish.
General Information
May 10 - October 1
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When visiting, please remember
- Maximum of nine people per site.
- There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer).
- Additional vehicles on the site must park on the spur.
- No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
No Fees are required for this site.
There is no fee at rustic campgrounds.
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-8060
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing full services, open federal holidays when they land on a Wednesday through Sunday. Closed for all other federal holidays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.73817471
Longitude: -90.7772997
Directions
Poplar River Rustic Campground is located on the Honeymoon Trail, midway between Co 2 (Sawbill Trail) and Co 4 (Caribou Trail). Due to the angle of MN 61 and the paving of the roads, even if you are coming from the south, the route via Lutsen is shorter both in time and distance even though it backtracks.
From MN 61 in Tofte:
- Turn north on Co 2, drive approx 11 miles to FR 164 (Honeymoon Trail)
- Turn right and drive 5.5 miles.
- The campground is on the left, just past the bridge over the Poplar River.
From MN 61 in Lutsen:
- Turn north on Co 4, drive approx 6 miles to FR 164 (Honeymoon Trail).
- Turn right and drive approx 4 miles.
- The campground is on the right, just before the bridge over the Poplar River.
Travel Considerations
The road is not plowed during the winter.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
No potable water available – lake water must be treated.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/Stream Info
The campground fronts the Poplar River and provides access for trout fishing. A separate trout/salmon stamp is required for trout fishing, in addition to a valid Minnesota fishing license.
Recreation Groups
The Sawtooth Mountains Fall Color Tour in the Tofte Ranger District is made of four linked routes: Beaver Dam, Moose, Maple Leaf and Mountain View Drives Each i