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 noticible during leaf out in the spring.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Open year-round. First come, first served only. After October 1, services, including outhouse maintenance/ stocking, are reduced. The road is not plowed during the winter. |
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Reservations: | First come, first served only. |
Fees: | There is no fee at rustic campgrounds. |
Open Season: | May 10 - October 1 |
Restrictions: | 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. |
Closest Towns: | Tofte |
Water: | No potable water available – lake water must be treated. |
Restroom: | Outhouse (vault style) |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Tofte Ranger District Email | Call | Address | Webpage |
General Information
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.
General Notes:
There is no garbage pick up at Poplar River Rustic Campground. Plan to pack out all your garbage, including fish remains from cleaning fish.
Activities
Campground Camping
- Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
- Pack out all waste, do not burn paper or other garbage.
- Water from lakes must be treated, boiled, or filtered before use.
- Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers.
No. of Sites | 4 |
RV Camping
Sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Two of the four sites are longer than 21 feet and may accommodate an RV.
River and Stream Fishing
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.