Poplar River Rustic Campground
USFS · Campground · Free
Fast facts
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Coordinates
- 47.7382, -90.7773
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Poplar River Rustic Campground is a 4-site campground that is available to visitors on a first come/ first served basis. It 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.
From the USFS.
Is Poplar River Rustic Campground free?
Yes. Poplar River Rustic Campground is free to use. It is managed by the USFS.
How do I get to Poplar River Rustic Campground?
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.
Nearby
- White Pine Lake Rustic Campground1.2 mi
- Clara Lake Rustic Campground2.6 mi
- Temperance River Campground4.9 mi
- Crescent Lake Campground6.0 mi
- CRESCENT LAKE (MN)6.8 mi
- Baker Lake Rustic Campground7.6 mi
- Toohey Lake Rustic Campground8.5 mi
- Fourmile Rustic Campground9.1 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
