Poplar River Rustic Campground

Closed

Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 10 through October 1. The road is not plowed during winter. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and maximum occupancy is nine people per site.

Flood Advisory issued May 2 at 5:42PM CDT until May 6 at 3:45PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN

5:42 PM — May 6th, 3:45 PM

High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of recent heavy rains and snowmelt. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is occurring. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. * WHEN...Until 345 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are very elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 533 PM CDT Saturday, the public and automated river gauges reported flooding in the advisory area. Rapid river rises have already caused minor flooding in the advisory area. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Isabella River, Moose River, Jeanette Creek, Horse River, Kawishiwi River, and Hustler River. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.2 inches are expected over the area in the next couple of days. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or above those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. - Far eastern and southern areas of the advisory near the end of the Gunflint Trail and Ely are likely reaching peak levels this weekend, with decreases expected through the coming week. For areas near and on Basswood Lake and Lac La Croix, expect rises to continue into and through much of the week of May 4. The advisory may need to be extended. - Those venturing into the Boundary Waters should prepare for high water and possible inundation of portages and campsites, as well as dangerous rapids and very cold water. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Snowbank Lake, Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Saganaga Lake, Ensign Lake, Disappointment Lake and Lac La Croix. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.

About

Poplar River Rustic Campground is a small 4-site campground in the Superior National Forest, unusual in that it sits on the edge of a river rather than a lake. Several sites have direct access to the Poplar River, allowing for stream fishing for trout right from your campsite. The river is named after either the quaking aspen tree, locally called popple or poplar, or the balsam poplar, which has a distinctive fragrance most noticeable during spring leaf-out. This no-fee campground is located along the Honeymoon Trail and is included in the Sawtooth Mountains Fall Color Tour, making it an excellent spot during autumn color season. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Visitors must pack out all garbage, including fish remains, as no trash service is provided. Trout and salmon fishing requires a trout/salmon stamp in addition to a valid Minnesota fishing license. Maximum occupancy is nine people per site, with space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle per site. The road is not plowed during winter months.

Directions

Located on the Honeymoon Trail (FR 164), midway between County Road 2 (Sawbill Trail) and County Road 4 (Caribou Trail). From MN 61 in Tofte: Turn north on County Road 2, drive approximately 11 miles to FR 164. Turn right and drive 5.5 miles. Campground is on the left, just past the bridge over the Poplar River. From MN 61 in Lutsen: Turn north on County Road 4, drive approximately 6 miles to FR 164. Turn left and drive approximately 4 miles. Campground is on the right, just before the bridge over the Poplar River.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (218) 663-0012

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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