Poplar River Rustic Campground

About

Poplar River Rustic Campground is a 4-site primitive campground situated on the banks of the Poplar River in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. What sets it apart from other area campgrounds is its riverside location rather than lakeside, offering stream fishing opportunities right from your campsite. Several sites provide direct access to the Poplar River, where trout and salmon can be caught with a valid Minnesota fishing license and trout/salmon stamp. The campground lies along the Honeymoon Trail (Forest Road 164), making it a scenic destination during peak fall colors. The river is likely named for either the quaking aspen (locally called popple or poplar) or the balsam poplar, which has a distinctive aromatic smell during spring leaf-out. As a rustic campground, facilities are basic: each site has a fire ring and picnic table, with a vault toilet available. There is no potable water, and campers must pack out all trash including fish remains. Sites are generally designed for tents, though some can accommodate small RVs or tent trailers. The campground operates on a first-come first-served basis with no fees.

Directions

From MN 61 in Tofte: Turn north on County Road 2 (Sawbill Trail), drive approximately 11 miles to Forest Road 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 County Road 4 (Caribou Trail), drive approximately 6 miles to Forest Road 164 (Honeymoon Trail). Turn right and drive approximately 4 miles; the campground is on the right, just before the bridge.