First-come, first-served sites along the Poplar River keep this rustic US Forest Service campground from filling predictably, so flexibility matters more than planning here. The river holds brook trout, and multiple sites sit directly off the water. Amenities are minimal: vault toilet, picnic tables, campfires allowed, pets welcome, and an RV length limit of 21 feet. Bear activity is a known factor in this part of campgrounds around Superior National Forest, so food storage and a clean campsite are not optional. Nearby, White Pine Rustic Lake Campground provides an alternative if sites here are taken. Fall color along the Honeymoon Trail, which runs through the area, draws visitors in September and October.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPoplar River Rustic Campground is located in Minnesota near Lutsen
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.
Coordinates
47.73821883 N
90.77719536 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 21 min from Duluth, MN
- 4 hrs 38 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 4 hrs 42 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 5 hrs 49 min from Wausau, WI
