Poplar River Rustic Campground
Lutsen, Minnesota · 1,565 ft
Aerial view · USGS / USDA NAIP · Public domain · source
At a glance
3 of 8 facts known · Forest Service data, checked Oct 3, 2026
- Elevation
- 1,565 ft (477 m)1,565 ft477 m
- Land
- Superior National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
Amenities
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About
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.
Fees: No fees are required for this site
From OpenStreetMap, USDA Forest Service — Recreation Opportunities, and USFS INFRA Recreation Sites · Edit
Cell service
Report signal- VerizonNo coverage on FCC map
- AT&T4G LTE
- T-MobileNo coverage on FCC map
Cell service at Poplar River Rustic Campground: FCC map Dec 2025
Weather
National Weather Service
- WedChance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny, 11% chance of rain52°33°
- ThuCloudy then Rain Showers Likely, 60% chance of rain51°32°
- FriChance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny, 38% chance of rain46°28°
- SatSunny55°35°
- SunMostly Sunny61°38°
Nearby camping
SeeSee all on the mapWhite Pine Lake Rustic Campground
Public Land · 1.2 mi · Lutsen
Clara Lake Rustic Campground
Public Land · 2.6 mi · Lutsen
Clara Lake Campground
Public Land · 2.8 mi · Lutsen
3 more within 25 mi
Dispersed camping nearby
Free dispersed camping within 19 mi, on public land.
- 5.0 mi
West Lake Agnes
Lutsen, MN · On U.S. Forest Service land · Superior National Forest
- 8.9 mi
Camp site
Lutsen, MN · On U.S. Forest Service land · Superior National Forest
- 8.9 mi
Camp site
Lutsen, MN · On U.S. Forest Service land · Superior National Forest
- 9.5 mi
Camp site
Lutsen, MN · On U.S. Forest Service land · Superior National Forest
- 9.5 mi
Camp site
Lutsen, MN · On U.S. Forest Service land · Superior National Forest
- 9.5 mi
Camp site
Lutsen, MN · On U.S. Forest Service land · Superior National Forest
Location and contact
Data from OpenStreetMap, USDA Forest Service — Recreation Opportunities, USFS INFRA Recreation Sites
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