Poplar River Rustic Campground

US Forest Service campground. 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. Not reservable through Recreation.gov, so plan on first-come, first-served; check with the ranger district for current conditions and fees.