August 2021, Tripadvisor:

Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters is an excellent choice for your next vacation. The staff and owners went above and beyond to keep us happy. My father (76) and I stayed in the bunkhouse the night before we launched into the Boundary Waters for 5 days and 4 nights. The bunkhouse was exactly what you would think but more. The beds are bunk beds but comfortable enough to get a good nights rest. But what surprised us was that there was a private bathroom with shower attached to our room. The outfitters were also outstanding. When we arrived to pick up our canoe they had everything ready for us. All we had to do was drop our gear into the canoe and begin paddling. It was windy that day so the outfitter offered advise on how to manage the canoe in high wind. Moreover, the canoe we rented was perfect for the trip. It had plenty of room for our legs and gear, it was extremely stable, and weighed next to nothing to portage from lake to lake. Rockwood was a great start to a great vacation!!!

June 2021, Facebook:
Great setting and wonderful owners. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Quiet rooms – Thoughtful amenities – Historic building

-Tim

June 2021, 5 stars on Google: Great friendly helpful 

-Michael

August 2020, 5 stars on Google: We started our BWCA trip at Rockwood. We stayed in the bunk house the night before our trip began. The bunk house and shower were clean. The owners were very pleasant and helpful. The trip itself into BWCA was fantastic. The wilderness area was fantastic and a welcome respite. We highly recommend Rockwood and BWCA. – Stephen

June 2020, 5 stars on Google: Absolutely breathtaking! – Eve

October 2019, Facebook Recommendation: Amazing experience! Great customer service. Quiet & relaxing cabin. So much to do right on site & around the area (if you like nature)! Wish we lived closer bc we would come back more often! Our 4 & 7 year left saying we should get rid of our TV. Amazing detox away from society for a bit! – Kate

August 2019, 5 stars on Google:We loved it. Stayed in the”Honeymoon Cottage” which was very cozy. The view of the lake from the front porch is beautiful and very relaxing. It’s so quiet and peaceful. We loved every second there.😍 – Jeannine

August 2019, 5 stars on Google: Highly recommend. Friendly service. 10% for military – Derek

July 2019, 5 stars on Google: We have used Rockwood outfitters for the past 2 years. They have been great in arranging and even modifying permits for us before out trips and have high quality canoes (we chose a 2 person ultralight last year and an ultralight Wenonah.Minnesota 3 this year). My daughter and friend added on for part of our trip this year, also got help with their permit and after joining us (made easier by Rockwood being able to track our location on the satellite phone we had rented there for emergency use and being able to let them know where we had stopped) were able to keep up pretty well in an ultralight Minnesota 2. Since we had flown in to Duluth and rented a car to get there they even refunded the unused gas cylinders we had gotten there.. The low cost bunkhouse for the night after our flight in was convenient and the shower house after our trip most welcome. Helpful and friendly staff who were a delight to work with and went out of their way to provide excellent service. Highly recommend! -Tom

July 2019, 5 stars on Google: The staff here are seriously so nice. They only charged us for the days we used the canoe we rented from them even though we reserved it for several more days. They are very honest, helpfull, and go out of there way to give you a good deal. The five dollar shower at the end of a long canoe trip is so satisfying. Bunk houses are clean. If I could recomend one thing, it would be have quiet hours for the bunk houses. – Adam

Facebook, July 2019 – The beauty found in nature renews my spirit and awakes my soul. I can stand for hours at the edge of a lake while peering down into the infinite heavens above. The stars reach from tips of my toes to the top of my head reminding me that there are no limits to pure joy. My mind is as still at the water and my heart bursts with gratitude. Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters – Laura

June 2019, 5 stars on Google: Used them as an outfitter for a canoeing trip. Spectacular. Great people, welcoming, good facilities, fun, and great gear! – Michael

June 2019, 5 stars on Google: The Rockwood lodge on Poplar lake was beautiful and perfect for our brief stay. The staff was warm, welcoming and accommodating. They were able to knowledgeably answer our questions and gave great fishing recommendations. The bunkhouse was rustic and comfortable before our trip in the BWCA. The equipment they had for rental was in terrific shape and ready for use. Would highly recommend! – Jack

September 2018, 5 stars on Yelp: Just completed a Boundary Waters trip using Rockwood Outfitters and I couldn’t be happier. What great service. In the months leading up to my trip Carl was very helpful, arranging for permits and answering all my questions from California. When I arrived they completely outfitted me and thoroughly briefed me on my maps and routes. Mike was especially patient explaining the SPOT GPS device to a techno ignorant geezer. The equipment was top notch and proved worthy, keeping me dry through the worst storm I’ve ever been in. The food was outstanding. They contract out to a restaurant down the road called Trails End that makes their own freeze dried camp chow. They even have vegan/vegetarian options. I stayed in the bunkhouse the day before and after my trip. Very clean with a bathroom and shower attached.
I came in a few days early and they prorated the unused food. Extremely satisfied and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again if I entered off the Gunflint Trail. Would love to stay at one of their cabins sometime for a more pampered visit. Thanks again Carl and Rockwood.

-William

June 2017, 5 stars on Yelp: Just got back from a trip to the Boundary Waters. This was the second time I have utilized this lodge for our outfitting needs, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

They were fantastic with prompt reply/communication beforehand.

They were sure to provide us with all of the food and gear we needed. In all honesty we were probably provided more food than we needed. They have switched to a new provider of freeze dried meals that are made just a few miles down the Gunflint Trail. These new meals were definitely a step up from the food we got on our first trip 2 years ago.

The entry point we utilized was fairly busy. We did end up seeing a few other groups per day, while on our first trip we saw two other canoes all week. If at all possible, we would have liked the outfitter to contact us when they noticed our entry point and connecting lakes were going to be fairly busy. We would have gone with our second potential route in order to get further away from other travelers. This decision was on us as well, which is why it won’t impact the excellent rating Rockwood deserves.

Thank you for outfitting this fantastic trip. We will be back!

-Tyler

February 2019, 5 stars on Tripadvisor:
Hidden Gem of a Cabin
We were looking for a winter getaway, full of nature and outdoor activities that didn’t involve snowmobiles, that also allowed dogs. Rockwood Lodge owner Carl offered us Cabin 12, which is the only cabin he offers in winter. It was perfect. Warm and cozy cabin with gas fireplace, comfortable furniture and beds, kitchen/bathroom has all the basics, unbeatable views, nature surrounding us, peace and quiet. We will come back. –Jennifer

January 2019, 5 stars on Google: Friendly, knowledable staff. They planned a perfect canoe trip to fit our time frame. Great tips. The bunkhouses we’re nice to stay in overnight before our trip. Simple and rustic. No frills. Showers were simple and cheap after we got back. Enough warm water for 2-4 people to shower and then it starts to cool down but just what was needed to return to civilization and they had towels, shampoo, and soap. They provided any equipment you needed. We had backpacking supplies and food so only needed canoes, paddles, and lifejackets but they had anything else you could need. Full camping gear sets and food. Nice restaurants nearby. -Caitlin

November 2018, Recommended on Facebook:
Carl’s shuttle for our canoe trip was excellent. On a different get-away, the cabin rental was great for a quiet retreat with my wife. We hope to be back. -Michael

November 2018, 5 stars on Facebook:
I love this place!!! -Suzanne

October 2018, Recommended on Facebook:
Rockwood does a fantastic job caring for their customers. They are friendly, helpful, and generally just great people all around. They know the area well and are very helpful with route planning, tips, tricks and advice. Can’t wait to go back for the 3rd year in a row. The BWCA is wonderful in its own way, Rockwood just makes the experience that much better. I read a lot of reviews and decided last year to give them a try, I sure am glad that I did. Thanks Rockwood team! -Joel

This place is amazing
-Kelly

October 2018, 5 stars on Tripadvisor:
Rockwood Won’t Disappoint – We stayed in the bunkhouse twice now before entering the BWCA. It’s perfect, you launch your canoes right from their shore and after a short paddle across beautiful Poplar Lake you are almost in the BWCA. Customer service can’t be beat. Rockwood is rustic and charming, that’s what makes it great! If you are looking for a 5-star resort with a golf course, a pool, a fitness center, room service, fine dining, and nightlife this isn’t it. If you are looking for a 5 star experience, this is your place! Kick back and relax, unwind, breathe the fresh air, go for a paddle, take a hike, possibly see a bear, moose, or a bald eagle. Drop a line in the water and catch dinner. Stop by the lodge on a rainy day to play a game or read a book. Sit and chat with the owners. I’m a Rockwood customer for life, I just wish that I would have found it earlier so I could enjoy it that many more years. -Joel L.

September 2018, Recommended on Facebook:
Yet another great time in cabin 9! Mike and Carol and Carl and Stephanie make great hosts and made us feel very welcome. From the moment we drove in until we had to say good-bye we felt catered to unlike any other Lodge we’ve ever visited! I only wish Carl could have made the smallies bite better 😉.
If you’re looking for a genuine cabin-on-a-lake vacation, look no further – Rockwood is your place!! -Frank and Jolene

September 2018, Recommended on Facebook:
Mike and I have loved our past week there. The guys and gals are great owners!! -Suzy

Their bunkhouse are adequate, their equipment is second to none, and their prices are reasonable. We love the fact that we can take off right from the resort and don’t have to load all our stuff on the car and drive off some place to launch.

But were these guys really shine is their service and how friendly they are. Mike and Carl are such great guys and just so helpful. We got there a bit early and my wife has always wanted to try paddle boarding. Not only did they tell my wife she could give one a try, Carl took her out and gave her a lesson.

September 2018, 5 stars on TripAdvisor:
My wife and I used Rockwood Lodge for a week long outfitting trip into the BWCA the week of Labor Day. This is the second time we have used their outfitting service and it’s for good reason. They have only owned the resort for a few years now and it is so cool to see all the progress they have made on this place over the last 3 years.

We will be back for sure and the next time we would like to rent one of their cabins for a few days as well. -Brian

September 2018, 5 stars on google:
we had a wonderful labor day weekend at rockwood lodge, cabin #7! the cabin was super clean, and the view of poplar lake from our deck was amazing. we loved having our own dock to fish and swim from, as well as our own canoe. carl at the lodge couldn’t have been more wonderful to work with and host our weekend (including spooking my kids a little bit with the “talking doorbell”!)… they even loaned my kids fishing poles when we realized we didn’t have any. if you are looking to experience the bwca/gunflint trail and get close to the wilderness without having to sleep on the ground, look no further than rockwood. from the loons to the star gazing, the fishing and the bonfires, it was a perfect weekend at a perfect location. -ashley

August 2018, 5 stars on Google:
Love, love, love and will be back next year! Thanks to all you guys! From helping the kids paddleboard, to giving directions for hiking trails, where to get a cocktail and where to find the best milkshakes, the staff was amazing. Love cabin 12. The only sound in the morning is a loon – and they don’t even wake up early! Perfect! Cabin was beautiful, the view can’t be beat, the peace and quiet invaluable. Next year we’ll venture farther into the Boundary Waters. Can’t wait to see you. -Nikki

August 2018, 5 stars on Google:
Very helpful. They have everything you need and don’t push you to buy things you don’t need. -Jonathan

I would definitely recommend Rockwood to anyone interested in exploring this beautiful area.
-Ed

July 2018, 5 stars on Facebook:
This place is heaven on Earth. The staff is amazing. I was here around 8 years ago and was bound and determined to come back again. This time, I brought the entire family and they fell in love with it as well. Great community of folks who live and breathe the BWCA. Cabin 2 was awesome and am looking forward to coming back next year and getting into Cabin 12. Thanks Rockwood for an excellent vacation. -Lori

July 2018, 5 stars on Facebook: Back at work this morning after a week at Rockwood. It was hard to leave. We stayed in Cabin 12 and absolutely had an awesome week. Carl, Stephanie, Mike and Carol – hats off to all 4 of you and all the long hours you work to make sure everyone’s stay is enjoyable! Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, visiting with Fresca, Jack & Gunner (their dogs), waterfalls, State Parks, Grand Marais, wildlife viewing, FRESH AIR, and no day-to-day city noises. Can’t thank you all enough for what you do there! We look forward to coming back!! -Pete

July 2018, 5 stars on Google: Awesome place to get away! You cant find peace like that anywhere else! -Travis

July 2018, 5 stars on Google: I’ve been to Rockwood twice in the past few years, and had great experiences both times. Can’t wait till next year! -Rachel

July 2018, 5 stars on Facebook: What an amazing place. I think we’ll have to make this an annual trip! -Sharon

June 2018, 5 stars on Google:
This place is amazing . Cabins are very clean and stocked with anything you really need. They offer a canoe with each cabin rental. The staff is so sweet and very informative, always striving to make your stay that much more amazing. The view is absolutely beautiful looking onto poplar lake . I have been coming back to this place for a few years. Even brought up my friends family to share the experience. This is definitely a place your children will also love. I have children ages 17, 13, and 8. -Kelly

June 2018, 5 stars on Google:
Arranged a trip into the BWCA through Rockwood. I had never been to the Eastern area of the wilderness. Mike and Carl were very helpful with my route plan. They took care of our permit for us. Stayed in the Spruce Bunkhouse the night before we headed out. We showed up a couple hours early and everything was clean and ready for us. We only rented canoes, but they were in great shape. Carl had the canoes loaded and the coffee ready for us bright and early. He gave us some nice history of the area on our way to the drop off. I would definitely recommend Rockwood to anyone interested in exploring this beautiful area. -Ed

June 2018, 5 stars on Google: Our family could not ask for better service. No matter what your “adventurous” friends tell you, BWCA is completely attainable for families. Places like Rockwood make it possible. Carl and the crew have been crazy-helpful and I wouldn’t go to another outfitter hands-down. Excellent experience and categorically recommended. -Andy

May 2018, 5 stars on Google: Beautiful place! Caught a big bass off the dock -Ben

May 2018, 5 stars on Google: Wonderful accommodations, fair price and very pleasant hosts. I’m excited to see the sweat equity they’re putting into the place to make it even better. -Ted

September 2017, 5 stars on Facebook: Fantastic people, I couldn’t have been happier with the experience I had here. After a tough couple days on the border route trail, the staff adapted to our needs and assisted us in getting to our vehicle early than anticipated. The facilities are clean and the shower house is a god sent at the end of an excursion!! -Chris

August 2017, 5 stars on Yelp: Our gear was clean and like new, and the food was fantastic! Don’t miss the wild mushroom stroganoff or butter biscuits. Owners were friendly and very responsive, offering us camp chairs and letting us split our food order in two to accommodate a vegetarian. The only small issue was I think they forgot to pack us cups so we had coffee and cocoa in bowls, not a big deal. Bunk house is basic but comfortable and the breakfast was nice. If you go, my advice is not to stay on horseshoe lake because it’s swampy and there are lots of mosquitoes. Gaskin and caribou were much nicer. We used them for my dad’s 60th birthday trip–we flew in–and it was so great to have everything taken care of. I definitely recommend them! -Rachael

August 2017, 5 stars on Facebook: Carl and mike went out of their way to make sure our questions were answered, and our needs were met! You can tell they truly love what they do!! Our trip was a success thanks to Rockwoods!! -Peter

August 2017, 5 stars on Facebook: We had a great experience booking Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters. The bunkhouse where we stayed prior to entry into the BWCA was spotless and the private bathroom was more than we expected. The canoes were high tech and top of the line. We were sent off in the morning by the owners and welcomed back upon our return. They let us use the hot showers when we got off the lake after our stay in the Wilderness. These people did a fantastic job. If you enter the BWCA through entry point 47, I would start your trip at Rockwood Lodge on Poplar Lake. Nice job! -Rick