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Rifle River Recreation Area

Birds eye view at Rifle River

Rifle River Recreation Area

Rifle River Recreation Area is your one-stop shop for outdoor recreation. Enjoy fishing, paddling, camping and more in this picturesque setting. With its 10 no-wake lakes and ponds (including Grousehaven and Devoe), the Rifle River, scenic streams and trails, there's plenty to explore. For a unique experience, climb the observation tower or take a walk across the swinging bridge.

The park is also home to a 3-D archery range, including 10 different targets, that's open April through October. There is an additional fee.


The AuSable River Scenic Byway is located 20 miles east of the park. Along this byway are many attractions, including the Lumbermen's Monument Visitor Center and Largo Springs.

Amenities & activities

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Boat launch Accessible Icon

fishing pier symbol

Fishing pier Accessible Icon

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Hunting blind Accessible Icon

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Modern restrooms Accessible Icon

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Picnic shelter Accessible Icon

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Cross-country skiing

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EV fast-charging station

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Fishing

hiking

Hiking

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Hunting

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Metal detecting

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Mountain biking

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Paddlesport rentals

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Paddling

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Pet-friendly features

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Picnic area

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Playground

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Recycling

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Sanitation station

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Snowmobiling

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Snowshoeing

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Swimming

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Vault toilet

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Water access

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Boat launch Accessible Icon

There are several boating access sites in the park, including Grousehaven (skid pier), Devoe (skid pier), Grebe (accessible), Lodge and Jewett lakes. There are carry-in launches along the Rifle River.

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Fishing pier Accessible Icon

There is an accessible fishing pier located on Grebe Lake.

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Hunting blind Accessible Icon

A Huntmaster classic accessible hunting blind can be reserved by calling 989-473-2258.

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Modern restrooms Accessible Icon

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Picnic shelter Accessible Icon

There is an accessible picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and electrical service (reservations only). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.

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Cross-country skiing

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EV fast-charging station

There are free, self-pay EV fast-charging stations in the park.

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Fishing

Bluegill, bass, northern pike, yellow perch and trout can be found in the park’s lakes, river and streams. Boat motors are prohibited.

hiking

Hiking

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Hunting

Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations. There is an accessible hunting blind available by reservation.

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Metal detecting

Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.

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Mountain biking

an icon for paddlesport rentals

Paddlesport rentals

Rollway Resort offers rowboat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe rentals near the park’s contact station May through October.

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Paddling

Paddling is a popular activity on the Rifle River and the park’s many no-wake lakes.

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Pet-friendly features

Pets are allowed along the park’s lakes, river and stream, with the exception of the designated swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

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Picnic area

There is a picnic area in the day-use area, which includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. There are three other areas with picnic tables and charcoal grills throughout the park.

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Playground

There is a swing set and volleyball court in the day-use area.

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Recycling

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Sanitation station

The park’s sanitation station is located near the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.

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Snowmobiling

Park roads are open to snowmobiling when there is 4 inches or more of snow. Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails and in campground areas.

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Snowshoeing

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Swimming

Buoyed swim areas are located in the park’s day-use area and the Grousehaven and Devoe Lake campgrounds. There are accessible beach mats to the water’s edge and a beach wheelchair is available to borrow in both campground swim areas. Please note that day-use visitors must park in the visitor parking lots (and not a vacant campsite).

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Vault toilet

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Water access

There are more than 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including Grousehaven and Devoe lakes, the Rifle River and several scenic streams. Boat motors are prohibited.

Stay overnight

  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    The modern campgrounds features wooded sites spread between two loops. The Upper Loop overlooks Grousehaven Lake, and the Lower Loop is level with the lake. There is an accessible toilet and shower building, a designated swim beach and easy access to the park's 14-mile multiuse trail.

    Number of sites:

    75

    Tags: Accessible swim beach features, ADA-only sites available, Concession or store, Electrical service, Modern campground, Playground, Sanitation station, Some sites with 50-amp service, State park campground, Swimming, Toilet and shower building, Water access, Winter camping
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    The rustic campground features wooded sites and five loops. There is a designated swim beach in the campground, access to great fishing and easy access to the park's 14-mile multiuse trail.

    Number of sites:

    58

    Tags: Accessible swim beach features, Boat launch, Concession or store, Playground, Rustic sites, Sanitation station, State park campground, Swimming, Vault toilet, Water access
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    The rustic campground is smaller, with just 16 sites. The sites are heavily wooded and are located near the Rifle River. The campground is especially popular during trout season. There is a trailhead providing easy access to the park's multiuse trail.

    Number of sites:

    16

    Tags: Concession or store, Rustic sites, Sanitation station, State park campground, Vault toilet, Water access
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    This rustic campground is smaller and features just 25 sites. The sites are considered grassy and set along the Rifle River.

    Number of sites:

    25

    Tags: Accessible vault toilet, Concession or store, Playground, Rustic sites, Sanitation station, State park campground, Vault toilet, Water access
  • For reservations call 800-447-2757 or reserve online

    There are five rustic cabins (no electricity) that each accommodate six guests located throughout the park. All the cabins are situated on a lake, except for Birch cabin, which is set along the Rifle River. Each one-room cabin is outfitted with three bunk beds, a table and chairs, a countertop area and a propane furnace (propane provided). Parking for three cars is provided.

    Guests must provide their own linens and towels, cookware and utensils.

    The modern toilet and shower building in Grousehaven Lake Modern Campground is available to guests.

    Outside of each cabin is a fire ring, standing charcoal grill, picnic table, hand pump for water and vault toilet.

    Birch cabin is located on the Rifle River, Devoe cabin is located on Devoe Lake, Grebe Lake cabin is located on Grebe Lake, Pines cabin is located on Grousehaven Lake, and Scaup Lake cabin is located on Scaup Lake.

    Number of sites:

    5

    Tags: Rustic cabin, State park campground, Vault toilet, Winter camping
  • For reservations call: 989-473-2258

    This group-use campground can accommodate groups up to 100. The campground is large, wooded and features three different sites with firepits and picnic tables. A hand pump for potable water located is in the campground. The campground is across the road from the Rifle River. There is a trailhead offering easy access to the park's multiuse trail.

    To make a reservation, please call the park.

    Number of sites:

    1

    Tags: Concession or store, Group-use area, Rustic sites, Sanitation station, State park campground, Vault toilet

Amenities & activities

Recreation Passport required

A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.

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Visitor's guide

Find additional area information, maps and more.

Rules, rates, dates

General state park rules, rates & operating dates, reservations & cancellations, camping rules and more.

Upcoming events

While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.

The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.

Photos