Rifle River Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Covering a massive total land area of 4,449 acres within Michigan's Au Sable Forest, Rifle River State Recreation Area offers many water adventure options. This recreation area in Ogemaw County includes seven lakes, three ponds, and seven miles of trout streams. Popular activities at Rifle River include fishing, boating, biking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, and hiking. The area was not a state park until 1963 when the Parks Division acquired the land and repurposed it into what it is today. Formerly, the area had been used as a private hunting and fishing retreat by Harry Mulford Jewett, who owned it at the time. A few nearby cities are Rose City, Lupton, and West Branch.
Spring 16-68 F
Summer 48-82 F
Fall 25-72 F
Winter 7-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Rifle River Recreation Area
A trip to Rifle River State Recreation Area can be a wonderful experience if you equip yourself with the right resources. RVs, for example, provide unmatched levels of mobility for the amount of space they provide. With an RV, you can stay extra comfy when camping at the recreation area's 75-site campground. Remember to check out RVshare to find the best deal as you consider different rentals.
Wilderness RV Resort & Campground by Outdoor Adventures
One great option for an RV park near Rifle River Recreation Area is Wilderness RV Resort & Campground by Outdoor Adventures. It is a family-owned business that has been building relationships in the area for years. It also includes nine different resorts in total, each offering something different than the last. Some of the amenities include swimming, hiking, and boating. The nightly rate to stay here is $20. The address of Wilderness RV Resort & Campground by Outdoor Adventures is 1050 Husak Rd, Omer, MI 48749.
River View Campground & Canoe Livery
Located 35 miles south of the recreation area, River View Campground & Canoe Livery is another great option. The nightly rates on staying at the campground are $18 for rustic sites, $20 for sites with electricity and water, and $22 for sites with a full hook-up. As indicated by the name, canoeing is a very popular activity among those who stay here. Other fun activities to take advantage of include tubing and kayaking. The address of River View Campground & Canoe Livery is 5755 Townline Rd, Sterling, MI 48659.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
What to Do at
Rifle River Recreation Area
Inside Rifle River Recreation Area
At Rifle River Recreation Area, you can participate in exciting activities on the water, some of which include canoeing, boating, fishing, and ice fishing. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can go for a bike ride or hike on the 14 miles of trails that run through the park. Due to the freezing temperatures that come during the winter, you can even go snowmobiling at AuSable River Scenic Byway. Other fun activities you can take advantage of are snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
How to Get to
Rifle River Recreation Area
The closest major cities to the state park are Detroit and Chicago. Coming from Detroit, you will initially travel along I-375 N. From the interstate, take I-75 N to Alger and get off at exit 202 when it comes up. Finally, continue along M-33 N until you reach Ridge Road in Lupton, Michigan. Coming from Chicago, you will initially want to get on IL-394 N in Ford Heights, Illinois. Next, you will take I-94 E, I-69 N, and then I-75 N until you reach Alger. Lastly, continue along M-33 N until reaching Ridge Road in Lupton.
Entering Rifle River Recreation Area
Rifle River Recreation Area stays open 24/7 all year.
Rifle River Recreation Area Per vehicle : $12.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Rifle River Recreation Area. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one through us! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rifle River Recreation Area
Rifle River Recreation Area is open year-round. Visitors enjoy camping, fishing, paddling, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking in the warmer months. In the winter, visitors come for ice fishing, hunting, and trapping.
The region has large seasonal temperature swings, with warm and humid summers and very cold winters. The average daily mean July temperature is 66 degrees, and the average daily mean January temperature is 15.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
With pull-through sites, the Grousehaven Modern Campground has 80 sites with electric hookups for RVs or trailers. There are also three rustic campgrounds with vault toilets in Rifle River Recreation Area with 99 sites for tent and RV camping.
Yes, you can bring your pets to Rifle River Recreation Area, but they must remain on a six-foot leash and under your constant supervision. Clean up after your animals. Don’t take them to the beach or into any buildings.
Yes, the Rifle River Recreation Area is accessible to disabled visitors. In addition to an ADA- accessible fishing dock, there is a universally accessible boat launch on Grebe Lake. Only non-motorized boats are permitted.