Rifle River Recreation Area

2550 E. Rose City Road

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The park is home to the Rifle River and 10 no-wake lakes and ponds and provides year-round recreational opportunities, including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more.
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More Information

Rifle River Recreation Area provides year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more. The park is home to 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including Grousehaven and Devoe, the Rifle River and several scenic streams. There is an observation tower located along Ridge Road overlooking many of the parks features and a swinging (suspension) bridge across the Rifle River.

The park is also home to a 3-D archery range, including 10 different targets, that is open April through October. There is a $2 fee. The park is open to hunting, and there is an accessible hunting blind available by reservation.

Trails

Rifle River-Multi-use Trail
Trail Length: 14.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

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

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: Rollway Resort offers rowboat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe rentals near the park’s contact station May through October.
Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
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 Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
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.
Metal Detecting Item is accessible.
Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is a popular activity on the Rifle River and the park’s many no-wake lakes.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: 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.
Snowmobiling Item is accessible.
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.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming: Designated swim areas are located in the park’s day-use area, Grousehaven Campground and Devoe Lake Campground. There are accessible beach mats to the water’s edge and a beach wheelchair is available to borrow in both campground designated swim areas.Please note that day-use visitors must park in the visitor parking lots (and not a vacant campsite).
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: 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.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: There is an accessible fishing pier located on Grebe Lake.
Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
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.
Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: 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.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: There is a swing set and volleyball court in the day-use area.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is located near the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
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.