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Michigan State Parks

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Rifle River Recreation Area
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RIFLE RIVER RECREATION AREA
RIFLE RIVER RECREATION AREA
2550 E. Rose City Road
Lupton, Michigan   48635-0098

Phone: 989-473-2258
Reservations: 800-447-2757
Over 4,000 acres with streams and ten scenic lakes. A modern 75 site partially shaded and mostly grassy campground features a swimming beach, playground and boat launch. Three rustic campgrounds with 99 campsites. Rustic trailside cabins. Observation tower, picnicking, fishing, ice fishing, boating, canoeing, hunting or trapping, wildlife viewing and sports areas. 14 miles of pathways meandering throughout the park offering hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobiling is available at the nearby AuSable River Scenic Byway.
History of the Area
This area was formerly a private hunting and fishing retreat owned by the late H.M. Jewett, a pioneer auto manufacturer. In 1945 the tract, then called Grousehaven, was purchased by the Department of Conservation from Mrs. Jewett. The Department of Conservation renamed it the Rifle River Area and used it as a field laboratory for fish and game research. In 1963, the Parks Division acquired the area and it is now known as the Rifle River Recreation Area.
Camping
Rifle River Grousehaven-Modern(800) 447-2757 75 site(s)Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms

Rifle River-Devoe Lake Rustic(800) 447-2757 58 site(s)Boat Launch, Rustic Site, Swimming, Vault Toilet

Rifle River-Group Use Area(989) 473-2258 Group Use Area, Vault Toilet

Rifle River-Ranch Rustic(800) 447-2575 25 site(s)Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Rifle River-Rustic Cabins(800) 447-2757 5 site(s)Vault Toilet

Rifle River-Spruce Rustic(800) 447-2757Rustic Site, Vault Toilet
Boating
For the fishing enthusiasts, ten scenic lakes offer all types of fishing. Fisheries research is being conducted on Jewett Lake. This lake is closed to fishing without a permit which is available at park headquarters. All lakes are closed to boats with motors.
Canoeing
Canoe launching sites are located in several places along the Rifle River in the park.


Location
Rifle River Recreation Area is located near West Branch
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
Day use facilities with swimming beach and picnic areas are available to park visitors at Grousehaven Lake. Fire pits/grills available.
Trails
The 14 miles of pathways meandering throughout the park offer hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Numbered posts keyed to the map will help keep you oriented while on the pathways. There is an observation tower that gives sightseers a fantastic scenic view of the recreation area.

Rifle River-Multi-use Trail Trail Length: 14.00 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking, Mountain Biking

Rifle River-Pintail Pond Trail Length: 0.75 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking
Bicycling
The 14 miles of pathways meandering throughout the park offer hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Numbered posts keyed to the map will help keep you oriented while on the pathways. Biking is prohibited on the Pintail Pond Trail.
Area Attractions
The AuSable River Scenic Byway is located 20 miles east of the Rifle River Recreation Area. Along this byway are many attractions, including Lumbermen's Monument Visitor Center and largo Springs.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 21 it is a great park by mike & sue
park review stars; one to five we have been going now for about 5 years and everytime we go we like it its not far from were we live its very clean they have alot of things for adults and kids to do it is a very nice place to go camping i would recommend this park if you want a nice cheap place to go for a weekend or longer
June 22 Wonderful Park!
park review stars; one to five My family and I have been camping at this park for over 30 some years and we keep going back. This is a great park for families or couples.
June 1
park review stars; one to five very nice park, good place 4 kids 2 hang out. Expensive to camp over night if staying 4 awhile.
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Michigan
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Michigan State Parks

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