Rifle River Recreation Area
Guide

Before it was a state park, the Rifle River Recreation Area was a private fishing and hunting retreat. RV campers will find a wide variety of fish species populating the park’s lakes. The trout are abundant from April through early June, and they are mostly found in the creeks and river. You’ll also find other species such as walleye, bluegill, and perch. There are multiple small lakes for you to fish on, as well. Each fishing location has its own boat ramp, making getting out onto the water a breeze. No motorized boats are allowed on any of the lakes, and you’ll need to make sure you have a Michigan state fishing license. Fortunately, visitors can purchase a permit at the park office.

You’ll find a nice variety of trails that give you a taste of all of the local plants and wildlife. The main trail is the 14-mile Rifle River Multiuse Trail, which starts at Grousehaven Lake near the campground and runs along the lake, winding between it and Lodge Lake. Then it takes you down the Ridge Road around Devoe Lake, meandering along Skunk Creek to Lost Lake before bringing you over to Rifle River. You will cross the swinging bridge and go up the other side of the river, past the other campgrounds, and end up at the beach on Devoe Lake. The hiking is excellent just about any time of year, but best from April through September.

Michigan is a popular birdwatching state, with hundreds of species making their way through the state throughout the year. Rifle River Recreation Area is a great place to catch a glimpse of some of the state’s most notable bird species. There are over 100 species of birds that visit the park every year. You’ll be able to see species such as American goldfinch, red-tailed hawk, great gray owl, pileated woodpecker, and dozens more. Birdwatching tends to be best in spring when the birds are migrating. But you’ll still find many species in the park year-round. Take advantage of the local birdwatching societies, many of which produce incredibly detailed field guides with information on all the birds in the area.

Rifle River Recreation Area was a private hunting retreat before it became a public recreation area. The wooded streams and thick forests make for challenging hunts, and there’s a wide range of species populating the park. With a variety of streams and lakes, the duck hunting is excellent in the park, as is the grouse and woodcock hunting. Do make sure to follow all state hunting regulations, as laws are strictly enforced. And the park is popular with hikers, so take extra caution.

If you plan on visiting during the winter, you should pack a set of skis in your rig because the park’s 14 miles of hiking trails turn into a scenic cross-country skiing course once the snow begins to fall. Rifle River Recreation Area is still packed with birds and mammals during the winter, so there’s plenty of wildlife to see. And the trails are groomed, so you can focus on skiing and not on wading through snow. The park doesn’t offer equipment rentals, so you’ll need to make sure to bring your own ski gear with you.

Those who want a more exciting way around the park during the winter can bring a snowmobile with their RV and explore the wintry forests at high speed. There are 14 miles of trails for you to cover within the park. And you can still find plenty of bird species during the winter if you are interested in the park’s wildlife. Should you want to extend your ride, you’ll be able to connect to trails that lead outside of the park and allow you to explore the forests in the surrounding areas. Do take extra caution, as trails are shared with hikers and skiers.