Northeast Lower Michigan: Rifle River Recreation Area

September 2020, weekend - weekday, 3-nights, campsite 153

We previously stayed in Rifle River Recreation Area in September 2019. You can find more information about this recreation area in that post, and there are photos in the Rifle River Facebook album. I am sharing a few more photos and additional information here.

Sunset from campsite 153; fire pit is on site 152

Ranch campground, primitive site 153

After staying on sites 152 and 153, we have decided we prefer campsite 152. Although site 153 seems a bit more private located on the corner, site 152 is sunnier and grassier, which we like when camping in the spring and fall. 

Slight incline from campsite 153 to river

Both campsites have access to the river. They are primitive sites, and we think they are two of the best campsites in this park. A hand water pump is located on the other side of site 152. I am sharing a few more campsite photos for reference. 

Photo above: view from fire pit on our site toward river
Photo below shows campsites 152 & 153

Recreation: lakes, hiking, kayaking

We hiked a couple of new trails this trip, and we brought our kayaks to use on the river and lakes. 

Devoe Lake

Our kayak trip was a bit unconventional! It looked like we would be able to get on the river from Devoe Lake with our kayaks. Since the river runs by campsite 153, we decided to explore the lake, and then kayak back to camp. The launch area where we parked the truck is within walking distance of Ranch Campground.

Rifle River

Devoe Lake is easy to kayak, and there a few islands and stopping points to explore. We observed several people fishing, just as we had in 2019. We then discovered that the river does not flow from Devoe Lake, although we did see water visible from the southwest corner of the lake. The water looked mucky to start with, and we did not think it would be too difficult to get through the muck to flowing water. After we got through the muck in our kayaks, we came upon an old obstruction (dam, maybe) across the water. We were able to portage around this, and then put our kayaks back in the water across from the official launch spot next to the road. We would never do this again, and I do not recommend doing this!

Rifle River

There were several obstructions in the river between this point and our campsite, and we had to portage over a tree once. This trip was enjoyable and a bit longer than expected. It was not a long trip; we had just expected it to be only about 30 minutes or less. The river is quite winding. We did not have any difficulty spotting our campsite from the water. 

Rifle River from launch area in Spruce campground

My husband also went down the river in his kayak from our campsite to the launch area in Spruce Campground. This was a very short trip of less than 30 minutes.

Devoe Lake from trail

After this visit, we have hiked almost every trail in this recreation area, and seen every lake except Lost Lake. That gives us something new to look forward to next trip!

Some of the trails are quite hilly. The trail from Devoe Lake to Grosehaven Lake (pictured above) was the steepest.  

Pintail Pond

Pintail Pond Trail is an easy hike. It was peaceful and beautiful.

Grosehaven Lake above

Grebe Lake below

Two more lake hiking photos above, and a picture of Birch Cabin (below), which is located on the river. Although this cabin is located between the road launch near Devoe Lake, and Ranch Campground, we did not see it from the river when we went by. I assume we had our eyes focused on the river to avoid all the obstructions. I imagine if you are staying in this cabin and specifically looking for it, you would not miss it from the water. You can see the cabin when standing on the bank of the river behind it.

Birch Cabin in Rifle River Recreation Area

Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!