Rifle River Recreation Area, managed by the Michigan DNR, contains five named lakes within its forested boundaries, and Devoe Lake Rustic Campground sits directly alongside one of them. Sites are set within the trees and positioned close enough to the water that campers can reach the lake's edge on foot. The campground draws a consistent crowd of paddlers, anglers, and families looking to spend time on the water rather than just near it. Ranch Rustic Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area lies about half a mile southwest along the Rifle River, and Spruce Rustic Campground — Rifle River Recreation Area is roughly six tenths of a mile south, giving the area notable campground density for those who want options within the same park.
Water access is the recurring theme in reviews. Devoe Lake has a small beach and a few islands that visitors explore by canoe or kayak. The lake connects to a broader network: as Dave V. notes, the recreation area includes "Devoe Lake, Grebe Lake, Jewitt Lake, Grousehaven Lake and Lodge Lake," each with its own character. An observation tower and fishing pier at Grebe Lake are worth the trip over. Loons are frequently heard in the early mornings and evenings.
Sites are spacious and spaced with enough tree cover to provide visual separation from neighbors, though voices carry between sites. Vault toilets are on-site and reviewers consistently describe them as clean. Pump water is available. Campfires are allowed, and wood is sold at the park entrance. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet and is ADA accessible.
Reservations are required. Walk-ins are not accepted on the spot, so planning ahead matters. Holiday weekends bring noticeably heavier use and more noise, while late September visits tend to be quieter with smaller crowds. Raccoons are active at night; food and trash storage should be treated seriously. For campers planning a broader northern Michigan trip, there are places to camp near Lupton worth considering alongside this one.
Bring a canoe or kayak and a fishing rod, and Devoe Lake will give you plenty to work with.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDevoe Lake Rustic Campround is located in Michigan near Lupton
Directions
FROM I-75, TAKE EXIT 202 (ALGER) AND GO 20 MILES NORTH ON M-33 TO ROSE CITY. GO EAST ON ROSE CITY ROAD (F-28) 4.5 MILES TO PARK ENTRANCE
Address
2550 E. Rose City Rd.
Lupton, MI 48635
Coordinates
44.39740109 N
84.02855855 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Bay City, MI
- 1 hr 11 min from Saginaw, MI
- 1 hr 12 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 45 min from Traverse City, MI
