Devoe Lake Rustic Campground, near Lupton, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some rustic camping. With sites tucked among the trees and close to the serene Devoe Lake, it’s a peaceful retreat that offers a true camping experience.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits at each site, perfect for evening gatherings and storytelling under the stars. Visitors have praised the clean pit toilets and the availability of firewood for sale at the park entrance, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. One camper noted, “The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers,” which adds to the overall tranquility.

Outdoor activities abound, with plenty of trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the nearby lakes and rivers. The overlook tower is a must-see, offering stunning views and a little adventure for those willing to hike up. Campers have spotted a variety of wildlife, including loons and swans, making it a great place for nature lovers.

While the campground can get lively during holiday weekends, many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere during the off-peak times. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, Devoe Lake Rustic Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.

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

Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

Join the fun near Lupton. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Michigan camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Lupton, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Lupton

The Best Camping Near Lupton, Michigan

I came here for a really short hike. he hike was like a nature walk for kids. There were a lot of kids here and Is worth it if you love identifying plants. The lake wasn't that big but did see people doing water sports

Rife river 

Rifle River Recreation Area is located directly east of Houghton Lake within the AuSable State Forest, near the city of Lupton.

The RRRA offers several camping areas within its borders. We landed in the Ranch Rustic campsites along the Rifle River, site 153.  For more detailed information see: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=489

The outer rim campsites of Ranch Rustic are along the Rifle and shielded from the next site by conifer and brush, so there is a fair amount of visual privacy...but voices carry from site to site.

Having a site directly on the river offered quick access to water, for cooking or playing.  We could put in up river and take out at our campsite, which was convenient.  Modern bathrooms can be located in the park...but Ranch Rustic has pit latrines.  Pump water is available too.

The kids tossed on their PFD's and floated the river from the bridge to our site. You could hear them having a great time...other than their run in with a territorial beaver.

One of the greatest beauties and draws of this area is the five lakes within the Recreation Area...Devoe Lake, Grebe Lake, Jewitt Lake, Grousehaven Lake and Lodge Lake.  Each is unique, offering different sights and sounds.  We were fortunate enough to see mink, beaver, muskrat, loons, eagle, osprey and three swan...so it was a treasure trove for us.

We could drag or carry our canoes/kayaks from lake to lake with the exception of Grebe Lake and Jewitt. So we simply tossed them on the van and went to our next destination.

There is a really nice observation tower and fishing pier on Grebe Lake. You can't keep the bluegills and sunfish off your hook. We enjoyed mystic fog on Grebe Lake one early morning which provided some great photo opportunities.

The water is super clean and crystal clear...and usually sand or rock bottom. Devoe Lake has a few islands that we explored. We spent all week in solitude until the weekend, when it swells to its limit....and when we usually say good-bye and move on.

Shoulder seasons would be incredible, especially with the color change.

Abudant wildlife, great paddling, productive fishing!

This here is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan. The facilities are clean and kept up. All access to trails, lakes and the river are close and easy to get to. Great location to bring family and pets.

Backyard Beauty

I spent four days here summer of 17\. Well maintained sites. Lots of hiking opportunities. Both modern and rustic camping available.

Great Camping.

Pprivate. Modern and Rustic, so tents don't need to be in a Zoo of RVs. Tons of trails, great kayaking and canoeing

Beautiful, Feels like being in the woods truly camping

Amazing views and great riding for all ages!

Excellent biking trails

I camped in one of the rustic campgrounds over a holiday weekend and it got a little too rowdy for my tastes. This was just a stop for us on the way home, maybe if we had planned to canoe or kayak down the river, I would’ve left with higher regard for this campground. I know a lot of people like it, but it’s just not for me. 

Rowdy over the 4th

We were greeted at the gate by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable gentleman. He provided good directions, and helped us with our Rec Pass. 

The site was easy to find, spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers. It included a fire pit and picnic table too. 

The lake was serene in the early mornings and evenings. Listen for the woeful call of the loons. What a treat!

Word of caution, the raccoons start partying as soon as you bed down. Make sure your food and trash is adequately covered/contained. 

Campground has vault toilets. We never used them but good to know they have them. 

Spacious, Quiet, Relaxing

Great little sites within the trees and near the Devoe Lake, which has a small beach. Lots of trails, lakes and the Rifle River which was awesome to float down. Pit toilets were clean. They have wood for sale at the entrance of the park. 

Great recreation area 

Great location and our site had a nice shortcut through the woods that exited by the lake and bathrooms. The overlook tower is definitely worth the hike and there's a hidden surprise at the same location for those who know where to look. 😉 

Gorgeous!

Great for our “eastern” adventure up north. Sites require a reservation either at the office or Online. Not somewhere you can just pay for on spot because it’s in the rifle river recreation area. We had site 127 at Devoe lake and it was very pleasant. Quiet and lovely in late September.

Photos of Devoe Lake Rustic Campround — Rifle River Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers