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Several glamping options enrich Michigan's Rifle River Recreation Area, including specialty accommodations at both Devoe Lake Rustic Campground and Grousehaven Campground. The recreation area features yurts in the Grousehaven section, providing elevated comfort with proper beds, electricity, and climate control systems while maintaining a connection to nature. Northern Bear Paw RV Park and River View Campground & Canoe Livery both offer glamping accommodations with enhanced amenities beyond basic camping. These canvas structures combine outdoor immersion with indoor comforts, typically including real furniture, quality bedding, and climate control features. According to a camper, "We were greeted at the gate by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable gentleman. The site was spacious, and had adequate distancing from other campers."
The Rifle River Recreation Area provides an exceptional natural setting for glamping enthusiasts, with five distinct lakes offering unique experiences. Paddle sports are particularly popular at Grousehaven Lake, which prohibits motorized boats, making it ideal for serene adventures in crystal-clear waters. A network of hiking trails connects the various glamping sites to scenic observation points, including a tower overlooking Grebe Lake. Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with guests regularly spotting loons, eagles, osprey, and even swans. One reviewer highlighted, "We had site 127 at Devoe Lake and it was very pleasant. Quiet and lovely in late September." Most glamping accommodations in the area maintain proximity to water features, with some sites offering direct access to beaches, fishing spots, and boat launches, creating an immersive nature experience with the comfort of upscale accommodations.
"Campground offers many amenities and with the river right on site there is so much to do. We always go tubing and kayaking. Bathrooms and showers are decent for a campground."
"It sits along the Rifle River next to Rifle River Campground and Whites Campground. The campground is huge and offers so much!"
"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."
"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."
"I wish I would have picked a different spot as I was right next to the bathroom but it was fine. Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river."
"We were in the lower unit and stayed on site 3. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind."
"The day use beach bathroom was our first stop...not the cleanest. But the beach was nice as were the trails. Once in the camp itself, we loved how much better it was than Tawas."
"Fire pit. Sites are electric only. Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far. Website has pictures for sites and will advise if lot gets wet."
"Each site has a cement fire ring and electric hookup. There are communal water spickets generously scattered around the grounds. The bathrooms and showers are very clean."
"It’s sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting."
"Pulling into the campground you notice a warm and welcoming couple greeting you, as if your were long lost cousins. The campsites are nicely laid out with comfortable amenities."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It is an important stopping point for the migratory pattern of warblers in the spring, and has a very nice nature walk."
"We stayed on site 70, and while it was crowded, we didn’t mind. We were close by to the boat launch, and just a short walk to the bathroom; not too far and not too close either."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Beaver Trail Campground is new and bookable to the Dyrt. Check them out and share your trip on the Dyrt!"
from $30 - $66 / night
Check Availability
TravelerIt is very nice and extremely clean. However it is kind of cramped. Sites feel close and everyone was very nosey. Pet beach is nice. Water is beautiful. Convenient location. People didn't listen to rules such as quiet hour and let their badly behaved dogs run loose. Bath house is extremely nice! All in all, I would camp here on an off day/season.
GuideNice and clean. I’m in the inner loop though and the sites are very close together. If I came back I would definitely try to stay out the outer loop. Electric, fire pit, and picnic table on site. No grate. Showers and bathrooms available.
GuideWe 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.
LegendOne nite stay in cabin. Cabin had electricity, mini fridge, electricity and bunk beds. Only complaint was cabin was close to fairly busy road.
TravelerThis place is gorgeous. Owners have done a great job with the property. Pine trees left intact. It’s sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit. The grounds are immaculate. Very peaceful setting.
TravelerWe stayed for a quick overnight and wish we could have stayed longer. If we stayed again - we’d pick site 101. Little more privacy than the rest. We stayed at 137 which backed up to the woods which was lovely. This is a very bustling and full campground with lots of groups and families. Lot’s of kids on bikes. We were surprised to see a group with a full bar right out front on their site. We’re used to Texas parks where that would NOT fly😆 But everyone respected the quiet hours so we had no noise issues at night. Easy access to the water from everywhere thanks to groomed paths. Nice long but narrow sandy beach great for the kids to swim. Busy but very fun place to camp!
TravelerBathroom was clean, site was large surrounded by tall pine trees. Picnic table was HC accessible. Fire pit ring. I'm a motocamper and suited my needs. No trash, so take what you brought in plus some.
GuideRelatively quiet and secluded, Jewell Lake campground resides in the Huron-manistee National Forest. Our campsite was great with plenty of room to house three tents as well as a fire pit and picnic table. There is access to Jewell Lake from the campground where there is a small beach, dock, and boat launch. Beware, there are no park rangers on duty 24/7 at the campground or a camp store, however Barton city is only a few minutes away where they have a quaint general store.
GuideWe came in late for just a place to rest before heading further north. Drop box available after 10pm(summer). Between 8p-10p there is a yellow phone to check in with. Can book day of until 8pm online. Easy to get into late at night. Big lots. Fire pit. Sites are electric only. Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far. Website has pictures for sites and will advise if lot gets wet. Staff was very friendly the next morning. Updated our rec pass at the park before leaving. Lots of trails and swimming beach near park.
The Rifle River Recreation Area near Alger, Michigan encompasses 4,449 acres of natural landscape in Ogemaw County. Winter temperatures average between 14-29°F, while summer brings mild 55-81°F conditions. The recreation area contains five interconnected lakes and the Rifle River running through forested terrain with trails connecting campsites to natural features at elevations ranging from 800-950 feet.
Hiking and observation points: Rifle River Recreation Area offers numerous trail options connecting different camping areas. A camper at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground notes, "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." These trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging 4-mile routes through varied terrain.
River activities: The Rifle River provides excellent opportunities for kayaking and tubing. At River View Campground & Canoe Livery, one visitor shared, "Nothing like grabbing a tube a flowing down the river with friends. Camp sits are close and the bathrooms are cleanish." Tube rentals typically cost $15-25 per person with shuttle service included.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes within the recreation area offer fishing access points. According to one angler camping at Spruce Rustic Campground, "There's a access point to Gamble Creek between sites 171 and 173. Ideal for trout anglers." Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
Private, spacious sites: Many campsites throughout the recreation area offer significant privacy. A visitor to Spruce Rustic Campground mentioned, "Small, rustic, remote, clean and quiet. Large and level campsites that are well spaced." Most sites include a fire ring and picnic table.
Lake access: The five lakes within Rifle River Recreation Area each have unique characteristics. A camper at Grousehaven Campground shared, "The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind. The water was warmish and crystal clear, my 2.5 y/o daughter loved playing at the beach and the shallow swimming area."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife observation opportunities. A visitor described their experience: "We were fortunate enough to see mink, beaver, muskrat, loons, eagle, osprey and three swan...so it was a treasure trove for us." Dawn seasons (5:30-7:30am) and dusk (7:30-9:00pm) offer optimal wildlife viewing times.
Holiday weekend considerations: Holiday periods can bring different camping experiences. One camper at Devoe Lake Rustic Campground noted, "I camped in one of the rustic campgrounds over a holiday weekend and it got a little too rowdy for my tastes." Consider booking non-holiday weekends for quieter experiences.
Campsite selection tips: Research specific sites before booking. A visitor at Bay City State Park advised, "Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor's site through a bunch of bushes." Many campgrounds provide site-specific photos online to help with selection.
Weather preparedness: Michigan weather can change rapidly. According to one camper, "We left Tawas Point campground and went here. The day use beach bathroom was our first stop...not the cleanest. But the beach was nice as were the trails." Pack layered clothing and rain gear regardless of forecast predictions.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer specialized amenities for children. A visitor to Tawas Point State Park shared, "A lot of fun things for kids, lots of adventures. Close to town." Many sites include playgrounds, shallow swimming areas, and junior ranger programs during summer months.
Family-friendly campsites: Some campground sections are better suited for families with children. One reviewer noted, "We were in the lower unit and stayed on site 3. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and is paddle only, no motors of any kind. The water was warmish and crystal clear, my 2.5 y/o daughter loved playing at the beach and the shallow swimming area."
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised around water features. A parent advised, "There are communal water spickets generously scattered around the grounds. The bathrooms and showers are very clean. They are closed an hour a day for thourgho cleaning." Most campgrounds post quiet hours from 10pm to 8am to ensure adequate rest for young campers.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. A camper at Northern Bear Paw RV Park shared, "This place is gorgeous. Owners have done a great job with the property. Pine trees left intact. It's sits on the Au Gres River trail to the river with seating, picnic table and fire pit." Sites with full hookups typically cost $35-45 per night.
Hookup considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. One RVer mentioned, "Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles." Extension cords of 25-50 feet are recommended for some sites where hookups may be positioned inconveniently.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. According to campground information, "River View Campground & Canoe Livery operates from May 1 to October 15" while other facilities may close earlier in fall or open later in spring depending on weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Alger, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Alger, MI is River View Campground & Canoe Livery with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Alger, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 glamping camping locations near Alger, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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